Submission ID 130784
| Issue/Objective | Chlamydia trachomatis remains a global public health concern, particularly among sexually active adolescents and young adults in resource-limited settings with sub-optimal disclosure. Disclosure of infection to sexual partners is critical for effective treatment, preventing reinfection. This study aimed to determine the proportion of disclosure, barriers and factors associated with disclosure of Chlamydia infection among sexually active individuals in Buea, Cameroon. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to reclaim global health equity by addressing inequities in sexual and reproductive health communication and in access to care. |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | This study adopted a community-based cross-sectional mixed-methods design conducted between February and April 2024 in Buea, Cameroon. A total of 253 participants aged ≥15 years were enrolled using consecutive sampling via a campaign. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews capturing socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, and disclosure barriers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. |
| Results | The mean age of participants was 24.2 ± 4.85 years; the majority were female (n=162, 64%) and single (n=226,89.3%). Non-disclosure of a positive Chlamydia diagnosis was 26.9% (1 in 3 cases). Reported barriers included anxiety (13.1%), lack of communication (6.1%), fear of stigma, and anticipated violent partner reactions. Multivariable analysis showed that individuals who perceived potential partner violence/mistrust were significantly less likely to disclose (AOR = 0.259, 95% CI: 0.109-0.615, p = 0.002). Females were more likely to disclose compared to males (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.07-3.47, p = 0.028). Fear of the unknown, partner perception, negative past experiences, and lack of communication were key barriers to disclosure identified in the in-depth interviews. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Disclosure of Chlamydia infection in Buea is constrained by psychosocial barriers, gender dynamics, fear of stigma and partner violence. These findings highlight gaps in equitable access to supportive sexual health services and communication strategies. Stigma reduction, gender-sensitive interventions, and community-based education could be essential to restoring commitment to action in fragmented health systems. Strengthening disclosure support mechanisms can contribute to improved partner management, reduced transmission, and advancement of global health equity. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Pride Tanyi Bobga Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention Njouendou Abdel Jelil University of Buea NAHBILA BABILA CHANTAL Professional higher institute of Business and Management Bime Melissa Jane Siben INFIUSS HEALTH TABE MICHAEL ARREY University of Buea Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla Akoachere University of Buea Nahbilah Babila Chantal Professional Higher Institute of Business and Administration |
