Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem, and many regions of Sub‐Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected, including Cameroon, where prevalence has previously been shown to be high. This study aimed to provide up‐to‐date estimates of HBV prevalence in Cameroon. We searched Medline, Global Health, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Africa Index Medicus and the Journal of Health Science and Disease at the University of Yaounde. We included studies reporting HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in the general population and subpopulations. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to generate pooled estimates of HBsAg prevalence, overall and for population subgroups including those considered at relatively higher‐risk and relatively lower‐risk of HBV infection. Heterogeneity was assessed using the index of heterogeneity ( I ² ). Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Out of 1236 records, 92 papers with 100 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall prevalence of HBV in Cameroon was 9.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.00–11.02) with high heterogeneity ( I ²   = 98.10% ) . The prevalences for relatively lower‐risk and higher‐risk populations were8.94% (95% CI 7.84–10.11) and 12.70% (95% CI 10.28–15.32), respectively. In subgroup analyses, we found that sex, geographical area (regions), population risk groups and study design were the main sources of heterogeneity. Overall, HBV prevalence remains high in Cameroon. Our findings suggest an urgent need for health interventions to halt the spread of the disease, with particular attention needed for males and regions with the highest prevalence.