Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to HIV testing among youth in Kumba, Cameroon: A cross-sectional qualitative community-based focus group study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, young people are disproportionately affected but underrepresented in HIV testing statistics.

Objective

To explore knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to HIV testing among youth in Kumba, Cameroon, and to identify barriers to inform community-based interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted using nine focus group discussions (FGDs) with 75 youth (52 females and 23 males) aged 18 - 35 years across four quarters in the Kumba II municipality. Participants were purposively sampled to reflect diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. Data were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework with NVivo

SUBMITTER: Cho FN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646420 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature