HPV prevalence and associated factors in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Cervical cancer, generally induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains one of the most prevalent and deadly female cancers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Cameroon, the impact of prevention strategies is limited by systemic challenges, and insufficient evidence base to guide effective interventions. This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the prevalence and key determinants of HPV infection among Cameroonian women. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane electronic databases and local online publishers. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The random effect model was used to pooled the estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I 2 statistics. Statistical significance was set at p