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Mekolle JE, Tshimwanga KE, Ongeh NJ, Agbornkwai AN, Amadeus OA, Esa I, Mekolle KE, Forbinake NA, Nkfusai CN, Atanga PN. Political instability and hiv/aids response in the south west and north west regions of Cameroon: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2155. [PMID: 37924012 PMCID: PMC10625251 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16994-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Politically motivated violence and insecurity continue to be a major threat to progress in HIV epidemic control and a significant contributor to health inequality. Despite a decreasing HIV/AIDS disease burden, the Republic of Cameroon in West Africa is experiencing ongoing political instability in her North and South West Regions. Our study used qualitative methods to better understand key frontline health care providers' (fHCP) perceptions of the effects of political instability on HIV/AIDS response gains in Cameroon since 2018, as well as lessons learned for overcoming them. METHODS Between July and August 2022, semi-structured, in-depth key informant interviews involving 10 purposively selected participants were conducted in the two regions. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, coded thematically, and analyzed manually. RESULTS Six overarching themes emerged from the transcribed key informant interviews. They were as follows: Challenge with access to and availability of health care services (HIV care, commodity supply chain) in the smaller communities; Impact on continuity of treatment; Increased risk of new HIV infections; The socioeconomic impact of the crisis on the quality of life; The impact of the crisis on fHCPs' physical and mental health and the health system'; and Coping mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Frontline healthcare workers have acknowledged the significant impact the current political instability has had in hindering the development and advancement of a successful local response to HIV/AIDS in the two impacted regions of Cameroon. Coordinated efforts must be made to strengthen the health sector in areas such as HIV healthcare decentralization, supply chain, and protecting frontline healthcare workers from political quagmires in order to lessen the impact of the nation's socio-political crisis on the HIV/AIDS response and, more generally, on the entire health sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Enongene Mekolle
- Family Health International, Bafoussam, Cameroon.
- Africa Center for HIV/AIDS Management, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | | | - Niba Juste Ongeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy (CRENC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ismaela Esa
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Claude Ngwayu Nkfusai
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Chandini MA, Van den Bergh R, Agbor Junior AA, Willliam F, Obi AMM, Ngeha NC, Karimu I, Douba ECE, Kim HJ, Tendongfor N. "It is because of the love for the job that we are still here": Mental health and psychosocial support among health care workers affected by attacks in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002422. [PMID: 37917598 PMCID: PMC10621865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Attacks on health care have important consequences for the mental health (MH) and work availability of health care workers (HCW). In the conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest (NWSW) regions of Cameroon, health care attacks are common; however, little is known on the MH burden and/or (mental) health-seeking behavior among affected HCW. We therefore conducted a survey on mental conditions (relying on SRQ-20 and WASSS assessments) and access to MH services among 470 HCW from 12 districts in NWSW Cameroon in January-February 2022. In-depth interviews on personal experiences with attacks and on accessing MH services were conducted with a subset of 96 HCW. Among surveyed HCW, 153 (33%) had experienced an attack in the past 6 months, and a further 121 (26%) had experienced attacks more than 6 months ago. HCW facing attacks <6 months ago had significantly higher odds of exhibiting mental disorders (aOR 5.8, 95%CI 3.0-11.3, p<0.001) and of being unable to function (aOR 3.3, 95%CI 1.9-5.7, p<0.001). HCW who experienced an attack >6 months also had higher odds of being unable to function (aOR 2.9, 95%CI 1.7-5.2, p<0.001), and of missing time off work in the week preceding the survey (aOR 3.1, 95%CI 1.8-5.5, p<0.001). Previous access to MH services was also higher among HCW facing attacks. HCW showed a good understanding of the added values of accessing MH services, but faced multiple access barriers (including poor availability of services and their own prioritization of the care of others) and indicated a preference for self-care, peer-support and/or religious support. In conclusion, health care attacks in NWSW Cameroon contributed significantly to severe mental conditions and absenteeism rates among HCW. Strengthening access to MH support among attack-affected HCW is indicated; this should include strengthening of formal MH services and building the capacity of HCW and religious leaders to provide peer-support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Farnyu Willliam
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Ngu Claudia Ngeha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ismaila Karimu
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Hyo-Jeong Kim
- Attacks on Health Care Initiative, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Eyong EM, Njoh AA, Etutu SJM, Bachir HB, Ndoula ST, Saidou Y, Wanji S. Factors associated with a measles outbreak in three health districts of Cameroon in 2019: a cross-sectional study. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:41. [PMID: 38188886 PMCID: PMC10768634 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.41.35832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction measles is an infectious viral disease that affects susceptible individuals of all ages. It is a leading cause of death among young children globally due to suboptimal vaccination coverage. In 2019, measles outbreaks affected several parts of the world, including three health districts (HDs) of Cameroon's South West Region (SWR) experiencing armed conflict. Herein, we assessed the factors associated with the outbreak in the SWR. Methods we conducted a comparative study from March to August 2020. Data on study participants were compared between the three HDs that experienced a measles outbreak and three other HDs of the region that reported a case of measles but did not get into an outbreak. Records on vaccination between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Results information was obtained from 56 participants with known measles status, 32 from outbreak districts, and 24 from non-outbreak districts. The population in the outbreak group was more likely to have traveled from an area in a measles outbreak (OR 2, 95%CI 1.1-11.20). There was a suboptimal availability of measles vaccines in both categories of districts compared to the needs, and there was a downward trend in vaccination coverage in both groups. In addition, vaccines were more exposed to extreme temperatures in HDs with the outbreak (P<0.01) from 2015 to 2019. We found no statistically significant difference between both groups concerning the preexisting comorbidities of participants. Conclusion there is an urgent need to improve the cold chain and intensify vaccination activities in these districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esum Mathias Eyong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea Cameroon
| | - Andreas Ateke Njoh
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea Cameroon
- School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui, Central African Republic
- Expanded program on immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sophie Jose Molua Etutu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea Cameroon
| | - Hassan Ben Bachir
- Department of Family Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Yauba Saidou
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institute of Global Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea Cameroon
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Njoh AA, Josue Kedakse TSN, Eric Mboke E, Nembot R, Collins LYP, Amani A, Bachire HB, Gulma KA, De Kiev LC. Polio outbreaks in Cameroon following the COVID-19 pandemic. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:90. [PMID: 37663631 PMCID: PMC10474802 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.90.35332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polio is an infectious and disabling life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. This disease is prevented through vaccination. Though this viral infection has been eliminated in most parts of the world, a few countries are still endemic to wild poliovirus. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, including Cameroon, was certified free of wild poliovirus. Some countries recurrently report circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases (cVDPV) despite recorded achievements. Also, the risk of importing poliovirus from endemic settings remains, particularly in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to assess the state of polio in Cameroon and identify the situation during COVID-19. A data review was conducted from February to March 2023. Data on polio cases and vaccination coverage per region of Cameroon were reviewed from 2014 to 2022. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel, and the results were presented as proportions. The last wild poliovirus was reported in Cameroon in 2014, and the country benefitted from a response. No case of poliovirus was detected in the country from 2015 to 2018. After that, an increasing number of type two cVDPV were reported across 50% of the country's regions from 2019 to 2022. The outbreaks benefitted from responses with various oral polio vaccines, including the type two novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV-2). Though wild polioviruses have been eliminated in most countries, including Cameroon, cVDPV remains a significant problem. There is an urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance and vaccination to prevent cVDPV-2 in this country, particularly in the COVID-19 context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ateke Njoh
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | | | - Ekoum Eric Mboke
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Nembot
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Kabiru Abubakar Gulma
- School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui, Central African Republic
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Dokubo EK, Shang JD, N'Dir A, Ndongmo CB, Okpu G, Fadil YM, Takang LE, Angumua C, Lyonga E, Mayer M, Ayukotabe T, Nkwoh TK, Hedje J, Etoundi GA, Njock RL. Building on Capacity Established through US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Global Health Programs to Respond to COVID-19, Cameroon. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S181-S190. [PMID: 36502395 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.221193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for resilient health systems with the capacity to effectively detect and respond to disease outbreaks and ensure continuity of health service delivery. The pandemic has disproportionately affected resource-limited settings with inadequate health capacity, resulting in disruptions in health service delivery and worsened outcomes for key health indicators. As part of the US government's goal of ensuring health security, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has used its scientific and technical expertise to build health capacity and address health threats globally. We describe how capacity developed through global health programs of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Cameroon was leveraged to respond to coronavirus disease and maintain health service delivery. The health system strengthening efforts in Cameroon can be applied in similar settings to ensure preparedness for future global public health threats and improve health outcomes.
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Njoh AA, Saidu Y, Bachir HB, Ndoula ST, Mboke E, Nembot R, Tambasho AC, Abizou MB, Seungue J, Mbanga C, Mbome VN. Impact of periodic intensification of routine immunization within an armed conflict setting and COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon in 2020. Confl Health 2022; 16:29. [PMID: 35655226 PMCID: PMC9161648 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Cameroon’s Southwest Region (SW) has been hit by an armed conflict for over half a decade now, negatively affecting the region’s routine immunization and disease surveillance activities. This negative effect was further acerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which alongside the conflict, caused thousands of children to miss out on life-saving vaccinations. Herein, we present the contribution of periodic intensification of routine immunization in improving immunization and surveillance activities amid crises.
Method
Periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) and disease surveillance were carried out in three rounds per health district. Before the intervention, the security profile of each district involved was reviewed. Data for this study was extracted on vaccination and surveillance activities from the District Health Information Software and monthly regional reports for 2019 and 2020 from the SW delegation of health.
Results
54,242 persons were vaccinated in the SW following these interventions. An increase in performance was observed in all 18 health districts in 2020 compared to 2019. Both DPT-HebB-Heb-3 vaccine and OPV-3 coverage rose by 28% points. Similarly, the proportion of health districts that investigated at least a case of acute flaccid paralysis increased by 83%, rising from just three districts in 2019 to all 18 in 2020.
Conclusion
PIRI was a practical approach to improving vaccination coverage and surveillance indicators in this region amidst the ongoing armed conflict and COVID-19 pandemic.
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Awasom-Fru A, Sop Sop MD, Larsson EC, Herzig van Wees S. Doctors’ experiences providing sexual and reproductive health care at Catholic Hospitals in the conflict-affected North-West region of Cameroon: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2022; 19:126. [PMID: 35643538 PMCID: PMC9148532 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care services are essential to improving the lives of women and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In Cameroon, the Catholic Church is one the largest non-governmental suppliers of health care, but its role in providing SRH care is restricted by religious norms. Methods This study explored doctors’ experiences and perceptions of providing SRH care at Catholic hospitals in a conflict-affected area in Cameroon by using 10 in-depth interviews with doctors from three Catholic hospitals in the North-West region. Qualitative coding was done with NVivo, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three themes and seven categories were identified. The respondents described strict rules and a broad range of challenges to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services. Nonetheless, there is evidence of doctors overcoming obstacles to providing SRH care despite the religious and political climate. However, whilst attempting to overcome challenges, participants described numerous examples of poor SRH care and health outcomes. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of understanding the intersect between religion and women’s health, particularly in improving access to SRH for vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas. It further provides insight into doctors’ motivations in practicing medicine and how doctors cope and make efforts to provide care and minimize harm. The main aim of this study was to explore doctors’ experiences and perceptions of providing sexual and reproductive health care services at Catholic hospitals in a conflict affected area in Cameroon. In Cameroon, sexual, and reproductive health services are lacking, thereby contributing to a very high maternal mortality rate of about 456/100000 live births, far from the Sustainable Development Goal Agenda 2030. The Catholic Church remains one of the largest suppliers of health care services in Cameroon and receives huge funding from donors, but their role in providing sexual and reproductive health care is restricted by religious norms. This study therefore uses in-depth interviews with doctors from Catholic hospitals in the North-West region to explore their experiences in providing sexual and reproductive health services in a conflict region. Qualitative coding was done with NVivo, and data analysed using thematic analysis. The respondents described strict rules and a broad range of challenges to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services. Nonetheless, there is evidence of doctors overcoming obstacles to providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care despite the religious and political climate. However, while attempting to overcome challenges, participants describe numerous examples of poor SRH care and poor health outcomes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the intersect between religion and women’s health, particularly in improving access to SRH for vulnerable populations in conflict affected areas. It further provides insight into doctors’ motivations for practicing medicine, and how doctors cope and make efforts to provide care and minimize harm.
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Njoh AA, Mboke E, Ndoula ST, Bachir HB, Nembot R, Chebo C, Aman A, Saidu Y. COVID-19 in a region of Cameroon hit by armed conflict. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 41:32. [PMID: 35382043 PMCID: PMC8956904 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.32.32587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants like Delta and Omicron have triggered the next wave of COVID-19 in many parts of the world. Here we report a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Northwest (NW) Region of Cameroon, which is plagued with low immunization coverage and armed conflict. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 and data on COVID-19 cases and vaccination were reviewed from the Ministry of Health database from January 1st, 2020 to September 4th, 2021. The security situation of the region was obtained from the districts and regional health managers. Data were analyzed with MS Excel and results presented as trends and proportions. Results since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing prevalence in cases in the NW. Between epidemiological week 34-35 of 2021, there was a surge in COVID-19 cases in the NW. More than 70% of all COVID-19 related deaths reported in the country during epidemiological week-35 were recorded in this region. Despite this high mortality, COVID-19 vaccine uptake remains very low in the region. Indeed, just 0.6% of the 962,036-target population 18-years and above are fully immunized after 6-months of vaccination. Conclusion though the country´s epi-curve does not suggest a third wave currently, the NW is experiencing a steady COVID-19 case surge amid insecurity and the circulation of the Delta variant. There is therefore a need to adopt innovative strategies to improve immunization and strengthen other SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ateke Njoh
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Eric Mboke
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Hassan Ben Bachir
- Department of Family Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Nembot
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cornelius Chebo
- Regional Delegation of Public Health for the Northwest Region, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Adidja Aman
- Department of Family Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Yauba Saidu
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Management of Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.1011629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Niba JO, Ngasa SN, Chang N, Sanji E, Awa AM, Dingana TN, Sama CB, Tchouda L, Julius ME. Conflict, healthcare and professional perseverance: A qualitative study in a remote hospital in an Anglophone Region of Cameroon. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001145. [PMID: 36962876 PMCID: PMC10021219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Armed conflicts are a major contributor to global disease burden owing to their deleterious effects on health and healthcare delivery. The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is one of the ongoing conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa and has led to massive displacement of healthcare workers (HCWs). However, some HCWs have stayed back and continued working. An understanding of their experiences, perspectives and professional perseverance is lacking. We designed a phenomenological study using Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews to: understand the experiences of 12 HCWs in a remote hospital in the North West region of Cameroon with armed groups; evaluate how it affects healthcare delivery from HCWs perspective and examine HCWs coping mechanisms during the conflict with a view of informing HCW protection policies in conflict zones. Results revealed that HCWs go through all forms of violence including threats, assaults and murders. Overall insecurity and shortage of health personnel were major barriers to healthcare delivery which contributed to underutilization of healthcare services. Participants observed an increase in complications due to malaria, malnutrition and a rise in maternal and infant mortality. The hospital management and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) played an essential role in HCWs adaptation to the crisis. Nevertheless they unanimously advocated for a cease fire to end the conflict. In the meantime, passion for their job was the main motivating factor to stay at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juste Ongeh Niba
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy (CRENC), Douala, Cameroon
- Medical Research and Career Organization, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart Ndutard Ngasa
- Medical Research and Career Organization, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Health Education for England, North West School of Psychiatry, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Neh Chang
- Medical Research and Career Organization, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Eric Sanji
- Medical Research and Career Organization, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie Awa
- Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital (SJCHC), Widikum, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Leticia Tchouda
- Medical Research and Career Organization, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Sumbele IUN, Tabi DB, Teh RN, Njunda AL. Urogenital schistosomiasis burden in school-aged children in Tiko, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, intensity, knowledge and risk factors. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:75. [PMID: 34530935 PMCID: PMC8444581 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed at determining urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) prevalence, intensity, knowledge and risk factors in school-aged children (SAC) in the new endemic focus of Tiko, Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study including 389 SAC of both sexes aged 5–15 years was carried out between April and June 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, clinical and predisposing factors. Urine sample collected was used to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs by filtration technique and microhaematuria by Heme dipstick COMBI 11. Logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors of UGS. Results The overall prevalence of UGS was 37.0% (CI 32.4–41.9) and 32.6% (CI 28.2–37.5) were positive by egg excretion while 24.4% (CI 20.4–28.9) by haematuria. S. haematobium egg excretion and haematuria were significantly higher in males (P = 0.016; P = 0.049) and children 12–15 years old (P = 0.009; P = 0.002), respectively. The mean number of eggs per 10 mL of urine was 77.6 (10.2) and ranged from 2 to 400. The proportion of light intensity of infection was higher (67.7%, CI 59.2–75.2) with no significant differences by sex, age and residence. However, the older children were more heavily infected when compared to the younger children, who had more of light infection. Overall, the mean knowledge score 1.42 (CI 1.32–1.51) on a scale of 6, was poor and the proportion of good knowledge of the disease (23.14%, CI 19.2–27.6) was low. Stream water contact (AOR = 4.94; P = 0.001) was the only significant risk factor identified. Conclusion Urogenital schistosomiasis is of public health concern among SAC in Tiko, Cameroon. Most participants have poor knowledge about the disease, hence education on vector-borne diseases and the avoidance of stream water contact should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Doris Bennen Tabi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
| | - Anne Longdoh Njunda
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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