Aspects épidémiologiques et causes des décès maternels dans le département de la Donga de 2020 à 2024

Introduction : La mortalité maternelle reste un problème majeur de santé publique, en particulier dans les pays à ressources limitées, comme le Bénin. Malgré les efforts déployés ces dernières années, les décès maternels demeurent préoccupants, notamment en raison des complications obstétricales directes et des causes indirectes, telles que les pathologies médicales associées à la grossesse. Cette étude vise à décrire les aspects épidémiologiques des décès maternels dans le département de la Donga, au Bénin, de 2020 à 2024. Méthodologie : Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive rétrospective réalisée à partir des données issues des audits des décès maternels dans les deux zones sanitaires du département de la Donga : Djougou-Copargo-Ouaké et Bassila. Les données ont été collectées via un formulaire standardisé d’audit, puis analysées en distinguant les causes obstétricales directes et indirectes, conformément à la classification de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé. Les variables analysées incluent l’année de survenue, les caractéristiques sociodémographiques des femmes décédées, le délai de prise en charge et les circonstances du décès. Résultats : Pour l’ensemble du département de la Donga, le taux de mortalité maternelle cumulé entre 2020 et 2024 est estimé à environ 95,65 décès pour 100 000 naissances vivantes. La majorité des femmes décédées était âgée de 20 à 35 ans (72,00 %) et résidait en milieu rural (74,80 les principales étant les hémorragies post-partum (36,21 %), les troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse, notamment la prééclampsie et l’éclampsie (17,24 %), et la rupture utérine (11,21 %). Les causes indirectes étaient dominées par l’anémie sévère (62,96 %). La majorité des décès (72,70 %) était survenue dans les 24 premières heures suivant l’admission, principalement pendant la période du post-partum (67,80%). Conclusion : La mortalité maternelle dans la Donga demeure préoccupante, avec des causes évitables telles que les hémorragies post-partum et les complications hypertensives. Les résultats de cette étude soulignent la nécessité de renforcer l'accès et la qualité des soins obstétricaux d'urgence, particulièrement en post-partum, et d'améliorer la prévention et la prise en charge des pathologies médicales associées à la grossesse.   Introduction: Maternal mortality remains a major public health problem, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Benin. Despite efforts made in recent years, maternal deaths remain a cause for concern, notably due to direct obstetrical complications and indirect causes, such as medical pathologies associated with pregnancy. This study aims to describe the epidemiological aspects of maternal deaths in the Donga department, Benin, from 2020 to 2024. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study based on data from audits of maternal deaths in the two health zones of Donga department: Djougou-Copargo-Ouaké and Bassila. Data were collected using a standardized audit form, then analyzed by distinguishing between direct and indirect obstetrical causes, in accordance with World Health Organization classification. Variables analyzed included year of occurrence, sociodemographic characteristics of the deceased women, time to care and circumstances of death. Results: For the Donga department as a whole, the cumulative maternal mortality rate between 2020 and 2024 is estimated at around 95.65 deaths per 100,000 live births. The majority of women who died were aged between 20 and 35 years (72.00%) and lived in rural areas (74.80%), the main causes being post-partum haemorrhage (36.21%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, notably pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (17.24%), and uterine rupture (11.21%). Indirect causes were dominated by severe anemia (62.96%). The majority of deaths (72.70%) occurred within the first 24 hours of admission, mainly in the post-partum period (67.80%). Conclusion: Maternal mortality in Donga remains a cause for concern, with preventable causes such as post-partum haemorrhage and hypertensive complications. The results of this study underline the need to reinforce access to and quality of emergency obstetric care, particularly in the post-partum period, and to improve prevention and management of medical pathologies associated with pregnancy

Influence des risques sur la performance des projets de développement rural au Cameroun

Cette étude sur la manière dont les risques affectent la performance des projets de développement rural au Cameroun s’aligne sur une approche méthodique d’identification et d’atténuation des risques. Dans un contexte où ces projets affichent une performance globale moyenne insatisfaisante de 47 % (Awe Baina et al., 2020), son objectif principal est de répondre au besoin d'améliorer la performance des projets de développement rural et, par extension, de contribuer à l'efficacité de l'aide publique au développement. La problématique de performance des projets de développement est une préoccupation majeure pour le gouvernement camerounais, qui se heurte à la persistance de la pauvreté des populations rurales. Ainsi, cette étude cherche à fournir aux responsables de projets une vision limpide ainsi qu'un cadre méthodologique pour l'identification et la classification des principaux risques, ainsi que la planification des solutions d'atténuation. L'étude est réalisée auprès de trois projets de développement soutenus par différents bailleurs de fonds multilatéraux. Les principales méthodes de collecte de données comprennent les entretiens semi-structurés réalisés sur un échantillon de 53 responsables de projet (avec un taux de participation de 88 %), l'analyse documentaire et les observations. L'analyse des données s’est réalisée au moyen d'Excel et du logiciel SPSS, grâce à l'application de statistiques descriptives. Vingt-deux (22) principaux risques de projet ont été identifiés ; 68 % de ces risques sont exogènes tandis que 32 % sont endogènes. Onze (11) d'entre eux se manifestent fréquemment ; seize (16) ont un impact significatif sur le respect des délais ; quatorze (14) influencent grandement l'exécution du budget, et onze (11) ont une incidence notable sur la qualité des livrables prévus. Cette étude, associée à nos constatations dans le domaine des projets de développement, démontre que les mécanismes de gestion des risques sont déployés qu'après l'émergence des risques et lorsqu'ils ont déjà provoqué des préjudices sur les résultats attendus. Toutefois, les cas étudiés nous ont permis de ressortir un modèle de criticité des risques sur lequel l’équipe de projet peut s’appuyer pour prendre des décisions de gestion visant à maitriser chaque type de risque. Il devient donc indispensable que l’équipe de projet possède des compétences en gestion de risque pour prévenir les conséquences néfastes afin d’assurer la performance des projets de développement rural.   This study on how risks affect the performance of rural development projects in Cameroon aligns with a methodical approach to risk identification and mitigation. In a context where these projects show an unsatisfactory average overall performance of 47% (Awe Baina et al., 2020), its main objective is to address the need to improve the performance of rural development projects and, by extension, to contribute to the effectiveness of public development aid. The issue of project performance in development is a major concern for the Cameroonian government, which is faced with the persistence of poverty among rural populations. Thus, this study seeks to provide project managers with a clear vision as well as a methodological framework for the identification and classification of key risks, as well as the planning of mitigation solutions. The study is conducted on three development projects supported by various multilateral donors. The main data collection methods include semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of 53 project managers (with a participation rate of 88%), document analysis, and observations. The data analysis was carried out using Excel and the SPSS software, through the application of descriptive statistics. Twenty-two (22) main project risks have been identified; 68% of these risks are exogenous, while 32% are endogenous. Eleven (11) of them manifest frequently; sixteen (16) have a significant impact on meeting deadlines; fourteen (14) greatly influence budget execution, and eleven (11) have a notable effect on the quality of the planned deliverables. This study, combined with our findings in the field of development projects, demonstrates that risk management mechanisms are deployed only after the emergence of risks and when they have already caused harm to the expected outcomes. However, the cases studied allowed us to develop a risk criticality model on which the project team can rely to make management decisions aimed at controlling each type of risk. It therefore becomes essential for the project team to possess risk management skills to prevent adverse consequences in order to ensure the performance of rural development projects

Equine-Assisted EMDR, DBR Therapy, and the Introduction of Animal-Assisted Interweaves

Despite there being a wide range of models for providing animal-assisted interactions in mental health settings, there is still no universally accepted standard of practice for providing trauma treatment, particularly for those with complex trauma. With this in mind, this article introduces a conceptual framework for partnering with animals via two specific phase-based trauma treatment models. To further promote the mind/body connection, especially in the healing of complex trauma, it is the author’s supposition that two trauma treatment models, specifically EMDR and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) ® therapies, are highly suitable for collaborating with animals, all whilst maintaining treatment fidelity as well as client and animal welfare. In particular, the author explores the clinical rationale behind and examples of partnering with equines and canines through what the author has termed “Animal Assisted Interweaves” (AAI) alongside the phased trauma treatment approaches of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) via EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol ® as well as Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)®

Approche sociologique de l’économie de la précarité dans ville de Bouaké en Côte d’Ivoire

L’étude porte sur l’économie de la précarité dans la ville de Bouaké, deuxième pôle urbain de la Côte d’Ivoire, caractérisé par une forte diversité ethnique, la prépondérance du secteur informel et l’impact de crises socio-politiques récentes. Son objectif principal est d’analyser les mécanismes sociologiques structurant cette économie en s’intéressant aux activités précaires (vente de vivriers, restauration, artisanat, commerce d’électronique de seconde main, travail du sexe), aux stratégies de survie des acteurs et à leur impact sur le développement urbain. Adoptant une démarche qualitative et s’appuyant sur la théorie des réseaux sociaux, l’étude mobilise l’observation participante, des entretiens semi-directifs, des focus groups et l’analyse documentaire. Les résultats montrent que l’économie précaire s’organise autour de réseaux sociaux et ethniques, avec une hiérarchisation fondée sur la rentabilité et une adaptation continue aux contraintes urbaines. Les stratégies économiques incluent la diversification des activités, le recours à des systèmes de crédit informel et la création de solidarités professionnelles. Bien que cette économie renforce les liens communautaires et stabilise le tissu social en créant des emplois informels, elle reste marquée par des défis tels que la précarité des conditions de travail, l’absence de protection sociale et la vulnérabilité aux chocs économiques.   The study focuses on the economy of precarity in the city of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire’s second-largest urban hub, characterized by significant ethnic diversity, a predominant informal sector, and the lasting effects of recent socio-political crises. The main objective is to analyze the sociological mechanisms underpinning this economy, examining precarious activities (selling foodstuffs, street food, artisanal work, second-hand electronics trade, and sex work), survival strategies, and their impact on urban development. Using a qualitative approach grounded in network theory, the study employs participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. Findings reveal that the precarious economy is structured around social and ethnic networks, with activities ranked by profitability and continuous adaptation to urban constraints. Economic strategies include activity diversification, reliance on informal credit systems, and the establishment of professional solidarities. While this economy strengthens community bonds and provides informal employment, it faces persistent challenges, such as precarious working conditions, lack of social protection, and vulnerability to economic shocks

Impact of Social Media on Senior Secondary School Students’ Involvement in Cybercrime in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of social media on senior secondary school students’ involvement in Cybercrime in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study specifically explored the level of addictiveness to social media by students in senior secondary schools, and the influence of social media on students’ involvement in Cybercrime in senior secondary schools. Two research questions guided the study, and two null hypotheses were formulated for the study and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The respondents used for the study consisted of 173 SS 2 students (73 males and 100 females) from the four schools sampled for the study using a simple random sampling technique (balloting). Data was collected using the Social Media and Cybercrime Questionnaire (SMCQ), which was validated by experts. An estimate of the stability of the instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.85 using Cronbach’s Alpha statistic. Mean and standard deviation were used as descriptive statistics to answer the research questions, while the independent samples t-test was adopted as an inferential statistic. The findings indicated that male students have a higher level of addiction to social media than their female counterparts, and male students are more involved in Cybercrime as a result of social media influence than their female counterparts. The results also revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean responses of male and female students on the influence of social media on their involvement in Cybercrime in secondary school. It was recommended that the school authorities should monitor both the male and female students on the usage of social media in schools, as its usage has a positive relationship with their involvement in Cybercrime

Les décès liés aux traumatismes du trafic routier dans les hôpitaux des pays à ressources limitées: cas du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado au Burkina Faso

Introduction : Les accidents de la route sont la première cause de mortalité chez les enfants et les jeunes âgés de cinq à 29 ans. Comparés à des fléaux tels que le VIH/SIDA, la tuberculose et les maladies diarrhéiques réunies, les accidents de la route font plus de victimes surtout dans les pays à faibles revenus. L’objectif de cette étude est de faire le point sur l’épidémiologie des décès liés aux traumatismes du trafic routier en milieu hospitalier. Matériels et méthodes : Il s’est agi d’une étude transversale descriptive à collecte de données rétrospective couvrant la période du 1er janvier 2022 au 31 décembre 2024. Résultats : Les décès représentaient 1,7% de l’ensemble des traumatisés du trafic routier. La série comportait 145 hommes et 27 femmes. L’âge moyen des décédés était de 41,5ans avec des extrêmes de 5 et 85 ans. Les accidents responsables des décès ont lieu le weekend dans 48,3% des cas. Les victimes étaient des motocyclistes dans 79,1% des cas. Les salariés du public et du privé représentaient 32,6% de la série. Les victimes décédées présentaient un traumatisme crânien dans 78,5 % des cas (n = 135). Dans 98,5% des cas, les victimes motocyclistes n’étaient pas munis de casque au moment de l’accident. Le décès est survenu au cours de l’hospitalisation dans 71,5% des cas. Conclusion : Bien que les accidents de la route représentent une cause importante de morbidité et de mortalité, les données spécifiques sur les décès qu’ils provoquent demeurent peu documentées dans notre contexte. Notre étude, rapporte une prédominance des jeunes adultes de sexe masculin, majoritairement motocycliste non casqués.   Introduction: Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29 years. Compared to AIDS, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases, they account for more fatalities, particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to examine mortality associated with road traffic injuries. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study based on retrospective data collection covering the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Results: Fatalities accounted for 1.7% of all road traffic injury cases. The study included 145 men and 27 women. The average age of the deceased was 41.5 years, ranging from 5 to 85 years. Accidents resulting in death occurred on weekends in 48.3% of cases. Motorcyclists comprised 79.1% of the victims. Public and private sector employees represented 32.6% of the deceased. Head injuries were present in 78.5% of cases (n = 135). In 98.5% of cases, motorcyclist victims were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Death occurred during hospitalization in 71.5% of cases. Conclusion: Although road traffic accidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, specific data on related deaths remain scarce in our context. This study highlights a significant predominance of young adult male victims, the majority of whom were unhelmeted motorcyclists

Bridging Linguistic Gaps through Translation of COVID-19 Terms from English into Albanian

During the critical period of the global COVID-19 outbreak, Albania, like many other nations, faced the urgent need to communicate vital public health information effectively. The selection of appropriate terminology was paramount to ensuring that the public understood the nature of the virus, the measures necessary to prevent its spread, and the overall health strategies implemented by the government. Henceforth, this study aims to identify the COVID-19 terminology used by the Albanian Health Authorities to describe the virus and to analyse the strategies employed in translating these terms from English into Albanian. The research focuses on the period from March 1, 2020, to July 27, 2020, which coincided with the global COVID-19 outbreak. 30 COVID-19-related terms in English and their Albanian equivalents were examined for this purpose. Data for this research was collected from two primary sources: the COVID-19 Terminology Collection from the European Union Terminology Database (IATE) and the Albanian equivalents obtained from news reports published by the healthcare authorities on the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania’s website. The study employed several theoretical frameworks to analyze the translation strategies. Vin and Darbelnet’s translation model, the sociolinguistic model, and the metaphor translation method were utilized to achieve the research objectives. Vin and Darbelnet’s model provided a structured approach to analyzing translation techniques, such as borrowing, calque, literal translation, transposition, modulation, equivalence, and adaptation. The sociolinguistic model helped to understand how social and cultural factors influenced the choice of terminology and its reception by the public. The metaphor translation method was particularly relevant given the widespread use of metaphorical language in describing the pandemic and its effects. The findings offer insights into the most effective translation methods for accurately conveying selected COVID-19 terms in Albanian while preserving the intended stylistic essence of the original terms. The research emphasizes the importance of making controlled linguistic choices during translation rather than freely creating and adopting COVID-19 terminology for public use. Standardizing terminology is essential for clear and consistent communication, particularly during a public health crisis. The study highlights the potential risks of using inconsistent or poorly translated terms, which can lead to confusion, misinformation, and reduced public compliance with health guidelines. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of making controlled linguistic choices during translation rather than freely creating and adopting COVID-19 terminology for public use

Integrated Marketing Communication Mix Elements and Adoption of a Sports Culture: The Case of Academic Staff of Chartered Public Universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Adoption of a sports culture occurs when people make sports be part of their lives. This study investigated the mediating role of lifestyle habits and the moderating role of socio-ecological factors in the relationship between the integrated marketing communication mix elements and adoption of a sports culture among academic staff of chartered public universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The inquiry was based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), communication theory, Attention-Interest-Desire-Action (AIDA) model, and the diffusion of innovation theory. The realism paradigm and a descriptive survey research design were used for the study. The researchers sampled 372 academic staff members from five chartered public universities based in Nairobi City County using stratified random sampling. Binomial logistic regression was used in the data analysis since the dependent variable was categorical in nature. The study established that integrated marketing communication mix elements predicted the adoption of a sports culture, with lifestyle habits mediating and socio-ecological factors moderating the relationship between integrated marketing communication mix elements and adoption of a sports culture by the academic staff members of the identified institutions. The study recommends that managers of health-promoting sports clubs should consider the integrated marketing communication mix elements, lifestyle habits, and the socio-ecological factors when designing their communication programs

Analysis of the determinants influencing the choice of local market garden crops: tomato, chili, onion, krinkrin and okra in Southern Benin

For more than two decades, Benin has witnessed a steady increase in market gardening production. However, his growth has not led to self-sufficiency, as the country still relies on imports from neighboring countries during lean periods. Analyzing the choice of local market garden crops will undoubtedly help find solutions to address the problem. Thus, the study used a multivariate probit model to identify the determinants of the adoption of market garden crops, particularly tomato, pepper, onions, krinkrin and okra, on farms in southern Benin. It was conducted on a sample of 474 randomly selected market gardeners. The results revealed the existence of interdependence and complementarity in the adoption of the various local market garden crops studied. Also, it is observed that the majority of producers surveyed prefer to adopt a combination of two crops at a time (27.43%) or four crops at a time (25.74%). Furthermore, the existence of a market in the village, the level of education, the existence of a telephone network, the type of area in relation to the proximity or not of the water table and the security of the sites are the main factors determining the adoption of local market gardening crops by producers in southern Benin

The Influence of Conversational AI on Consumer Behavior and Counterfactual Thinking: A Systematic Review

This document evaluates the development and importance of conversational AI, chatbots, and virtual assistants in human behavior and the process of making decisions. Designed to investigate the impact of AI on the personalization of user experiences, the study maps how the automation of decision-making and the alteration of cognitive processes like thinking in the counterfactual mode and regret are affected. The main idea is that while conversational AI service might improve the user experience and be more efficient, problems with transparency, personalization overdone and emotive manipulation might emerge. The conclusion of the research is that it is necessary to operate in a balanced way in order for the trust to be established, to be transparent, and to be authentic, thus reinforcing the transformative impact of conversational AI in e-commerce and consumer engagement in the future