Effects of environmental, living space and climate variability on the utilization of impregnated bed nets in west Cameroon: A community based survey for policy implementation

Background: Despite the fact that Long Lasting Impregnated Mosquito Net (LLIN) represents one of the most effective tools in fighting malaria, its use remains limited. Our study aimed at determining how environmental, household characteristics and climate affect bed net use. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive and analytic study was carried out from January to April 2014 in Mifi health district. Data collected were collected in households during a face to face interview with standard household questionnaires, entered and analyzed using Epi Info software version 3.5.3. Graphics and tables were obtained using MS Excel and Word. Results: Of the 317 participants interviewed, average age was 33.23 years (SD = 10.80) and female sex predominant (85.2%). Most participants had attended secondary education 53.6% (n= 170), married marital status was most represented (58.1%; n= 185).75.4% (n=239) of households had at least 1 LLIN and average district coverage estimated to 1 LLIN for 3.3 persons. 78% of occupants in households with at least one LLIN had slept under the night before the survey. The presence of a ceiling in a house reduced net usage by 2.5% (p = 0.67) compared to house lacking ceiling. Standing waters around the compound increased net utilization rate to 16.6% (p = 0.03), whereas the presence of a covered well decreased the rate by 1.4% (p = 0.86). The dry season was identified as the period during which 86.8% (n= 239) of respondents sleep less under a net. Heat (57.60% n = 138/239), increased choking (2.5%), reduction in vector breeding sites (39.90%; n = 95) were cited as main reasons. Conclusion: Although classified as zone of continuous transmission, our findings indicate that bed net usage by our study population depends on environmental, household characteristics and climate. There is therefore an urgent need to develop strategic communication and sensitization campaigns coupled to environmental management to help scale up and optimize malaria burden reductio

Caractéristiques physico-chimiques des miels de la zone Soudano-guinéenne de l'Ouest et de l'Adamaoua Cameroun

Physicochemical Characteristics of Honey from the Sudano-Guinean Zone of West and Adamaoua Cameroon. A study was conducted in three regions of Cameroon (West, North-West and Adamaoua) in order to determine physicochemical characteristics of 345 honey samples. One hundred and thirty-two and 213 samples was collected during dry and rainy seasons respectively and analysed to determine pH, water content, electrical conductivity and minerals witch are all related to honey quality and stability. The honeys characteristics significantly vary according to regions and seasons. Apart from the high water content (16 à 35%), all other parameters were within the range defined by the Codex Alimentarius. water content, pH, macroelements (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and electric conductivity were the highest in the North- West and the lowest in Adamaoua. The West Region showed the highest concentrations of microelements (Fe, Al, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr). Potassium was very high in all the regions. Honeys from the rainy season showed higher levels of macroelements, low concentrations of microelements and heavy metals. Observed differences between honey characteristics from one region to another provide a good basis for defining honey quality norms of each region

Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections in Cameroonian University context: case of the University of Dschang, in the Western Region

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa HIV infection remains largely epidemic, whereas HBV infection is highly endemic (>8%). In Cameroon, HIV prevalence is 4.3%. Concerning HBV and chlamydia infections, their prevalence are both ≥10%. Young adults, including university students, are the population groups mostly affected. Epidemiological data on these infections, among university students could be helpful to implement specific prevention strategies. Methods: A descriptive study was performed in May 2013 among 624 students from the University of Dschang, Cameroon. Participants were screened for HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections. Data was collected by a standard questionnaire and analyzed by Epi Info. Results: Average age of participants was 23.3 years (σ = 3.2) with female predominance (58.7%). Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infection was 1.1% (7/624), 2.8% (5/176) and 2.0% (2/100) respectively. 83.2% of participants were sexually active. Concerning sexual risk behaviors, participants reported having multi partners (14.8%), using condom occasionally (58.6%) or never (5.0%). 100%, 62.6% and 52.2% reported to be aware on HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections respectively. In addition, only 5.5% and 21.3% of the participants were aware of their HBV and Chlamydia status respectively, versus 64.4% for HIV. The excessive cost of HBV and Chlamydia tests has been identified as the major barrier to testing (87.6%). Conclusion: Among college Cameroonian students the prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections seems to be relatively low if compared to general population. However, having multiple sexual partners in addition to non-systematic use of condoms during sexual intercourse represents risk behaviors among students. Awareness campaigns and screening facilitation on HBV and chlamydia infections need to be strengthened

HIV and HBV infection in Cameroonian university context: Case of the University of Dschang

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Assessment of attitudes and practices of rural women towards malaria in Western Region, Cameroon: Strategic implications for prevention programs

M. Sanou Sobze1, J. Fokam2, J.-F. Onohiol1,∗, G.B. Djeunang Dongho1, P.M. Nkamedjie Pete1, A. Tenoh Guedoung1, G. Temgue1, V. Colizzi3, G. Russo4 1 Faculty of Sciences; University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon 2 Chantal Biya International Reference Centre (CIRCB) for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management, Yaounde, Cameroon 3 University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy 4 Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Ital

[The burden of disability in Cameroon]

Rehabilitation services for disabled persons are lacking in countries with limited economic resources. Reliable and objective data are needed to plan for their implementation and to determine the burden of disability in these countries

Awareness against STIs/HIV/AIDS among youth in developing countries: case of the mobile caravan project of Dschang, Cameroon.

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Sensibilisation des jeunes sur les IST/VIH et sida dans les établissements d’enseignement secondaire de la Commune de Dschang.

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Nutrition habits of PMTCT nursing mothers in the Dschang Health District, West Region Cameroon: a possible solution beside therapy

Background: Amongst the different at risk periods of transmission of the HIV virus from the mother to the child that is; during pregnancy, labor and delivery and breastfeeding, much care and attention needs to be given not only to the baby as concerns its feeding options but likewise to its mother. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional habits and health outcomes of PMTCT nursing mothers in the Dschang Health District. Methods: An exhaustive cross sectional study involving 56 nursing mothers living with HIV was carried out at the Dschang District Day Care Hospital using a standard questionnaire of 04 pages, from September 2014 to February 2015. The questionnaire was administered on face to face mode during which anthropometrics parameters of the mothers were taken (weight and height), observation of their conjunctiva and palms (physical check-up) and lastly clinical status determined by anemia test using the Tallquist hemoglobin test. Data collected were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.1.3.3 and Excel 2013. Results: Most women ate 3 times a day (53.6%, n=30/56) and 2 times a day (26.8%, n=15/56) with staples (27.27%) and fruits (33.68%) being the most consumed foods per week and green leafy and yellow vegetables the least consumed (13.74%). Using the BMI as means to evaluate the nutritional status of the women, 26.90% (n=14/52) were in the normal range of weight, slightly more than halve of them were overweight (51.90%, n=27/52) and 21.20% (n=11/52) of them were obese. All mothers were on ART treatment. About halve of the women (50%) had their last CD4 count results, their number being of a mode of 293 cells/mmc (range 97-798). During the physical checkup of the conjunctiva and palms 64.3% (n=36/56) and 67.9% (n=38/56) had moderately colored conjunctiva and palms respectively; 10.7% (n=6/56) and 12.5% (n=7/56) of the women had pale conjunctiva and palms as clinical sign of anemia. About 74.1% (n=40/54) of the women were border line anemic and 24.1% (n=13/54) had frank anemia and only 1.9% (n=1/54) were in the normal zone. Conclusion: Nutrition habits amongst nursing mothers of the Dschang Health District were not optimum and contributed a great deal to the poor health outcomes observed in the study. ART treatment alone is not enough, it should be enhanced with nutritional education for better choice of nutrition to meet up body needs and make the mothers healthier