A randomized controlled trial on mobile phone text messaging to improve sexo-reproductive health among adolescent girls in Cameroon

DATA AVAILABILITY AND MATERIALS : Data Base will be kept for five years.This is part of a Ph.D. thesis by Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy in the Department of Public Health and Hygiene of the Faculty of Health Sciences in the University of Buea.BACKGROUND : We conducted a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial (i.e. trained interviewers; blinded to group allocation). The target population included adolescent girls in the Kumbo West Health District (KWHD) of Cameroon. This trial tested the efficacy of weekly educational one-way text messages to improve perception of adolescent girls on sexo-reproductive health. METHODS : Allocation concealment (1:1) was determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. A total of 398 participants either received the mobile phone sexo-reproductive health text messages (199) or not (199). A blinded program secretary send out text messages and recorded delivery. Data was collected and managed at baseline and at 6 month intervals using an interviewer-administered questionnaire before and after intervention, then analysed using the independent T-test (mean differences) and ANOVA on SPSS version 21. RESULTS : The mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores respectively increased significantly from 6.03, 4.01 and 3.45 at baseline to 7.99, 5.83 and 4.99 at the end of the study. After performing ANOVA for the overall correct knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices respectively for between and within the intervention groups, we obtained: (F = 15.12, P = 0.023), (F = 60.21, P = 0.001) and (F = 57., P = 0.013) which showed statistical significance thus indicating the overall improvement in adolescents girls perception as a result of the intervention and not by chance. Majority (65.3%) of the participants were satisfied with the Short Message Service (SMS). CONCLUSION : This trial has contributed to the body of knowledge and evidence on the use of mobile phone technology using educative SMS to improve adolescent girl’s perception on sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon.https://contraceptionmedicine.biomedcentral.comam2023School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH

Marburg virus disease outbreak in Guinea: a SPIN framework of its transmission and control measures for an exemplary response pattern in West Africa

Responding to highly infectious diseases relies on a thorough understanding of transmission epidemiology. With the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Guinea, we saw the need to shed some technical light based on published literature and our field experiences. We reviewed 14 previous MVD outbreaks globally. Coupled with core one - health approaches, we propose a Socio-environmental context, Possible transmission routes, Informing and guiding public health action, Needs in terms of control measures (SPIN) framework as a guiding tool for response teams to appropriately approach future infectious disease outbreaks

Prevalence and awareness of mode of transmission of typhoid fever in patients diagnosed with Salmonella typhi and paratyphi infections at the Saint Elisabeth General Hospital Shisong, Bui division, Cameroon

Introduction: typhoid fever is a systemic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica subspecies (typhi). It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of the mode of transmission of Salmonella typhi among patients at the Saint Elisabeth General Hospital Shisong of Cameroon. Methods: the study carried out from March 1st, 2017 to May 31st, 2017 recruited patients who presented at the hospital with clinical signs and symptoms of typhoid fever and who had lab requests for stool culture requested by the resident physician. The prevalence of Salmonella typhi infections among the patients and the proportion of patients with adequate knowledge on the mode of transmission of Salmonella typhi were estimated at a 95% CI. Data were analyzed using Epi info7.1.3.3. Results: out of the 172 patients recruited for the studies, 52 (30.1%) were diagnosed with Salmonella typhi, 59.6% of which were male. Also, 3 (5.8%) were diagnosed with Salmonella paratyphoid A. A positive correlation between knowledge on the mode of transmission of Salmonella typhi and the level of education was established, showing that 92% of participants with a higher level of education indicating that typhoid fever can be contracted through consumption of contaminated water. Conclusion: high prevalence of typhoid fever was observed in our study. The unawareness of the patients on typhoid fever and its contraction through contaminated water and food was positively correlated to the level of educations of the patients. These findings, therefore, suggest a public health challenge faced by inhabitants in this region where typhoid fever remains endemic. Scarcity of potable water, improper drainage systems, and problems of unsanitary toilets in Cameroon require urgent intervention

Vaccination against Hepatitis B among health care workers in the Bamenda Health District: influence of knowledge and attitudes, Cameroon

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most serious occupational hazards faced by healthcare workers (HCW). This study aimed at assessing the influence of knowledge and attitudes of HCWs in the Bamenda Health District (BHD) on their vaccination status. Methods: this was a cross-sectional analytic study carried out in Bamenda health district, Cameroon. Random sampling method was used to select 10 private, 10 public, and 4 confessional health facilities, from which 280 HCW were included in the study by convenience sampling. Data were analysed using Epi Info 7 and presented using tables, figures, and percentages. Results: the vaccination coverage among HCW in the BHD was found to be 13.9%. Healthcare workers who had no knowledge of the minimum number of doses for complete primary HBV vaccination were less likely to be vaccinated than those who had knowledge (p = 0.00). Healthcare workers who had been tested for HBsAg were more likely to be vaccinated than those who had not done the test (p = 0.00). Among HCW (90.7%) who knew they were more at risk of contracting HBV, 98.6% knew it can be prevented out of which 72.6% reported that vaccination is the most effective means of prevention; only 13.9% of HCW were vaccinated. Other factors could have influenced the vaccination status of HCW; high cost of the vaccine, lack of time for vaccination, negligence, and the non-availability of the vaccine. Conclusion: awareness should be created among HCW and they should be encouraged to go for HBsAg screening and those who are negative should receive a full dose of HBV vaccine. Also, the vaccine should be subsidized and made available to all HCW in the BHD

COVID-19 pandemic : implementing control measures in Africa using the 'SHEF2' model

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa is a severe reminder of the brunt of emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens and the need for simple, context-oriented, and sustainable health models to combat them when the need arises. In this commentary, an analytical discursive approach was chosen to owe to Africa's unique situation of weak health systems, with most of its member states showing an initial reluctance to deal openly with the COVID-19 situation. This paper discusses five major control measures doped the SHEF2 Model i.e. ("SHEF2"- S: Social distancing, H: Hands, E: Elbows, F: Face, F: Feel) of COVID-19 implemented in Africa. We also review the issues related to implementing SHEF2 control measures in Africa. The measures being taken in Asia, Europe, and North America such as social distancing and regular hand washing are a particular challenge for African countries with dense populations, unequal access to water, and limited social safety nets. COVID-19 is challenging the public health and socio-political systems of all affected African countries. The burden of COVID-19 demands rapid and decisive action to be taken, yet the comparison shows how difficult it is was for an unknown new coronavirus disease. In line with the steps being taken across the globe to control and contain COVID-19 pandemic, African countries are preparing for the great effects of this pandemic and ensuing deep recession thus the reason we assert, the greater hope for African countries is implementing an aggressive SHEF2 model strategy. The spread of the pandemic will eventually stop, and the international system will find a balance, but most of the damage will be felt particularly by Africa.http://www.panafrican-med-journal.comam2021School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH

An epidemiological synthesis of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease threats in Cameroon, 2000-2022: a systematic review

Population factors such as urbanization, socio-economic, and environmental factors are driving forces for emerging/re-emerging zoonotic diseases in Cameroon. To inform preparedness and prioritization efforts, this study mapped out epidemiological data (including prevalence) of zoonotic diseases occurring in Cameroon between 2000 and 2022 by demographic factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022333059). Independent reviewers searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus databases on May 30, 2022 for relevant articles; duplicates were removed, and the titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened to identify eligible articles. Out of 4142 articles identified, 64 eligible articles were retrieved in the database search and an additional 12 from the cited literature (  = 76). Thirty-five unique zoonoses (viral, bacterial, and parasitic) were indexed, including Cameroon priority zoonoses: anthrax, bovine tuberculosis, Ebola and Marburg virus disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and rabies. The number of studies varied by region, ranging from 12 in the Far North to 32 in the Centre Region. The most reported were as follows: brucellosis (random-effects pooled estimate proportion (effect size), ES 0.05%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.07;  = 6), dengue (ES 0.13%, 95% CI 0.06-0.22;  = 12), avian and swine influenza virus (ES 0.10%, 95% CI 0.04-0.20;  = 8), and toxoplasmosis (ES 0.49%, 95% CI 0.35-0.63;  = 11), although values were greater than 75%, thus there was high inter-study heterogeneity ( < 0.01). This understanding of the distribution of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic threats in Cameroon is vital to effective preventive and resource prioritization measures

Antimicrobial stewardship in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic : A systematic review protocol on the opportunities and challenges for Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the leading threats to global public health and this may increase following COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly the case in Africa where regulations on antimicrobial usage are weak. This protocol outlines the steps to undertake a systematic review to synthesize evidence on drivers of AMR and evaluate existing approaches to strengthening antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). On the basis of the evidence generated from the evidence synthesis, the overarching goal of this work is to provide recommendations to support best practices in AMS implementation in SSA. Methods: A systematic search will be conducted using the following databases: Global Health Library, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Google Scholar, Global Health, Embase, African Journals Online Library, Web of Science, antimicrobial databases (WHO COVID-19, TrACSS, NDARO, and JPIAMR), and the Cochrane databases for systematic reviews. Studies will be included if they assess AMR and AMS in SSA from January 2000 to January 31, 2023. Results: The primary outcomes will include the drivers of AMR and approaches to AMS implementation in SSA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses will guide the reporting of this systematic review. Conclusions: The findings are expected to provide evidence on best practices and resource sharing for policy consideration to healthcare providers and other stakeholders both at the local and international levels. Additionally, the study seeks to establish drivers specific to AMR during the COVID-19 era in the SSA, for example, with the observed increasing trend of antimicrobial misuse during the first or second year of the pandemic may provide valuable insights for policy recommendation in preparedness and response measures to future pandemics. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022368853.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Resilience of mental health services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa

Peer reviewed: TrueAcknowledgements: We acknowledge data obtained from the WHO MH Atlas platform that informed us of the MH situations in African countries that have experienced Ebola disease outbreaks.IntroductionHealth systems including mental health (MH) systems are resilient if they protect human life and produce better health outcomes for all during disease outbreaks or epidemics like Ebola disease and their aftermaths. We explored the resilience of MH services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa; specifically, to (i) describe the pre-, during-, and post-Ebola disease outbreak MH systems in African countries that have experienced Ebola disease outbreaks, (ii) determine the prevalence of three high burden MH disorders and how those prevalences interact with Ebola disease outbreaks, and, (iii) describe the resilience of MH systems in the context of these outbreaks.MethodsThis was a scoping review employing an adapted PRISMA statement. We conducted a five-step Boolean strategy with both free text and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to search 9 electronic databases and also searched WHO MINDbank and MH Atlas.ResultsThe literature search yielded 1,230 publications. Twenty-five studies were included involving 13,449 participants. By 2023, 13 African nations had encountered a total of 35 Ebola outbreak events. None of these countries had a metric recorded in MH Atlas to assess the inclusion of MH in emergency plans. The three highest-burden outbreak-associated MH disorders under the MH and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) framework were depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety with prevalence ranges of 1.4–7%, 2–90%, and 1.3–88%, respectively. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a concerning lack of resilience within the MH systems, as evidenced by the absence of pre-existing metrics to gauge MH preparedness in emergency plans. Additionally, none of the studies evaluated the resilience of MH services for individuals with pre-existing needs or examined potential post-outbreak degradation in core MH services.DiscussionOur findings revealed an insufficiency of resilience, with no evaluation of services for individuals with pre-existing needs or post-outbreak degradation in core MH services. Strengthening MH resilience guided by evidence-based frameworks must be a priority to mitigate the long-term impacts of epidemics on mental well-being.</jats:sec

Non-SHEF2 model related containment and control measures against COVID-19 in Africa

COVID-19 Pandemic has the potential to overwhelm the underserved health care systems of African countries characterized by inadequate infrastructure and too few medical personnel. In responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many African countries are using a combination of containment and mitigation activities but in this commentary, we focus on what we term the Non-SHEF2 (S: Social distancing, H: Hands, E: Elbows, F: Face, F: Feel) model related control and containment measures which include seven key measures against COVID-19 doped ‘TITHQC2’ namely, T: Travel-related measures, I: Information and guidance, T: Treatment; H: Hospital containment measures; Q: Quarantine, C: Community containment measures, C: Case detection and contact tracing. COVID-19 is a reality and demands rapid and decisive action to be taken.http://www.panafrican-med-journal.comam2021School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH

Prevalence, risk factors and management of common mental health disorders in Cameroon: a systematic review protocol

Background Mental health disorders (MHDs) are considered a serious public health concern globally. The burden of mental health conditions is estimated to be higher in low-income and middle-income countries, including Cameroon, where reliable estimates are lacking. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the prevalence of MHDs, the effectiveness of mental health management interventions and identify risk factors for MHDs in Cameroon.Method This review will systematically search electronic databases for studies focusing on one or more MHDs of interest within the context of Cameroon. We will include cohort, case–control and cross-sectional studies which assessed the prevalence or risk factors for MHDs in Cameroon and intervention studies to provide evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for managing MHDs. Two reviewers will independently perform all screening stages, data extraction and synthesis. We will provide a narrative synthesis and, if we identify enough articles that are homogeneous, we will perform a meta-analysis using a random effect model. The strength of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Conclusion This review will contribute to the current body of knowledge by providing a synthesis of current evidence on the prevalence of common MHDs, risk factors for different MHDs and the effectiveness of interventions for managing different mental health conditions in Cameroon.Ethics and dissemination This study will involve synthesis of published literature and does not warrant ethical approval. The findings will be disseminated through internationally peer-reviewed journals related to mental health.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022348427