Neuroepidemiology: Perspectives from Africa

Abstract

Neuroepidemiology is an important field that deserves critical attention globally and more specifically on the African continent. The African continent currently has less than adequate and reliable data on mental health generally or neurological disorders. Only few prevalence and incidence studies’ reports are available. Africa is affected by diverse neurological problems that deserve epidemiological attention ranging from chronic neurological disorders to outbreaks of epidemics of neurological importance, including konzo, lead poisoning, and infectious diseases of neurological importance. The current effort is an attempt to report perspectives about neuroepidemiology from Africa and to critically appraise the current scenarios toward deciphering the factors that have limited the development and advancements of the field in Africa. This article highlights specific points on needs as found and provides suggestions and recommendations on the way forward. The study was conducted in Nigeria through a network named ANDEN. Questionnaires were administered through all neuroscience-related platforms. Ninety-two respondents completed the questionnaires properly. Most respondents were young scientists with bachelors’ and master’s level of training and were almost equally divided between males and females. Their responses were analysed and presented as descriptive statistics and thematic summary of free responses. The interest of these African neuroscientists in neuroepidemiology ranked between high and very high. A good proportion rated the likelihood of a career path in neuroepidemiology between high and very high. The importance and relevance of the field to the advancement of mental health was also rated very high. The current attention and commitment of research efforts and funding to neuroepidemiology was, however, rated low. Many potential African neuroscientists would agree that their current greatest need is the knowledge of the subject and field of neuroepidemiology. By implication, there is a great need for them to be educated in this area. The findings showed that neuroepidemiology is a relatively neglected aspect of neurology and neuroscience research on the continent. The interest of respondents in this field underscores the critical and urgent need to develop the field, promote training and research funding toward developing capacities, and carrying out cutting edge research.