Bamenda Regional Hospital Research Articles

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasmosis in HIV positive and negative patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Region, Cameroon

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii is regarded as an important opportunistic pathogen that can cause infection in HIV/AIDS patients associated with high mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in HIV-positive and negative patients and establish the relationship between HIV viral load and active toxoplasmosis in the Bamenda Regional Hospital Cameroon. Methodology: Three hundred and three (201 HIV-positive and 102 HIV-negative) participants attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon, were randomly recruited into the study. Well-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors from each participant. Venous blood samples were collected for serological detection of toxoplasmosis using One-Step Toxo IgG/IgM rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, followed by confirmation of all positive samples by Toxoplasma IgM ELISA test. Data were analysed on SPSS version 23.0. Association of potential risk factors with seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was done using Chi square test, and comparison of means HIV loads between participant categories was done using Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis as applicable, with p<0.05 considered as significant level. Results: Of the 303 participants, 93 were positive for Toxoplasma IgG, giving latent toxoplasmosis seroprevalence rate of 30.7%, while 2 of the 303 participants were seropositive for Toxoplasma IgM, indicating active toxoplasmosis in 0.7%. The seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was 28.9% (n=58/201) in HIV-positive compared to 34.3% (n=35/102) in HIV-negative participants (χ2=0.948, OR=0.775, p=0.330), while the seroprevalence of active toxoplasmosis was 1.0% (n=2/201) in HIV-positive compared to 0% (n=0/102) in HIV-negative participants (χ2=0.068, OR=2.568, p=0.552). Viral load was detectable (≥ 42 viral copies/ml) in 54 of the 201 HIV-positive participants, giving an overall detectable viral load rate of 26.9%. The sero-prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was higher in HIV-positive participants with detectable viral load than those with non-detectable viral load, and the two HIV-positive patients with active toxoplasmosis had detectable viral loads. The risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with the latent toxoplasmosis were owning a cat, presence of stray cats, playing with cats, and eating soya. Conclusion: Latent toxoplasmosis is prevalent among HIV-positive and negative patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon, with active infection only among HIV-infected patients.

Evaluation of risk factors/prevalence of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and central-obesity in people living with HIV/AIDS at the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Evaluation of risk factors/prevalence of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and central-obesity in people living with HIV/AIDS at the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Prevalence of Malaria Infection among Patience Suspected of Typhoid Fever at the Bamenda and Bafoussam Regional Hospital

Purpose: Malaria is one of the febrile illnesses and the most common fatal disease in the world caused by one or more species of Plasmodium. Because malaria and typhoid fever usually display similar symptoms, malaria patients are likely to be suspected of typhoid fever, especially when they do not respond to the malaria first line medication. To determine the prevalence of malaria infection among patients suspected of typhoid fever in the Bamenda and Bafousam regional hospitals. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross sectional study in which participants were recruited by convenience. The population for this study was volunteer patients suspected of typhoid fever by the respective hospital physicians. Blood samples were collected and Rapid Diagnostic Test was carried out, as well as thin and thick blood films. Data was analyzed using SPSS V20.0. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between results with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 356 patients suspected of typhoid fever were contacted for the study of which 337 signed the consent form and took part in the study from the two targetted Regional Hospitals giving a participation rate of 94.66%. Among the participants, 195[57.9%] were from the Bamenda regional hospital while 142[42.1%] were from the Bafoussam regional hospital. Majority 65.9% of the participants were females recorded in both hospitals. An overall prevalence of 37.4% was recorded in both the Bafoussam and Bamenda regional hospital there was thus no statistical significant difference between the result gotten from the two Regional Hospitals [p=0.3]. The age group with the highest prevalence was that of 10-29 years. More than 90% of infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum while about 3% of the infections were due to Plasmodium vivax. The prevalence of malaria infections in patients suspected of typhoid fever in the Bamenda and Bafoussam Regional Hospitals is 37.4%, and more women were infected than males. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: We advocated that proper malaria investigation of suspected cases should be carried out before embarking into typhoid fever treatment. This study have saved as an eye opener to medical practitioners to test both typhoid and malaria for all patients presenting with such signs and symptoms.

Stillbirth rate and associated factors at the Bamenda Regional hospital, North-West region, Cameroon, from 2018 to 2022: a case control study

BackgroundStillbirth is a common adverse pregnancy outcome worldwide, with an estimated 2.6 million stillbirths yearly. In Cameroon, the reported rate in 2015 was 19.6 per 1000 live births. Several risk factors have been described, but region-specific risk factors are not known in the northwest region of Cameroon. This study aims to determine the stillbirth rate and associated factors at the Bamenda Regional hospital, North-West region of Cameroon.Materials and methodsA Hospital-based case‒control study conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 on medical files from 2018 to 2022 at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Cases were women with stillbirths that occurred at a gestational age of ≥ 28 weeks, while controls were women with livebirths matched in a 1:2 (1 case for 2 controls) ratio using maternal age. Sociodemographic, obstetric, medical, and neonatal factors were used as exposure variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios of exposure variables with 95% confidence intervals and a p value of < 0.05.ResultsA total of 12,980 births including 116 stillbirths giving a stillbirth rate of 8.9 per 1000 live births. A hundred cases and 200 controls were included. Factors associated with stillbirths after multivariable analysis include nulliparity (aOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.19–12.71; p = 0.025), not attending antenatal care (aOR = 104; 95% CI: 3.17–3472; p = 0.009), history of stillbirth (aOR = 44; 95% CI: 7-270; p < 0.0001), placenta abruption (aOR = 14; 95% CI: 2.4–84; p = 0.003), hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (aOR = 18; 95% CI: 3.4–98; p = 0.001), malaria (aOR = 8; 95% CI: 1.51-42; p = 0.015), alcohol consumption (aOR = 9; 95% CI: 1.72-50; p = 0.01), birth weight less than 2500 g (aOR = 16; 95% CI: 3.0–89; p = 0.001), and congenital malformations (aOR = 12.6; 95% CI: 1.06–149.7;p = 0.045).ConclusionThe stillbirth rate in BRH is 8.9 per 1000 live births. Associated factors for stillbirth include nulliparity, not attending antenatal care, history of stillbirth, placental abruption, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, malaria, alcohol consumption, birth weight less than 2500 g, and congenital malformations. Close antenatal care follow-up of women with such associated factors is recommended.

Understanding Maternal Nutrition Insights from Pregnant Women in Bamenda, Cameroon

The foundation for good physical health is good nutritional status. Nutritional status of pregnant women is directly affected by the foods they eat and their nutrient content. Nutritional knowledge is positively associated with diet quality. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status and nutrition education knowledge of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Bamenda Health District (BHD). &#x0D; Study Design: This study was carried conducted in BHD in the North West Region of Cameroon, with pregnant women aged 13 to 49 years recruited from public hospitals.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: BHD including (Bamenda Regional Hospital, Azire Integrated Health centre, Atuakom Integrated Health Centre, Ntambag Integrated Health Centre) between April 2022 to September 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross sectional study carried out in four health facilities BHD. Random sampling technique was done to target the sample size of 354 pregnant women. A questionnaire was developed to collect socio-demographic information and clinical records of the pregnant women. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical and dietary assessments of the women were determined using standard techniques. Data collected was analysed by MS excel and SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Results were considered at significance level P ≤ 0.05. &#x0D; Results: The mean age of the study population was 26.4±5.5years and the average intake of servings of meals per day was suboptimal in the consumption of vegetables (2±1.9), fruits (0.6± 1.3) and milk (0.4 ±0.6) food groups. Women consumed diets that met less than 50% of energy needs. There exists a significant difference in mean energy requirements 1828.8 ± 152.9 Kcal compared to mean energy intake 1192.0 ± 344.6 Kcal which is below the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) of 2400 kcal for pregnant women. Ignorance still existed in dietary knowledge and 18.1% of the women were anaemic. &#x0D; Conclusion: There was an overall suboptimal approach to dietary intake among the pregnant women, inadequate food intake, poor food choices and limited healthy dietary knowledge. Thus pregnant women in BHD still need more access to information on dietary information.

Microbial Profile of Diabetic Foot Ulcers of Patients Attending the Regional Hospital Bamenda (Cameroon)

Microbial Profile of Diabetic Foot Ulcers of Patients Attending the Regional Hospital Bamenda (Cameroon)

Analysis of the Outcomes of Tuberculosis Treatment and Factors Associated with Successful Treatment at the Bamenda Regional Hospital: A 10-year Retrospective Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health issue, impacting millions of people worldwide. This study determined the outcomes of TB treatment managed within a 10 year period at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon. A retrospective study was carried out among 2428 patients diagnosed and treated for active TB infection from 2013 to 2022, at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Data collection was done from March to April 2023 using a data extraction form. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with successful TB treatment outcomes. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Of the 2428 patients with TB, 1380 (56.8%) were cured, 739 (30.4%) completed treatment, treatment failures were recorded in 10 (0.4%) patients, and 200 (8.2%) died during or after receiving treatment. Treatment default was the outcome in 99 (4.1%). Successful treatment outcomes were reported in 2119 (87.3%). Patients within age groups 41-50 (P = 0.010), 51-60 (P = 0.041), and >60 years (P = 0.006), male (P = 0.004), and human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients (P < 0.001) had decreased odds of successful treatment outcomes. The outcomes of treatment within a 10 year period showed that the treatment success was 2.7% below the World Health Organizations target. Prioritizing vulnerable patient groups in TB management and implementing public health interventions such as financial assistance and nutritional support will go a long way in improving treatment outcomes.

Prevalence and associated factors of a positive Plasmodium falciparum antigen test among pregnant women at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon: a cross-sectional analytical study

Prevalence and associated factors of a positive <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> antigen test among pregnant women at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon: a cross-sectional analytical study

Prevalence of Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection and Associated Risk Factors amongst Women of Childbearing Age Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Prevalence of Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection and Associated Risk Factors amongst Women of Childbearing Age Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Prevention of Post-Partum Hemorrhage: Comparison of Oxytocin and Misoprostol. A Two center study in the Bamenda and Nkwen Health Districts

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most common obstetrical complications affecting up to 18% of deliveries. Globally, it is responsible for 35 – 55% of peripartum maternal deaths. In Cameroon, the maternal mortality rate is at 406 maternal death per 100,000 live births, with PPH being the leading cause accounting for about 25%. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of misoprostol versus oxytocin in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in the Bamenda Health District and Nkwen Health District. Methods: This was a hospital-based randomized clinical trial study in the Bamenda Regional Hospital and Nkwen District Hospital. The study was conducted from March 1st to May 31st 2021 including pregnant women who delivered at the maternity at these two hospitals. All their pregnancy was singleton gestation at term and haven given their informed consent. Women with known history of cardiac, renal, hepatic diseases or any coagulopathy, Cesarean delivery were excluded. We randomized 308 participants in a 1:1 ratio to receive 800 μg of oral misoprostol or 10IU of oxytocin intramuscularly during the active management of third stage of labor (AMSTL). The Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and hematocrit (HCT) of the participants were measured before and 24hrs after delivery. Our primary outcome of interest was (Post-Partum Hemorrhage) PPH, defined as Hb change ≥ 1g/dl within 24hrs of delivery. Secondary outcomes included; mean Hb change, Hb change ≥2g/dl (severe PPH). Dichotomous outcomes between study groups were compared by estimating crude relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression (the chi-square test) was done to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage, with a level of significance at 5%. Results: After 24hrs, Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurred in 41 (26.6%) and 47 (30.5%) participants in the misoprostol and oxytocin groups respectively (RR= 0.87, 95% C.I= 0.61 - 1.24, p=0.449). Severe postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 3 (1.9%) and 5 (3.2%) participants in the misoprostol and oxytocin groups respectively (RR= 0.6, 95% C.I=0.15 - 2.47, p=0.723). Past history of PPH (aOR=10.1 (3.5 – 28.6), p&lt;0.0001), augmentation of labor (aOR=3.4 (1.6 – 7.1), p=0.0011), fetal birth weight ≥3.5Kg (aOR=2.5 (1.3 – 4.8), p=0.0074) and retained products (aOR= 8.4 (4.2 – 16.7), p&lt;0.0001) were risk factors of PPH. Participants in the misoprostol group more commonly experienced shivering (RR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0 - 5.1, p&lt;0.0001) and nausea/vomiting (RR 35.5, 95% CI 8.9 – 142.2, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Oral misoprostol at the dose of 800μg is as effective as 10 IU IM Oxytocin in the prevention of PPH and is a potent alternative to oxytocin. Most common risk factors of PPH are past history of PPH, augmentation of labor, fetal weight ≥ 3.5kg and retained products. Side effects were mostly associated with 800μg of oral Misoprostol.

The Spectrum of Childhood Tuberculosis in an African Setting: A Hospital-Based Experience in Bamenda, Cameroon.

Difficulty in confirming childhood tuberculosis leads to late diagnosis and subsequently poor outcomes. This study aimsto determinethe epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and outcomes of childhood tuberculosis at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. This was a retrospective study involving childrenaged between0-15 years with confirmed tuberculosis fromJanuary 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. We excluded children without proven tuberculosis diagnosis. Data were obtained from files using predesigned data collection forms. In total, 108 proven cases of childhood tuberculosis were managed in our study period out of which 86 fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were recruited. This gave a prevalence of 4.5% at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. The mean age of the children was 9.6±4.5years. We had a sex ratio of 0.8. The most frequent presenting symptoms were cough (98.8%) and fever (87.2%). Gene Xpert confirmed the diagnosis in 96.2% of the children, smear microscopy in 88.5%, and histopathological analysis in 100% of biopsied specimens. Non-cavitating lesions (43.6%) were the most frequent chest x-ray finding. The majority of the childhood tuberculosis cases were pulmonary (96.5%). Most children (76.7%) were cured and the mortality was 11.3%. The risk of death of children younger than 5 years (P= .015)wasincreased 9 times. We found the prevalence of childhood tuberculosis to be 4.5% at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Most children presented with cough, fever, and weight loss. There was a high cure rate and low mortality, and age less than 5 years significantly increased the risk of mortality.

Indications and complications of lower extremity amputations in two tertiary hospitals in the North West Region of Cameroon.

the study aimed to outline the common indications and complications of lower extremity amputations among amputated patients in two tertiary hospitals in the North West Region of Cameroon. this hospital based retrospective study was conducted in the Bamenda Regional Hospital and Mbingo Baptist Hospital over a 5-year period from 2015-2019. We identified and reviewed amputee´s medical records over the 5-year period. A well designed extraction form was used for data collection and the data obtained was analysed using Epi-info version 7.2.4. a total of 148 patients underwent 159 amputations in Bamenda Regional Hospital and Mbingo Baptist Hospital with a mean age of 54.28 years (SD ±19.28). Males out-numbered females with a ratio of 2: 1. The most common indication for lower extremity amputation was Diabetic foot gangrene (42.14%) followed by trauma (22.01%). The most frequently performed procedure was Below Knee Amputation (48.42%). Post-amputation complication rate was recorded at 40.25% with surgical site infection being the most common (25.8%). Mortality rate was recorded at 6.28%. diabetic foot gangrene is the leading indication of lower limb amputation in our setting and the most frequently performed procedure is Below Knee Amputation with surgical site infection being the most common complication.

Maternal and Foetal Outcome among Pregnant Women Infected with COVID-19 in Three Referral Hospitals in Cameroon

Introduction: Pregnancy is generally known to be an immune compromised state, thus placing pregnant women at risk of SARS-COV-2 infection. We therefore carried out this study to assess the maternal and foetal outcomes among pregnant women infected with COVID-19 in three referral hospitals in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective case control study covering a two-year period. Data collection was done over a duration of four months at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital and the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Cases were pregnant women who gave birth after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, matched 1:2 by age (±1 year) and parity (±1) to pregnant women not infected by COVID-19, who gave birth at the three hospitals within the same period. Results: The rate of caesarean section delivery among our cases was 52.4% as compared to 44.3% among controls (OR, 1.38, 95% CI, 0.74 - 2.60, P = 0.296). Maternal mortality rate in our cases was at 8.2% as compared to 6.6% in controls (OR, 1.60, 95% CI, 0.50 - 5.12, P = 0.422). The rate of preterm delivery in our cases was 24.6% as compared to 11.5% in the control group (OR, 2.39, 95% CI, 1.05 - 5.42, P = 0.025). Perinatal death rate in our study was recorded at 8.2% as compared to 3.4% in the controls (OR, 2.63, 95% CI, 0.68 - 10.18, PS = 0.162) Conclusion: Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 were found to have higher risks of preterm delivery and acute foetal distress as compared to pregnant women who were not infected. Caesarean section deliveries, maternal and foetal mortality were higher in COVID-19 infected pregnant women as compared to those not though these findings were not statistically significant.

Reduced susceptibility to carbapenems in Enterobacteriaceae and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli strains isolated from clinical and zoonotic sources in the Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon.

food-producing animals harbour pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria which can be transmitted to humans. Resistance to carbapenems may complicate treatment resulting to debilitating consequences. This study aimed at determining the susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae to carbapenems and to compare the resistant patterns of E. coli strains isolated from clinical and zoonotic sources. this was a cross-sectional study involving patients presenting at the Bamenda Regional Hospital and abattoir samples. Clinical samples (faeces and urine) and zoonotic samples (cattle faeces) were cultured and isolates identified using API-20E. Enterobacteriaceae isolates were tested for their susceptibility to Carbapenems. The susceptibility of E. coli was tested against eight antibiotics on Mueller Hinton agar. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Enterobacteriaceae isolates from clinical specimen showed susceptibility of 93.3% to carbapenems. Out of 208 isolates 14 (6.7%) were Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) while 30 (14.4%) showed intermediate resistance and 164 (78.9%) were susceptible. The predominant CRE were Proteus (7/16, 43.8%), Providencia (3/15, 20.0%) and E. coli (4/60, 6.7%) with E. coli being the most clinically significant CRE. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 83% of E. coli isolates, with the highest resistance being against vancomycin (90, 81.8%), azithromycin (69, 62.7%) and doxycycline (68, 61.8%). Clinical isolates were significantly (P<0.05) more resistant to azithromycin, trimethoprim-suphamethoxazole and gentamicin than zoonotic isolates. CRE were detected among isolates and a high rate of multiple drug resistance was observed among E. coli isolates. Proper antibiotic policies and good hygiene/sanitation measures may curb the development/spread of CRE and MDR E. coli.

Prevalence and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Maternal Obesity in the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Prevalence and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Maternal Obesity in the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Diabetes Mellitus and HIV Infection among Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the North West Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To determine the prevalence rate of HIV and diabetes among tuberculosis (TB) patients and also the comorbidity rate. Cross-sectional study. Setting. This study was carried out at the Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Regional Hospital Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, from January 2017 to December 2019. Participants. 1115 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis aged ≥14 years (mean 42.5 ± 15.28 years). Sputum samples collected were acid-fast stained and examined macroscopically as well as inoculated for culture. A chest X-ray was performed for further confirmation of TB diagnosis. After the TB diagnosis was done, fasting blood glucose, 2 h-PG test, HbA1c, and biochemical enzymatic tests were performed for the diagnosis of diabetes. Rapid strip test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to diagnose HIV infection. Interventions. No intervention was done during the period of study. Outcome Measures. The prevalence of TB/HIV and TB/HIV/DM, signs and symptoms, imaging results, and bacteriology status among TB/HIV, TB/HIV/DM coinfected, and comorbidity cases. Of 1115 participants, 38.57% had TB/HIV, and 5.83% had TB/HIV/DM. Among TB/HIV/DM cases, 20.39% had a cough for more than 2 weeks [p < 0.0001; OR (95%CI): 4.866 (3.170-7.404)], and 35.71% had a fever for at least 2 weeks [p < 0.0001; OR (95%CI): 7.824 (5.336-11.36)]. The majority of TB/HIV/DM patients (77.42%) had chest pain for at least 2 weeks [p < 0.0001; OR (95%CI): 114.3 (59.78-207.1)]. 7.41%, 14.18%, and 9.09% of TB/HIV/DM, respectively, had chest abnormality, positive smear, and positive culture (p = 0.018). Significant differences were observed between signs and symptoms, imaging results, bacteriology, treatment history for TB cases and those with HIV and/or DM, and those without HIV and/or DM coinfection and comorbidity. This study reports a high prevalence of DM comorbidity and HIV coinfection among active TB patients in the North West Region of Cameroon as well as TB/HIV/DM comorbidity.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with public health importance. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its risk factors among pregnant women consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

Prevalence of Pubertal Delay in Paediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background: In Cameroon, Paediatric HIV occurs in 7 per 500,000 people living with HIV. HIV infection can result in impaired sexual development and delayed puberty. There are few studies on the impact of HIV on puberty. Aim: To determine prevalence of pubertal delay in paediatric population infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that assessed puberty using the Marshall and Tanner staging system in 120 HIV positive children aged 8-18years, at the Bamenda Regional Hospital treatment Centre from February to May 2022. Data obtained included sex, age, tanner stage of development and age at puberty. Results: Of 120 participants included, the majority 64(53.3%) were girls. The median (IQR) age was 13.9(11.1-15.8) and 71(59.2%) were aged =13years. Sixty-three (52.5%) participants were in Tanner stage 1-2 and the prevalence of pubertal delay was 12.7%. Median age at puberty in years was thelarche: 12.5(9.9-14.4), adrenarche: 13.2(11.8-14.6), menarche: 14(13-14) in girls and gonadarche: 12.9(11.6-14.4), adrenarche: 13.3(11.4-14.4) in boys. Conclusion: About 13% of HIV infected children on ART experience pubertal delay with a prevalence rate of 12.7%.

Growth, Morbidity and Neurological Outcome of a Cohort of Neonates in a Kangaroo Mother Care Program, in a Regional Hospital in Cameroon

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a cost-effective intervention for the management of low birth weight babies in resource-limited settings such as Cameroon. Outcome data on babies followed through this intervention have been scarce since the implementation of the KMC programme in the Regional Hospital of Bamenda (RHB), North West region of Cameroon. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing growth, morbidity and outcome of neonates in the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at the Regional Hospital Bamenda, Cameroon. Methods: It included 132 neonates with a birth weight of &lt;2500 g who received KMC and followed up after discharge from 40 weeks post-conception, then 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Motor development was evaluated using the Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) test. Results: Weight and height followed the same pattern as for term new-borns on the World Health Organization (WHO) curves. The same pattern of growth for head circumference was noted except at 6 months in boys and 9 months in girls, where an acceleration at the 95th percentile was observed. The three most common morbidities observed were upper respiratory tract infections (46.96%), diaper rashes (15.91%) and abdominal infant colics (9.85%). Neurological evaluation was appropriate when compared with WHO standards. Conclusion: Growth and neurological evaluation was appropriate and comparable with WHO references and few morbidities were noted. Keywords: Kangaroo Mother Care; Neonates; Growth; Outcome; Cameroon

BODY MASS INDEX AND CD4 COUNT IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT AT THE BAMENDA REGIONAL HOSPITAL, CAMEROON

Background: The long-term effect of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has caused weight gain among HIV-infected individuals, leading to an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) has been associated with adverse health outcome in non-HIV and HIV populations.&#x0D; Aim of the Study: To evaluate the relationship between BMI, and CD4 count among HIV infected subjects undergoing treatment with HAART.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study involving 205 HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from the Day Hospital of the Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH). Past medical records were used to gather demographic, clinical and anthropometric information dating from August 2014 to September 2015. Records for CD4 counts were taken at 2 instances (first and second CD4 count) per patient after a strict interval of 6 months. Data was analysed using EPI Info version 3.5.1 and Excel 2007. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to measure proportions and associations respectively.&#x0D; Results: Of the 205 subjects, 69.8 % (n = 143) were women and 30.2 % (n = 62) were men. Subjects were aged from 22 - 72 years. The prevalence of the weight categories were: obese (21.5 %), overweight (35.1 %), normal weight (42.4 %) and underweight (1 %). Women had significantly higher CD4 counts than men (P = 0.05 and P = 0.002 respectively). BMI was positively associated with CD4 count (P = 0.002). Normal weight was a protective factor for the outcome of a CD4 decrease (OR = 0.5033 95 % CI 0.29-0.89).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there was a direct and significant association between CD4 count and BMI in HIV-infected persons. However more research is needed to prove the credibility of obesity, as a protective factor for HIV infected person especially.