Dschang Health District Research Articles

Fertility and Miscarriage Incidence After Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment by Thermal Ablation: A Cohort Study.

To assess the impact of thermal ablation (TA) for the treatment of cervical dysplasia on fertility and pregnancy outcomes among women screened for cervical cancer in Cameroon. Retrospective cohort study. Dschang health district, Cameroon. Participants aged 30-45 years from two screening trials conducted between 2015 and 2020 in Dschang District Hospital. Participants were primarily screened for human papillomavirus infection, triaged by visual inspection and treated by TA if needed. Between October 2021 and March 2022, interviews on subsequent fertility were conducted with participants treated by TA and a control group of untreated women. Pregnancy and miscarriage after screening/treatment. A total of 760 participants (219 treated and 541 untreated) completed the survey, with a mean follow-up time of 1297 days. Sixty-two women (28.3%) treated by TA reported a pregnancy postscreening versus 165 (30.5%) in the control group (p = 0.550). Adjusted for potential confounders, the hazard ratio of pregnancy for treated compared with untreated women was 0.82 (0.54-1.24, p = 0.350). Among women reporting pregnancies with a known outcome and which were not voluntarily terminated, 18 (35.3%) treated participants had a miscarriage versus 31 (21.4%) in the control group (p = 0.048). In the adjusted model, no association remained between TA and miscarriage (1.04, 0.39-2.78, p = 0.935). In our study population, TA did not significantly impact fertility nor miscarriage risk. Our results support the widespread use of TA as a treatment of choice for precancerous cervical lesions in low-income settings.

Assessment of the health care offer of free malaria treatment among under five children in the Dschang health district

Introduction: Malaria is the most widespread endemic disease in Cameroon and is a major public health problem, placing a heavy burden on the well-being of children under the age of 5, who are a vulnerable target. In order to combat this burden, the Cameroonian government has provided free malaria treatment for children under 5 since February 2011 for simple, uncomplicated malaria and since May 2014 for severe malaria. The aim of this study was to describe the provision of free malaria treatment for children under five in the Dschang health district. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the Dschang health district from November 2022 to July 2023 in public and private health facilities providing malaria treatment for children under five. Data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire administered face-to-face to health facility personnel. The data were analysed using SPSS 20 software for proportions, and ArcGIS 10.3.1 for a map of the provision of free malaria treatment in the Dschang health district. Results: Of the 88 health facilities visited in the Dschang Health District, most personnel that participated were state nurse and where in the rural area, belonging to the 6th category of health facilities and being in the private sector. Only 21 (23.6%) health facilities offering free malaria treatment for children under five in the Dschang Health District. Most health facilities were in need of materials and drug subventions. Most health personnel 74 (84.1%) had a good knowledge on free malaria treatment policy, and the main barrier face by these health facilities was the lack of subvention 71 (80.7%). Conclusion: Most health facilities do not offer free malaria treatment even if, most of them are well informed about the free malaria treatment policy in Cameroon.

Frequency and determinants of phytotherapy use in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Dschang Health District, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

phytotherapy is widely used in Africa for the management of many diseases. Data on the use of phytotherapy in people with type 2 diabetes are scarce. We aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with the consumption/use of phytotherapy products among patients with type 2 diabetes in the Dschang Health District. we conducted a cross-sectional study from January to May 2022, including community-dwelling or hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes who had lived in the Dschang Health District for at least one year. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Variables collected included socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes knowledge and practices, and perceptions of care. we included 403 (249 women) patients with type 2 diabetes with a mean (SD) age of 63 (± 14.86) years). Among them, 240 (59.55%) used phytotherapy, either in combination with conventional treatment (168 (41.69%) participants) or not (72 (17.86%) participants), to treat diabetes. The most common reasons for using phytotherapy were easy accessibility and belief in its efficacy. Most patients used both treatments because they thought the combination was more effective. In univariable analysis, we observed a statistically significant association between level of education (p=0.003), socioeconomic level (p<0.001), place of residence (p=0.003), duration of diabetes (p=0.007), and use of phytotherapy. In multivariable analysis, only age between 51 and 60 years (OR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.298 - 0.8521; p=0.01) was associated with the use of phytotherapy. people living with T2D in the Dschang Health District frequently use phytotherapy as an antidiabetic remedy, especially those aged between 51 and 60 years, those with low education level, low socioeconomic level and medium duration of diabetes. There is a need to evaluate its effectiveness in treating diabetes and its adverse effects.

Effects of The Covid-19 Pandemic on Health Facilities Preparedness Against an Epidemic of SARS-COV and Cholera in The Dschang Health District

Context and Justification: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic that came on abruptly and therefore affected the world in a short period. To respond effectively to this type of epidemic, healthcare facilities need to prepare properly before and during the epidemic. The level of preparedness determines the response to the problem and the effectiveness of that response. General objective: To assess the effect of COVID-19 on healthcare facilities’ preparedness against an epidemic of cholera and SARS-CoV in the Dschang health district. Methodology: This was an observational, cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component that compared the state of preparedness of healthcare facilities against an epidemic before and during COVID-19. The target was the healthcare facilities of the Dschang Health District. A questionnaire was administered face-to-face to those in charge of the healthcare facilities according to an exhaustive sampling of the healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to present data for the descriptive section. The preparedness progress was determined by comparing means and proportions of variables before and during COVID-19. Results: A total of 72 healthcare facilities were surveyed. Of these, 31 (43.1%) had a ward for the isolation of patients and 58 (80.6%) had a focal point responsible for epidemiological surveillance. Regarding access to water, hygiene, and sanitation, 45 (62.5%) had access to an improved water source and 72 (100.0%) had at least one toilet. During the outbreak, face masks and protective suits respectively were unavailable in 40 (54.1%) and 64 (85.5%) healthcare facilities. There has been a significant improvement in hygiene. The availability of hand washing points and hand sanitizers increased significantly from 23 (31.9%) and 13 (18.1%) to 71 (98.6%) (P-value = 0.000) and 54 (75.0%) (P-value = 0.000) respectively. Conclusion: Even though the availability of resources for epidemic preparedness remains insufficient, they have been significant improvements in the availability of hand washing points and hand sanitizers with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timeliness and missed opportunities for vaccination among children aged 0 to 23 months in Dschang health district, West region, Cameroon: A cross-sectional survey.

Missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) reflect quality of immunization service. The objective of this study was to assess vaccination timeliness, prevalence, and characteristics of MOVs among children aged 0-23 months, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of health workers towards immunization. An exit interview method was used to select caregivers and health personnel. Selection took place in 26 health facilities within 14 health areas in the Dshcang Health district. Data were collected using two face-to-face questionnaires adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) tools. We conducted an evaluation of all free vaccines in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). We studied timeliness, assessed MOV, and knowledge, behaviour and attitude of health workers on immunization. Basic statistical tests were used to study the association between MOV and socio demographic characteristics. A total of 363 children aged 0 to 23 months were surveyed. A total of 88 (91.66%) of health personnel agreed to participate in our study. A total of 298 (82.1%) children had vaccination cards with dates, leading to 18% not completely vaccinated. Vaccination timeliness ranged from 20% to 77%. Overall MOV estimated was 23.83%, range from 0% to 16.4% among all vaccines. Among health workers, 70.45% (62/88) had insufficient knowledge on vaccination, 73.86% assessed the vaccination status of children during any routine visit and 74% ask parents to bring the child's vaccination record to any health facility visit. The study highlighted presence of MOV among children. Strategies for remedying this includes strengthening parents' knowledge, organizing refresher courses for health workers on vaccination, and systematically assessing children's vaccination status.

Arboviruses as an unappreciated cause of non-malarial acute febrile illness in the Dschang Health District of western Cameroon.

Acute febrile illness is a common problem managed by clinicians and health systems globally, particularly in the Tropics. In many regions, malaria is a leading and potentially deadly cause of fever; however, myriad alternative etiologies exist. Identifying the cause of fever allows optimal management, but this depends on many factors including thorough knowledge of circulating infections. Arboviruses such as dengue (DENV) cause fever and may be underdiagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is a major focus. We examined cases of fever in western Cameroon that tested negative for malaria and found 13.5% (13/96) were due to DENV, with 75% (9/12) of these being DENV serotype 2 infections. Two complete DENV2 genomes were obtained and clustered closely to recent isolates from Senegal and Burkina Faso. The seroprevalence of DENV in this region was 24.8% (96/387). Neutralizing antibodies to DENV2 were detected in all (15/15) seropositive samples tested. Chikungunya (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same principal vector as DENV. The seroprevalence for CHIKV was 15.7% (67/427); however, CHIKV did not cause a single case of fever in the 96 subjects tested. Of note, being seropositive for one arbovirus was associated with being seropositive for the other (Χ2 = 16.8, p<0.001). Taken together, these data indicate that Aedes-transmitted arboviruses are endemic in western Cameroon and are likely a common but underappreciated cause of febrile illness. This work supports the need for additional study of arboviruses in sub-Saharan Africa and efforts to improve diagnostic capacity, surveillance systems, and arbovirus prevention strategies.

Metabolic Syndrome During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Determinants Among Pregnant Women Followed-Up at the Dschang District Hospital, West Region of Cameroon.

PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MS) during pregnancy constitutes a serious threat to the mother and child health that will shortly become a major public health issue, especially in developing countries. However, in Cameroon, epidemiological data on MS during pregnancy are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of MS among pregnant women followed-up at the Dschang District Hospital (DDH), in the west region of Cameroon.Patients and MethodsThis study was a hospital based cross-sectional study, carried out among pregnant women followed-up at the antenatal care unit of the DDH, from September 2019 to June 2020. Participants were assessed on sociodemographic, lifestyle parameters, and dietary habits using standardized and structured questionnaires. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and biochemical markers were measured using standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the HNLBI/AHA definition, modified for pregnant women by Chatzi et al. A participant was recorded as having MS if presenting at least three of the following criteria: Pre-gestational BMI >30 kg/m2; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl; HDL cholesterol <50 mg/dl; SBP ≥130/DBP ≥85 mm/Hg; and fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dl.ResultsSix hundred and four (604) pregnant women were included in the study. The prevalence of MS was 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its most frequent individual components were low levels of HDL-cholesterol (66.23% (95% CI: 62.36–69.88)) and hypertriglyceridemia (28% (95% CI: 54.31–62.15)). Grand multiparous shows a higher risk of presenting MS (OR:3.06, 95% CI: 1.24–7.12; p = 0.011) compared to nulliparous. Pregestational BMI appears to be the best predictor of MS during pregnancy even after adjustment on age, parity, lifestyle and dietary habits (OR: 46.46, 95% CI: 15.58–138.49; p ˂ 0.0001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MS on pregnant women in the Dschang health district is 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its major determinant is pre-gestational obesity. This work provides quality preliminary data for the design and improvement of prevention strategies.

Acceptability and safety of thermal ablation to prevent cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends thermal ablation as an alternative to cryotherapy to treat women with precancerous lesions in low-resource settings. However, limited data are available on women’s experience and adverse events (AEs) of the procedure in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and safety of thermal ablation in women screened positive for precancerous cervical lesions.MethodsAsymptomatic women aged 30–49 years old living in the Dschang Health District were invited to participate in a cervical cancer screening campaign termed “3 T-Approach” (for Test-Triage and Treat). Recruited women were asked to perform HPV self-sampling followed by triage with visual assessment and treatment with thermal ablation if required. After treatment and 4–6 weeks later, interviews were conducted to assess women’s experience on anxiety, discomfort, and pain during thermal ablation. AEs were recorded on pre-defined electronic forms 4–6 weeks after treatment to assess the procedure’s safety.ResultsBetween September 2018 and December 2020, 399 HPV-positive women (18.7% of women screened) were recruited, 236 (59.1%) had a positive visual assessment, 234 were treated by thermal ablation and 198 (84.6%) received therapy in the same visit. Treatment was not considered as painful (score ≤ 4/10) by 209 (90.9%) patients while 5 (2.5%) reported high pain (score 8–10/10). During post-treatment interviews 4–6 weeks later, most reported AEs were graded mild or moderate (grade I-II). The most frequent symptoms reported as mild AEs (grade 1–2) were vaginal watery discharge (75.5%), vaginal bloody-stained discharge (21.5%) and malodourous discharge (14.5%). None of the participants experienced serious AEs (grade 3–4) or AEs requiring admission to hospital or emergency consultation. The vast majority of women (99.6%) would agree to repeat the procedure if necessary and (99.6%) would recommend it to friends or family.ConclusionThermal ablation is widely accepted by women and appears as a safe procedure. It may contribute to improving the link between screening and treatment in a single visit and to optimizing cervical cancer control in low-resource settings.Trial registrationThe study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03757299) in November 2018 (28/11/2018).

Arboviruses as an unappreciated cause of non-malarial acute febrile illness in the Dschang Health District of western Cameroon

Arboviruses as an unappreciated cause of non-malarial acute febrile illness in the Dschang Health District of western Cameroon

Pregnancy outcomes in women with excessive gestational weight gain in Dschang health district of Cameroon

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for the mother and/or the new-born. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of EGWG as well as its effect on pregnancy outcomes amongst pregnant women at the health district of Dschang in Cameroon. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a cross sectional study conducted from January to June 2019 and targeting all consenting pregnant women in Dschang District Hospital. They were administered a prepared questionnaire followed by their body mass index measurements for times at the beginning and the end of gestation to measure GWG. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of the EGWG to some particular pregnancy outcomes, adjusting for other factors with significance set at 5%. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 400 women were included in this study with a mean age of 27±5years, 59.2% being married and 34.8% still being students. Also it was noted that 24.8% of these women were obese while 25.3% had EGWG. Furthermore, EGWG was independently associated to prolonged labour (aOR=2.4; CI: 1.3-4.6; p value=0.007), genital tract laceration (aOR=2.0; CI: 1.0-3.8; p value=0.036) and foetal macrosomia (aOR=7.3; CI: 3.5-15.2; p value&amp;lt;0.001).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The prevalence of EGWG was high and it was associated with prolonged labour, genital tract laceration and foetal macrosomia. There is thus the need to improve the awareness of these women on EGWG as well as a constant follow up all through gestational period so as to regulate their GWG. The above measures will help to reduce occurrence of these complications, and consequently reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Distribution of sources of household air pollution: a cross-sectional study in Cameroon

BackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) is a recognised risk factor for many diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular/circulatory disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cataracts. Population exposure to biomass fuels, including wood, varies among countries and from one fuel source to the other. This study aimed to investigate the different sources of HAP in peri-urban and rural communities in Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of households from the Dschang Health District (DHD) region. This included 848 homes in which a range of fuels for cooking including biomass (firewood, charcoal, sawdust), kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were used both indoors and outdoors.ResultsOf the study households, 651 (77%) reported exclusive use of firewood and 141 (17%) reported using more than one source of fuel. Exclusive use of firewood was greater in rural communities (94%) than in peri-urban communities (38%). In peri-urban communities, use of multiple fuels including LPG, wood, sawdust and kerosene, was more common (44.75%). A total of 25.03% of households in both peri-urban and rural communities reported using bottled gas (or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. Motivations for choice of fuel included, affordability, availability, rapidity, and cultural factors.ConclusionWood is the main cooking fuel in both peri-urban and rural communities in the Dschang Health District. Supporting households (especially those with limited resources) to adopt LPG equipment for cooking, and use in a more exclusive way is required to help reduce household air pollution.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Primary Preventive Measures of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study in Dschang, West Cameroon

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. They are the first cause of death in the world. 80% of these diseases occur in developing countries where the progression is noted, due to insufficient preventive measures for the most part. In Cameroon, CVD is on the increase and is the second leading cause of death in the adult population. Methods: The objective of this study was to assess the level of education of the populations of rural health areas of the Dschang Health District (DHD) on the prevention of CVD. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted within DHD, West Cameroon. The data was collected with help of a questionnaire administered face to face to the participants (672 people) and analyzed with the use of Epi info software. Results: In this study, 672 people were interviewed (62% female). The age varied between 18 and 97 years, with an average age of 38±18 years. Most of the population (88%) knew of the existence of CVD, but the majority (86.4%) had a low level of knowledge of preventive methods (less than three prevention methods). The best-known preventive method was eating less salt (16.2%) and the least known, controlling blood lipids (0.2%). Regarding prevention attitudes, 66.7% of the participants had never expressed a desire for information on CVD before the survey. Half of the population had (50%) had a low level of practice, the most common prevention method was regular physical activity (75%) and the least practiced was lipid control (0.4%). Conclusion: These results show that participants had poor knowledge, inappropriate attitudes and poor practices about CVD prevention; hence the need to establish an awareness program focused on cardiovascular risk factors, prevention methods and CVD screening in this population.

Semen quality among men attending urology services in the Dschang Health District, west Cameroon: A retrospective study on 379 cases.

BackgroundInfertility is a common condition affecting at least 15% of couples worldwide, and male factors are involved in about half of this prevalence rate. In Cameroon, about 20%-40% of couples are the victims. However, the sperm characteristics of infertile men are yet to be described in the health districts in Cameroon for better management of male infertility.Objective The present study was designed to assess the sperm profile and related sociodemographic factors of men attending the urology services at the Dschang Health District.Materials and Methods It consisted of a 10 yr retrospective study carried out in the Dschang Health District. The results of patients' semen analysis (SA) were computed using Epi Info software and expressed as qualitative and quantitative spermogram state as described by the clinician and sociodemographic features of those patients.ResultsOut of the 379 patients studied, 83.91% had abnormal spermogram. Patients older than 50 yr were the most affected when grouped into age categories. With regard to patient's profession, 52.51% had specified their profession and from that group, although farmers (9.31%) represented the lowest size category, they were the most affected with 94.74% having abnormal spermogram.ConclusionThis study indicates that the sperm damage is the major cause of male infertility in the Dschang Health District. It also shows that farmers are the most affected category and it could be linked to the long-term exposure to pesticides. These results call for the assessment of the reproductive toxicity of locally used pesticides.

Determinants of Noncompletion of the Third Dose of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine in Pregnant Women in Dschang Health District, Cameroon.

Introduction. Tetanus vaccination plays an important role in the fight against neonatal mortality. Our study aimed to determine the noncompletion rate of the 3rd dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine (TTV) and to analyze the associated factors in pregnant women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2 hospitals of Dschang Health District and targeting all women at least in their second gestation coming for antenatal consultation. Upon informed consent by the participant, a prepared questionnaire was administered. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS v22.0 with results presented in means and proportions. Logistic regression was used at two levels to identify independently associated factors for noncompletion of the third dose of TTV with a significance set at 5%. Results A total of 380 pregnant women were recruited in this study of mean age 27 ± 5.2 yrs, 70% being married, more than 80% having at least secondary education, and 31.8% of them being students. It was noted that 172 (45.26%) of these women had not received the third dose of TTV. The analysis of the adjusted effects showed that not going to postnatal consultation (aOR = 6.75; 3.98–11.49, p < 0.0001), not accompanying her baby to vaccination (aOR = 3.784; 1.803–7.942, p < 0.0001), not accompanying her baby to vaccination (aOR = 3.784; 1.803–7.942, p < 0.0001), not accompanying her baby to vaccination (aOR = 3.784; 1.803–7.942, Conclusion Tetanus vaccination coverage is not yet optimal in Dschang Health District and is associated with marital status as well as postgestational behavior of the mothers. There is thus the need to put in place strategies that will provide social support to single mothers as well as encourage women to attend postnatal consultation and to accompany their own children for vaccination. Furthermore, community-based vaccination could capture some of the lost women thus optimizing the overall vaccination coverage.

Prevalence and factors associated with dysmenorrhea in women at child bearing age in the Dschang Health District, West-Cameroon.

Introductiondysmenorrhea is a painful phenomenon at the pelvis region preceding or following menstruation. Dysmenorrhea accounts among the most frequent problem of women at child bearing age and affects 45% to 95% of them. According to the WHO, 16.8 to 81% of women are affected by dysmenorrhea. The present study was carried out at the Dschang Health District in order to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated factors among women at child bearing age.Methodsa transversal community-based study was carried out from March to June 2018. Information regarding socio-demographic features, prevalence, factors associated with the dysmenorrhea and the effect of dysmenorrhea on daily activities were collected using structured questionnaire and data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.1.3.3 Software.Resultsa total of 637 women aged 12 to 50 years were interviewed in the present study. The mean body mass index was 25.94 with an average weight of 66.41 kilogram. Fifty six point twenty percent (56.20%) of participants had dysmenorrhea. From all risks factors fund only the normal body mass index (OR = 3.08, P-value = 0.01) having a significant association with the occurrence of dysmenorrhea. Daily activities were affected in 73.25% of participants dysmenorrheic and those who had some episodes of dysmenorrhea.Conclusionthe present study showed that more than a half of respondents were dysmenorrheic and several factors were associated with this pathology. This study also suggests that dysmenorrhea have a negative impact on the daily activities of women at child bearing age.

Assessment of the Willingness of the Pregnant Women to Pay for the SMS Texts or Phone Calls for the Improvement of Prenatal and Postnatal Health Care Services Dschang Health District, West Region, Cameroon

Assessment of the Willingness of the Pregnant Women to Pay for the SMS Texts or Phone Calls for the Improvement of Prenatal and Postnatal Health Care Services Dschang Health District, West Region, Cameroon

Assessing implementation modalities of mhealth intervention on pregnant women in Dschang health district, West region of Cameroon.

IntroductionEvery 90 seconds, a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, resulting in more than 340,000 maternal deaths a year. Antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) are significant determinants of maternal health and, particularly, safe motherhood. Antenatal care is an important predictor of safe delivery and provides health information and services that can improve the health of women and infants. mHealth broadly encompasses the use of mobile telecommunication and multimedia technologies as they are integrated within increasingly mobile and wireless health care delivery systems. This study aimed at assessing the acceptable implementation modalities of mHealth intervention on pregnant Women in Dschang health district, West Region of Cameroon.ng ba.MethodsThis was a cross sectional descriptive study in the Dschang health district, West region of Cameroon. Key informants were all pregnant women from 18 years and above and a total of 372 pregnant women were included. This study was carried out from March to July 2017.ResultsMajority of the women, that is, 252(67.74%) were married, 117(31.45%) declaredtheir status as being single, while 3(0.81%) were devorced. Out of the 335 women that declared wanting an mHealth intervention, 41.79% of this number preferred SMS texts in the afternoon, 111(33.13%) in the evening, 46(13.73%) anytime and 38(11.34%) in the morning hours. A total of 83.33% women confirmed using telephone services.ConclusionThis study reveals that cell phones would be the acceptable medium of providing pregnancy and postpartum support to women in the Dschang health district. This is justified by the fact that a vast majority of women interviewed had access to a cell phone and referred to it as their desired and accepted means of communication.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Men of the Dschang Health District in Western-Cameroon

In developing countries, increasing urbanization and lifestyle changes are helping to increase the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among the population through the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The objective was to determine the metabolic syndrome prevalence of men aged from 30 to 60 years. A total of 254 male, initially in apparent good health who consented freely were divided into three age groups: 30-40, 41-50 and 51-60 years. They were randomly selected in 5 urban areas and 5 rural areas. After obtaining ethical clearance, patterns of diet and physical activity, data on socio-demographic conditions, alcoholism and smoking were identified by a questionnaire in a survey. Nurses measured anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. Transaminases, uric acid, creatinine and lipids were assayed. The data collected was submitted to the EPI-InfoTM software version 7.1.5.0. The metabolic syndrome prevalence was 38.98% in the Dschang Health District and we found 31.97% and 48.6% in the rural and urban areas respectively. This prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the participants in this study showed a close association with the lifestyle, as in the drinkers with a prevalence of 71.53% and 41.67% among smokers. Only 19.3% of the university with the metabolic syndrome were identified, while those with high salt consumption had a prevalence of 34.93%. A significant number of participants had metabolic syndrome in the Dschang Health District. This high prevalence might be related to tobacco consumption, alcoholism, reduced physical activity, low educational level and poor diet.

Youth Awareness on Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS in Secondary Schools in the Dschang Municipality (Cameroon): The Mobile Caravan Project.

Awareness is a preventive action to instill in individuals certain concepts to improve their health. It is an essential element in the prevention of sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV and early pregnancies among adolescents. In 2012, the prevalence of HIVin Cameroon was estimated at 4.3%. The young population appear to be the most affected (3.2%); very close to that of the Dschang Health District (Cameroon; 3.1%) in the 15-19 years age group. Theaimof this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Mobile Caravan project on the preventive aspect of STI/HIV/AIDS among youths of Dschang in 10 secondary schools within three years. 2029 students joined the project’s activities and 58.55% of them belonged to the age group of 16-21 years. Most students attended private schools. Nearly 3/4 of students (1515/2029) had an acceptable level of knowledge regarding STI/HIV/AIDS, which increased in number each year (from 641 to 716 students between 2012 and 2014). The Level of knowledge was significantly determinedby the study cycle (P=0.0004), the type of school (P=0.0027) and the year ofimplementation of activities (P=0.0026). The caravan project has greatly contributed to improving young peoples’ awareness on STI/HIV/AIDSin Dschang Municipality.

The expanded program on immunization service delivery in the Dschang health district, west region of Cameroon: a cross sectional survey.

BackgroundVaccination is the most effective intervention strategy, and the provision of vaccination at fixed posts and outreach posts is a backbone of a sustainable vaccination system in developing countries. Access to immunization services is still limited in Cameroon. Several health districts in the west region have recorded new epidemic outbreaks, including the occurrence of a wild polio virus epidemic outbreak in 2013. The aim of this study was to assess immunization service delivery in one of the largest health districts in the west region of Cameroon; the Dschang Health district.MethodsIt was a cross sectional study conducted in 2013, in 42 health facilities covering 18 health areas in the Dschang Health District. Data were collected with questionnaires administered to health personnel face to face and an observation grid was used to assess resources and tools. Data were entered and analyzed in Epi Info.ResultsA total of 42 health facilities were assessed and 77 health personnel were interviewed. Overall, 29 (69.0 %) health facilities organized one vaccination session monthly, 2 (4.8 %) organized an outreach within the last 3 months prior to the study, 15 (35.7 %) did not have a vaccination micro plan, 24 (32.9 %) health personnel had not been supervised for at least the last 6 months prior to the study, 7 (16.7 %) health facilities did not have a functional refrigerator, 1 (2.4 %) did not have a vaccine carrier, 23 (54.8 %) did not have a means of transport (vehicle or motorcycle) and 12 (28.6 %) did not have an EPI guideline. The knowledge of health personnel on vaccine and cold chain management, and on diseases of the EPI under epidemiological surveillance was found to be limited.ConclusionThe frequency and strategic provision of immunization services in the Dschang Health district is inadequate. Resource availability for an adequate provision of immunization services is insufficient. The knowledge of health personnel on vaccine management, cold chain management and on diseases under surveillance by the EPI is limited.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3429-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.