Fako Division Research Articles

The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Coping Mechanisms for Depression among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis at the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Depression frequently occurs among hemodialysis patients and it is associated with various adverse outcomes. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the coping mechanisms for depression among hemodialysis patients having depression. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional interventional study which investigated the effect of education on the patients’ knowledge and practice regarding coping mechanisms for depression. Purposive and consecutive convenient sampling methods were used to select the study site and enroll participants to the study respectively. The study was conducted in the Hemodialysis Center at the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH) in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The study participants were made up of 63 hemodialysis patients aged 21years and above who met the inclusion criteria and gave their consent to participate in the study. The intervention was education on coping mechanisms for depression that was administered after a pretest. A semi-structured questionnaire made up of 10 questions was used to collect data on knowledge and practice of coping mechanisms for depression before and after the intervention to compare results. Each patient level of depression was noted. Patients with physical and cognitive impairment were excluded. Those who scored 7 and above were said to be knowledgeable and practiced depression coping mechanisms. Data was collected from May 13 to June 15, 2019, data collected was coded and entered into EPI and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Results: The majority (80.6%) of the participants knew and had used one or more of the depression coping mechanisms, but 41.8% of them did not know if it could manage depression effectively. Educating hemodialysis patients on depression coping mechanisms significantly decreased their levels of depression x2 =39.688; (p<0.00). Conclusion: Some patients undergoing hemodialysis were not knowledgeable on the coping mechanisms for depression and did not know if these could manage depression effectively. Therefore, education is vital in decreasing levels of depression amongst hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted in only one health facility hence, the results may not generalized to the entire nation

Impact of Behaviour Change Communication on Uptake of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Health Workers in Fako Division, Cameroon

Impact of Behaviour Change Communication on Uptake of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Health Workers in Fako Division, Cameroon

Predictors and Complications of Prematurity in Two Health Facilities in Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Predictors and Complications of Prematurity in Two Health Facilities in Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Youth Engagement and Inclusiveness in Fish Farming in the Fako Division Southwest Region of Cameroon

Youth Engagement and Inclusiveness in Fish Farming in the Fako Division Southwest Region of Cameroon

Trends in Diarrhea Hospitalization among Children <5 Years Old Before and During the Covid-19 Season in Fako Division, Cameroon: A Situation Clouded by Sociopolitical Conflict

Diarrhea is a major cause of illness and death for children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa, with around 500k deaths annually. COVID-19 affected hospitalization rates for diarrhea. This study was done in four hospitals in Fako Division on diarrhea hospitalization records of children under 5 from 2013 to 2022. Stratified sampling was used, and data was summarized using means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. Differences were evaluated using chi square with a significance level of P<0.05. Diarrhea hospitalization rate was high at 30.9%, with more cases reported during Covid-19 than before. Peak hospitalization occurred in 2019 and 2020. However, there was a significant decrease in hospitalization rates in 2021 and 2022. Children aged 0-5 months had the highest rates of diarrhea hospitalization at 29.4%. High diarrhea rates in the study area were due to conflict-related population influx. COVID-19 season saw higher hospitalization rates due to virus-induced diarrhea and population influx. Infants under 5 are most vulnerable to diarrhea. More diarrhea hospitalizations in COVID-19 season due to influx of displaced families and COVID-19 - induced diarrhea caused unusual data. Keywords: Age, COVID-19, Children, Coverage, Diarrhea, Rotavirus, Vaccine, Vaccination, Sub-Saharan Africa.

Prevalence, Associated Factors and Management of Neonatal Jaundice by Midwives and Nurses of Selected Health Facilities in Fako Division, Cameroon

Background Neonatal jaundice is a problem commonly faced by neonates and it is responsible for hospital readmissions worldwide. Aim To determine the prevalence, associated factors, and management of neonatal jaundice by midwives and nurses. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted. Copies of a well-structured questionnaire were administered to participants in the maternity and neonatal units of Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals and the Baptist Hospital Mutengene. The files (230) of neonates admitted in these hospitals from January 2019 to March 2022 were studied and data collected using an extraction sheet. Fifty (50) midwives and nurses who had worked for more than six-months participated in the study. A purposive sampling method was used to select the health facilities while the participants were enrolled using a consecutive convenient sampling technique. Respondents who met the inclusion criteria and gave their consent to participate in the study were included. The study received administrative authorization from the Department of Nursing Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea and the Regional Delegation of Public Health South West Region. Data collected were entered using a pre-designed EpiData version 28.0 and analyzed. Results The prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 15.2%; 65.7% of the jaundiced neonates were preterm babies, 51.4% of the cases were noticed within the first-week of life, 91.4% had Apgar scores of <6 and 85.7% had low birth weight. The majority of them (68.6%) were resuscitated at birth and more than half were preterm babies. Maternal fever, prolonged labor, premature rupture of the membranes was significantly associated with neonatal jaundice. Half (50%) of the participants reported that they would collect samples for bilirubin only if the baby was still yellow and 82% said it is important to give fluids during phototherapy because it helps keep the baby hydrated. Conclusion The prevalence of neonatal jaundice is a cause for concern. Therefore, midwives and nurses are call upon to educate pregnant women on the predisposing factors and should acquire competencies in order to properly manage babies upon diagnosis.

PRINCIPALS’ USE OF COMMUNITY FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FAKO DIVISION, SOUTH-WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

This study was designed to examine principals’ use of community financial resources and its impact on the management of secondary schools in Fako Division, South-West Region of Cameroon. The study was guided by two objectives which to investigate the impact of principals’ use of foreign aids and community/PTA levy and its impacts on the management of secondary schools. The survey research design particularly the cross-sectional survey design was used. This design was used because data were collected at once and not periodically as seen with longitudinal survey. The population of the study comprised of 8746 teachers and 1217 principals from secondary schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. The sample population for the study was made up of 426 teachers and 29 principals. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques was adopted for the study. The instruments use for data collection were a questionnaire (closed and open ended questions) for teachers and an interview guide for principals. Data from close ended questions was analysed using SPSS 23.0, with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical tools while open ended questions were analysed thematically. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the research hypotheses formulated in the study. The finding shows that with reference to foreign aids, 67.5% of teachers accepted that the principal makes use of foreign aids and with reference to community/PTA levy, 61.1% of teachers accepted that the principal makes use of community/PTA levy. Hypothetically, the result of the analysis revealed that the calculated Гxy -value 0.289 is higher than the critical Гxy -value 0.0978 at .05 level of significance and degrees of freedom 426. Furthermore, the p-value of 0.000 is less than 0.05. With the result of this analysis, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis accepted. This result implies that the use of community financial resources by principals do have significant impact on the management of secondary schools although the impact is moderate. The positivity of the correlation value 0.289** implies that management of secondary schools is more likely to be enhance when principals adequately make use of community financial resources. Therefore, it is generally recommended that, that using community financial resources to pay part time teachers will help the school to attain it goals and objectives, community financial resources will greatly help the schools attain their goals and objectives since we hardly given sufficient finances for the running of the school.

MODERATING EFFECTS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY RELIABILITY AND SME SUSTAINABILITY

This paper aims to investigate the moderating effects of weather conditions on the relationship between electricity supply reliability and SME sustainability within the context of a developing country. The method used for analysis is a hierarchical regression with the use of SPSS AMOS 24 and slope analysis. SPSS 23 was used to test the assumptions for parametric analysis. Survey data was collected from a sample of 54 owners and managers of SMEs in the Fako Division of Cameroon. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between electricity supply reliability and SME sustainability and an insignificant positive relationship between weather conditions and SME sustainability. Furthermore, the results indicated that weather conditions moderate the relationship between electricity supply reliability and SME Sustainability in the Fako Division of Cameroon. The study found that the electricity utility company of Cameroon has the daunting task of ensuring a robust electricity supply network capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions to ensure regular electricity. The implications of the findings of the study are that prevailing weather has an influence on the reliability of electricity supply, which affects the operations of businesses. Furthermore, when the business operations of SMEs are affected, the economy of the country suffers significantly. The study recommends the involvement of the government and policymakers to institute measures to ensure the obligation of the electricity utility company to maintain minimal interruptions of electricity supply. This study’s contribution to the body of knowledge is embedded in developing a theoretical model that explains electricity supply reliability in Cameroon from a weather perspective.

Dynamics, Implications and Management Strategies of Transport Constraints in Fako Division, South West Region-Cameroon

Transport dynamics and management strategies of emerging constraints for efficiency and development is critical. When transport systems are poorly integrated with insufficient infrastructure, worst of all in the mist of insecurity, it hinders mobility, production and distributions making development to be stunted. It was against this premise that this study was designed to investigate the dynamics, implications and constraints confronting the transport sector in Cameroon and in Fako Division in particular. These are key issues that cannot be relegated to the footnotes and if actions are not taken development will be dared. Data for this study were sourced from secondary and primary sources. Secondary data were obtained from exploration of published and unpublished documents relevant to the study. Reports, journals, articles, decrees made up some of these documents. Primary data were sourced from field surveys where a convenient sampling technique was used to administer 313 copies of questionnaires to 10 sampled localities in Fako Division. Auxiliary primary data were gotten via interviews and observations in motor parks and ports and along the Fako coast. Results indicated that the transport sector in Fako Division is dynamic and have induce and plethora of related activities since it is derived demand. Response score revealed (52% and 41%) of high appreciation and appreciation respectively to the relevance of transport in trade and commerce. emerging constraints were noted to be; insecurity, depreciating infrastructure and loosely integrated systems of transport which is bogging down mobility, efficiency and effectiveness of the transport sector in the Division. Also, results noted that management strategies of the emerging challenges transcends to curbing insecurity, improving transport infrastructure to effectively integrating transport modes and systems. Furthermore, revamping the secondary ports (Tiko, Limbe and Idenau), construction and rehabilitation of road edges and vertices can improve the functional and transactional operations of the transport sector in Fako Division and in Cameroon in general. This study recommends an effective integration and improvement of transport infrastructure in Fako Division to boost the transport sector to be more dynamic and efficient to induce development.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND THE SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED STUDENTS IN FAKO DIVISION, SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of community support on the social adjustment of internally displaced students in Fako Division. The mixed method approach with sequential explanatory research design was adopted in this study. The sample of the study was made up of 440 internally displace students in secondary schools in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon, 12 principals and 20 Guidance counsellors. The sample of the study was grouped following the sub Divisions and school types in Fako Division. The instruments used for data collection were a questionnaire, focus group discussion guide for students and interview guide for principal and guidance counsellors. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The descriptive statistical tools used were frequency count, percentages, multiple responses, mean and standard deviation. With reference to inferential statistical tools, the Spearman’s rho test and Chi-Square test were adopted for the study. The Spearman’s rho test was used in testing the hypothesis. The Chi-Square test was used to further expatiate on the hypothesis results using the cross tabulation technique. The qualitative data derived from the focus group discussion with students and interview with principals and counsellors were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that community support has a significant positive influence on the social adjustment of internally displaced students (R-value = 0.398**, p-value 0.000< 0.05). This implied that social adjustment of internally displaced students is more likely to be high when their community are are supportive. The study recommended that internally displaced students should be supported by community which will help to enhance their social adjustment.

The Effect of Financial Services on Youth Involvement in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Fako Division, Cameroon

The main objective of this article was to examine the role of financial services on youth involvement in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in the Fako division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were obtained with the use of a self-administer questionnaire. Which were administered using a stratified sampling technique. The target population was youths between the age of 18 to 35 years involved in any agribusiness-related activity for commercial purposes. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 500 youths but only 451 of the questionnaires were returned without any error. We adopted a binary logistic estimation technique to analyze our model. Empirical analysis from a binary logistic estimation using marginal effect coefficients for the overall results revealed that; youth who have personal saving increases their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship activities in Fako at a very high level (main occupation) by 0.0986. Meanwhile, government financial services for youth involved in agribusiness has a positive significant effect on youth involvement in agribusiness with a likelihood of 0.6428. Furthermore, youths who are part of a Tontine increase their likelihood of involving in agribusiness entrepreneurship as a main occupation by 0.0233. Also, youths using bank financial services such as bank loan has a likelihood of reducing youths involvement in agribusiness as a main occupation by 0.0520 while those using microfinance services have a likelihood of 0.0354 of engaging youths in agribusiness as a primary activity. We recommend that the government of Cameroon should develop innovative financial services specifically for youths involved in agribusiness-related activities.

Burden of Depression and Associated Factors among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Fako Division, Cameroon

Background: Depression is a major public health challenge causing significant suffering and disability worldwide. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) suffer from various complications during their lifetime and are prone to depression. However, there is a paucity of information on depression and associated factors among sickle cell patients in Cameroon. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among patients with SCD aged 7-40 years receiving care in three hospitals in Fako Division. Methods: We carried out a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study. Socio-demographic data, clinical variables and depressive symptoms were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Depression was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire Module 9 and the Children’s Depression Inventory. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis of data. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05 while bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to test for associations. Results: We recruited 163 participants and the prevalence of depression was 43%(n=70), of which 30.67%(n=50) were mildly depressed and 12.27%(n=20) were moderately depressed. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 20%. On multivariate analysis, an unmarried status (AOR 7.41; 95%CI 1.74-31.54, P<0.007) high pain intensity (AOR 8.70; 95%CI 17.77-42.82, P<0.008) and history of painful crises within the previous month (AOR 7.31,95%CI 1.52-35.14, P<0.013) were associated with depression among these patients. Conclusion: Almost half of our patients with SCD are depressed, with 2 of them out of 10 thinking of suicide. Some socio-demographic and clinical factors induce this depressive state.

Rotavirus vaccination coverage before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Fako division, Cameroon

Background: Rotavirus vaccines aim to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe gastroenteritis. Repeat infections are common but less severe than the primary infection. Rotarix vaccine is given orally in two doses at 2 and 4 months of age in Cameroon. Rotavirus remained a threat to the health of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic and many parts of the world witnessed a decline in vaccine coverage during this pandemic. We sought to find out If the story was the same in Fako Diivision, Cameroon, amidst a sociopolitical conflict. Methods: A retrospective study was done in 4 hospitals on Rotavirus immunization records of children under 5 from 2016-2022. Stratified sampling used, descriptive stats reported. Differences evaluated with Pearson’s chi square (P<0.05).

PLANNING OF SCHOOL MEETINGS AS A CORRELATE TO PRINCIPALS’ ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

This study was designed to examine planning of school meetings as a correlate to principals’ administrative effectiveness in secondary schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. The study was guided by two objectives which examine the relationship between planning school g meeting goals and principals’ administrative effectiveness and the benefits of planning school meetings on principals’ administrative effectiveness. This is supported by the goal setting theory. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study which allowed the researcher to utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. The population of the study comprises Secondary Schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. The target population constituted 192 secondary Schools; that is public, confessional and lay private secondary schools in Fako, Manyu Meme and Ndian division in the South West Region of Cameroon. The sample population for the study was made up of 132 principals. Both the stratified and purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument use for data collection was a questionnaire (closed and open ended questions). Data from the close ended questions were analysed using SPSS 23.0, with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical tools while open ended question were analysed thematically. The Spearman’s rho was used to test the research hypotheses formulated in the study. Majority 76.0% of principals accepted to carry out adequate planning of school meeting goals and a majority 81.1% of principals accepted that planning school meetings goal is of benefit to the principal. The hypothesis statistics showed that there is a significant, positive and moderate relationship between planning of school meetings by principals and administrative effectiveness (R-value=0.425**, p-value= 0.000< 0.05). The positive nature of correlation value implies that principals’ administrative effectiveness is more likely to increase when they adequately plan for school meetings. In addition to existing training programs of school principals, more programs should be redesigned to meet the needs of principals and to also train them on how to effectively plan and manage school meetings to foster trust and confidence of the society as well as administrative effectiveness.

The effect of electricity reliability on the sustainability of SMEs in Fako Division of Cameroon

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the reliability of electricity supply on the sustainability of SMEs in Cameroon. Research Methodology: This study investigates the effects of the reliability of electricity supply on the sustainability of SMEs in Cameroon. The study used a quantitative approach with the philosophical underpinnings of objectivist ontology and positivist epistemology. Primary data were obtained through closed-ended questionnaires that were responded to by 54 purposively sampled participants in the Fako division. The data were analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SPSS 23 and SPSS Amos 24 software. Results: The study revealed that sporadic electricity supply interruptions, chronic electricity supply interruptions, and momentary electricity supply interruptions have no significant positive impact on the sustainability of SMEs in the Fako Division of the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Limitations: This study had a limitation in methodology, as it used a quantitative approach only. A better understanding of this study’s phenomenon can be achieved by adopting a mixed research method, where the qualitative aspect will provide a deeper understanding of the effects of other variables that affect SME sustainability. Contribution: Based on the results of this study, business managers will come to the understanding that the sustainability of their businesses is not dependent on the reliability of the electricity supply. This means that other variables responsible for the sustainability of businesses can be studied qualitatively.

Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases on The Quality of Life of HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Fako Division

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have reached epidemic proportion among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and this could have a negative bearing on the quality of life and survival of these patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of NCDs on the perceived quality of life (QoL) of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey conducted in the months of June to August 2021. The WHOQoL Bref instrument was used to measure the quality of life of these patients. A total of 1440 HIV patients were sample from 5 HTCs selected purposively (high number of patients receiving treatment in these Centers). A serial or consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit participants in the HTCs. All the 4 domains of QoL (Physical, Psychological, social and environmental) were assessed. Data was entered in SPSS 25 and analyzed using stata 13. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.6 (SD = 7.3) years. Overall, only 45.4% [95% CI: 42.3-47.9] of HIV patients had a good quality of life. The environmental (30.4%) and psychological (32.3%) domains of quality of life were lowest. Female gender (AOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03-1.74), tertiary education (AOR 4.69; 95% CI 2.78-7.69), being employed (AOR 2.30; 95% CI 1.21-3.64), being married (AOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23-2.19), baseline WHO HIV stages III and IV (AOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.29-0.89) and duration of HIV patient on ART for more than 10 years (AOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.25-0.47) were significantly associated to good quality of life among HIV patients on ART. Adult HIV patients with NCD co-morbidity were 0.50 times less likely to have a good quality of life compared to their counterparts without a NCD [AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.32-0.89]. Conclusion: The quality of life of HIV patients on ART was significantly reduced by NCD co-morbidities. Recommendation: HTCs in Fako should routinely and actively screen and manage NCDs improve on the QoL of HIV patients on ART.

Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Likomba Community, Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon

Background: Urogenital Schistosomasis (US) is the second most neglected tropical disease to malaria. It is estimated that about 600-700 million people Worldwide are at risk of contracting this disease. In Cameroon more than 5million people are at the risk of infection. Clinical manifestations of US include haematuria, dysuria, lower abdominal pain and bladder cancer. Praziquantel is the drug of choice.
 Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Urogenital Schistosomiais in Likomba community in Fako Division.
 Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was carried out from February till March 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to 363 participants through a convenient sampling technique. We obtained information on socio-demographic data, clinical history of the participants, knowledge of the disease and other risk factors associated with Urogenital Schistosomiasis. Urine samples were collected to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the centrifugation technique. Data was collected and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 24.
 Results: Out of the 363 participants a total of 101 tested positive to Schistosoma haematobium infection having and overall prevalence of 27.8%. The most infected age group ranged from 5 - 13 years which had a prevalence of 49.5% while the least infected age group found within ≥ 47 years had a prevalence of 9.9%. The prevalence of US in females was 63.4% which was higher than that of males 36.6%, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).The risk factors associated with US included; the availability of tap water (P<0.05), the source of drinking (P<0.05), number of times they go the stream (Ndongo) (P<0.005) and various sites of taking their bath (P>0.05).
 Conclusion: This study revealed that US is still very prevalent among the inhabitants of Likomba community, therefore there is a need for the government and community health workers to re-inforce health education, ensure the provision of adequate pipe born water and campaign strategies which will educate and significantly help reduce the prevalence of the disease in this area.

Effect of Mobile Health on Modifying the Behaviouraland Physiological Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases in Adult HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Fako Division

Effect of Mobile Health on Modifying the Behaviouraland Physiological Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases in Adult HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Fako Division

Depression, anxiety and medication adherence among tuberculosis patients attending treatment centres in Fako Division, Cameroon: cross-sectional study

Tuberculosis remains a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Patients with tuberculosis often suffer from anxiety and depression, which is likely to affect adherence to the long course of tuberculosis treatment. This study sought to investigate depression, anxiety and medication adherence among Cameroonian tuberculosis patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022 across five treatment centres in Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with tuberculosis patients using a structured questionnaire. Sociodemographic information was obtained, and the following tools were administered to participants: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Oslo Social Support Scale, and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to investigate determinants of depression and anxiety. A total of 375 participants were recruited (mean age: 35 ± 12.2 years; 60.5% male). The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among tuberculosis patients were 47.7% and 29.9%, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of depression were significantly increased by having extrapulmonary tuberculosis, non-adherence to treatment, having no source of income, household size <5 and poor social support. Predictors for anxiety included extrapulmonary tuberculosis, defaulting tuberculosis treatment for ≥2 months, family history of mental illness, HIV/tuberculosis co-infection, being married, poor social support and non-adherence to treatment. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in tuberculosis patients is relatively high, and diverse factors may be responsible. Therefore, holistic and comprehensive care for tuberculosis patients by mental health practitioners is highly encouraged, especially for the high-risk groups identified.

Acute Kidney Injury in Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Tuberculosis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Tuberculosis Patients on Treatment and its Association with Host Predicting Factors, in South-West Region of Cameroon

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and severity of kidney injury and explore the host factors to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) among tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and TB/HIV patients on the treatment in Fako Division of Cameroon. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out from September 2018 to November 2019. Serum creatinine and urea were measured spectrophotometrically. The Chi-square test with cox regression was used to assess the association between the risk factors and AKI. RESULTS: The overall incidence of AKI and renal injury was 21.4%–41.4%, respectively. Stage 1 AKI as well as mild renal injury was more prevailing among the HIV-infected patients; 10.5% versus 31.4%. The highest incidences; 30.0% AKI, and 53.0% renal injury were recorded amongst those with TB/HIV coinfections and HIV mono-infections, respectively. Persons who were ≥40 years and those with low baseline hemoglobin levels were two times and two and half times more likely to develop AKI compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence of AKI in patients on treatment was high. Thus, it is important to evaluate the renal function of patients before treatment within the first 2 weeks of treatment.