Littoral Region Research Articles

Sectoral Assessment of the Energy, Water, Waste and Land Nexus in the Sustainability of Agricultural Products in Cameroon

To ensure sustainable production and consumption in the agricultural sector, it is necessary to assess the contribution of each element of the nexus in the agricultural production chain. The aim of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contributions of each element of the energy, water, waste and land nexus to agricultural products. A composite method approach combining aspects based on an input–output model and location quotient (LQ) as well as competitive position is adopted. A database of nexus elements over a period from 2009 to 2018 is used for Cameroon, with ten regions considered. The results show proportions of around 0.42% energy, 67.88% water withdrawal, 11.91% harvested area and 97.81% waste for agricultural products. The geolocation of harvested areas shows that the largest portion is in the far north (1,373,829 ha) and the smallest is in Adamawa (224,038 ha). Maximum production is in the central region (4,334,095 tons) and the minimum is in the Adamawa region (915,841 tons). The central, littoral and west regions are more representative of agricultural products. The analysis of the competitive position of agricultural products contributes to a better orientation of national strategies for agricultural sustainability according to the existing potentials.

Frequency of Fecal Carriage of ESBL Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cancer Patients at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.

Background. Opportunistic infections are the second cause of death among cancer patients. This study aimed at determining the antimicrobial profile and the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-gene carriage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates among cancer patients at the Douala Laquintinie Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon. Between October 2021 and March 2023, 507 study participants were recruited among whom 307 (60.55%) were cancer patients, compared to 200 (39.45%) noncancer patients. Fifty-eight P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from fecal samples of forty-five cancer patients and thirteen noncancer patients using Cetrimide agar. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes among P. aeruginosa isolates. P. aeruginosa showed significant resistance rates in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients to imipenem, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, and ciprofloxacin. The multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. The frequency of beta-lactamase genes in the 58 ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates was determined as 72.41% for bla TEM, 37.93% for bla OXA, 74.14% for blaCTX-M, and 44.83% for bla SHV genes. The study revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa with a high rate of MDR among cancer patients. It indicates that regular monitoring and surveillance of ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa among cancer patients are needed to improve the management of patients.

Multidrug Resistant Enteric Bacteria from Cancer Patients Admitted in Douala Laquintinie Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon.

Patients with cancer have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. This study was carried out to determine the bacterial origins of enteric disorders in cancer patients and noncancer patients at the Oncology Department of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to March 2023. Stool samples from 307 cancer patients with enteric disorders and 200 noncancer patients with enteric disorders were examined to diagnose the presence of bacteria using various techniques. Among all participants in this study, 62.13% were female and 37.87% were male. The average age of the participants was 46.38 ± 15.81 years, with a minimum age of 10 years and a maximum age of 84 years. The average age of participants was significantly higher (p < 0.000) in cancer patients (49.54 ± 14.65 years) compared to noncancer patients (41.53 ± 16.33 years). Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Yersinia intemedia, and Klebsiella oxytoca were more frequently isolated in cancer patients than in noncancer patients, with the respective percentages of 56.25% versus 43.75%, 50.00% versus 50.00%, 61.66% versus 38.34%, 66.66% versus 33.34%, 72.22% versus 27.78%, 80.00 versus 20.00%, and 100% versus 0.00%. Most isolates were sensitive to imipenem (IMP), gentamicin (GEN), and amikacin (AMK). Proteus vulgaris, the most prevalent isolate, showed significantly high resistance (with p < 0.05) in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients at amoxicillin/clavuranic acid (AMC) (89.13% versus 41.30%), ceftriaxone (CTR) (63.04% versus 39.13%), ciprofloxacin (CIP) (65.22% versus 34.18%), and tetracycline (TET) (93.48% versus 63.04%). Multidrug resistance was observed in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients for Klebsiella pneumoniae (85.00% versus 60.00%), Salmonella typhi (84.62% versus 60.00%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (86.49% versus 43.48%). The increase in the number of Gram-negative infections among cancer patients, as shown in the present study, highlights the need for broad-spectrum therapy and effective planning of control programs to reduce bacterial diseases among cancer patients.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutritional and Biological Properties of Fish Oils in Cameroon: An Overview

Due to their significant health benefits, fish oils have garnered increasing interest in recent decades. However, Cameroon’s fish oil market remains insignificant, and the few available products are imported, despite the country’s abundant marine resources. Additionally, research on Cameroonian fish oils is relatively recent and scarce. Therefore, this manuscript provides an overview of research on fish oils in Cameroon, focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, as well as their nutritional and biological properties. As of March 2023, 26 studies on fish oils in Cameroon have been published, with a focus on 23 species collected in the littoral, far-north, and west regions of Cameroon. Filets were the main parts used, and the Bligh Dyer and Soxhlet methods were the primary oil extraction techniques. Depending on the species, tissues, and extraction methods, oil contents ranged from 4.57% to 32.10% dry matter or yielded 0.36% to 66.83% wet weight. These oils generally meet recommended standards for markers of acidity and oxidation. Fatty acid profiles from 16 species showed a total of 48 fatty acids, including those that are beneficial to human health. Oils from eight species were found to significantly reduce weight, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hepatomegaly, and adipomegaly, while four species showed activity against bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Future work should include all fish species found in Cameroon, with a focus on by-products, and explore the physicochemical, functional, nutritional, and biological properties of these oils.

Growth Performances of Clarias gariepinus Fry Fed Hermetia illucens Based Diet Supplemented with Synthetic Amino Acids (Methionine and Lysine)

Objective: this study focused on the effect of a local feed supplement with synthetic amino acids (methionine and lysine) on the survival and growth of Clarias gariepinus fry in happas. Study Design: the study took place at the DJOKWE aquaculture farm located in the Cameroon Littoral Region, Moungo Department, Nkongsamba 1st District. Methodology: Six (06) local T0- diets without synthetic amino acid negative control, T0+ coppens imported feed positive control, T1 (L1.5/M1) containing 1.5% lysine and 1% methionine, T2 (L1, 5/M1.5) containing 1.5% lysine and 1.5% methionine, T3 (M1/L2) containing 1% methionine and 2% lysine, T4 (M1/L2.5) containing 1% methionine and 2.5% lysine were tested in triplicate on 540 fry of 10± 3.1g distributed in 18 happas of 0.5 m2. The fish were fed 3 times per day at a rate of 8% of the ichthyo biomass. Every 14 days, zootechnical parameters were evaluated. Results: depending on the level of supplementation, the survival rate was higher for the T0+ coppens treatment, 96.66%, and lower for T4 (M1/L2.5) supplemented with 1% methionine and 2.5% of lysine with 80%. The significantly highest average weight gain (p&lt;0.05) was recorded with the T0+coppens treatment (89.67±1.52g) compared to the T1 (L1.5/M1) and low (66. 33 ±00g) compared to treatment T3 (M1/L2). The specific growth rate was higher (p˃0.05) or (2.83%±0.16g/d) with T2(L1.5/M1.5) and lower (0.78%±0 .02%g/d) for T0+ coppens. As for the condition factor K, it is significantly higher for the T0+coppens treatment (0.46%±0.030) and lower for the T4 treatment (0.29±0.023). Conclusion: the incorporation of 5% of black soldier fly larva into local feed supplemented with 1.5% lysine and 1% methionine makes it possible to improve the survival of Clarias gariepinus fry but also their growth as well as the production cost.

Spatial analysis of radionuclide concentration in the high background radiation regions of Kerala, India.

Every creature on earth undergoes continuous exposure to natural background radiation. Hence, it is crucial to monitor systematically, the degree of radioactivity in the ecosystem and possible radiological health hazards. The present study attempt to investigate the dynamics of prominent radionuclides and various radiological parameters associated with terrestrial gamma radiations along the littoral regions of the Kollam district, a well-reported high background radiation area in India. The gamma radiation exposure rate along the coastal belt of Kollam was measured using a portable Micro-R-survey meter and associated radiological parameters have been calculated and compared with the global average values. The result indicates that the radiological parameters cross the safe limits recommended by the UNSCEAR 2000. A high value is found in the shoreline of Chavara, with a maximum absorbed dose rate of 11945.1nGyh-1. The monazite-enriched black sand widely distributed all along the coast, which contains natural radioisotopes such as 40K, 226Ra and 232Th, has greatly contributed to the increase in radiation levels in the regions.

Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution of Selected Free Living Isopods in the Southern Coast of Kerala, India

Intertidal isopods are a group of successfully surviving organisms in the littoral region of the sea. The continuous exposure to human activities and other botic and abiotic stresses can influence their distribution and diversity along the seashore. Air and water temperature, salinity, pH, and presence of nutrients such as silicate, nitrate and phosphate are studied for their influence on some of the selected intertidal isopods found in three different beaches of the southern Kerala. Monthly data was collected for the water samples and four different isopod species found in the intertidal region and the significance of their interaction was calculated with the help of SPSS, using two-way ANOVA. The statistics shows a vivid relationship between these abiotic factors and isopods under study.

The Contribution of Pipper nigrum L. to the Livelihoods of the Main Value Chain Actors in Njombe-Penja Sub-Division of the Littoral Region of Cameroon

The main objective of this study was to contribute to the sustainable trade of pipper nigrum L. from the forest area of Njombe-Penja for improved livelihoods of the actors involved in the value chain and poverty reduction. Despite the availability and the importance of non-timbers forests products in poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, food security, and conservation of natural resources, the market chain of Pipper Nigrum L. is still poorly understood as no study has yet been done on the contribution of white pepper to the livelihoods of the main value chain actors in Njombe-Penja sub-division. To achieve this objective, a market prospection and snowball sampling technique was used to identify the main actors of Pipper Nigrum L. in Njombe-Penja sub-division, Mungo Division of the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The main actors identified were stratified based on their role in the value chain (havesters, distributors, wholesalers and retaliers) from which individuals were randomly selected from each group. Surveys was used to capture primary quantitative data from the selected individuals. Before the full-scale study, a pilot test was conducted in Penja which tested the effectiveness of the questionnaires and to make necessary adjustments. To ensure reliability, the same survey protocol was used throughout the study. The questionnaires were also reviewed by other experts in the field. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and the Microsoft tool (Microsoft Excel 10). The annual profit margins (considering profits from January to December 2022) was calculated for the main actors as well as the contribution of white pepper to their household incomes.The results reveal that distributors make the highest annual profit margin (20,250,000 FCFA) followed by wholesalers (2,288,541 FCFA), producers (1,248,692 FCFA) and retailers (305,329 FCFA). According to the sample T test the contribution of white pepper to the total household income was statistically significant for all actors. These results suggest that white pepper plays an important economic role in the household economy necessitating the valorization of the Penja white pepper value chain by the government and other development actors.

User preferences and consumer acceptability of boiled plantain in rural and urban localities in Cameroon.

An understanding of the preferences of different stakeholders in the plantain value chain in rural and urban segments in Cameroon is important for the selection and adoption of new plantain cultivars. Boiled plantain is one of the most commonly consumed food products from this crop in Cameroon. Gendered food mapping and consumer testing with two plantain landraces (Batard and Big Ebanga) and a plantain-like hybrid (CARBAP K74) was carried out in rural and urban areas in the West and Littoral regions of Cameroon. Plantain users in these two regions were categorized into producers, traders, processors, and consumers. Preferences indicated that raw plantain should bear long and large fruits, with heavy bunches, and an orange pulp color, whereas boiled plantain should present with a yellow color and a soft and mealy pulp, with a good plantain aroma. Batard and Big Ebanga were liked moderately by consumers, whereas CARBAP K74 was liked slightly. CARBAP K74 was on par with Batard and Big Ebanga for some attributes, except for color and sweetness. More emphasis should be given to attributes such as color, firmness, and taste for the development of new plantain clones to be adopted by end users consuming boiled green plantain. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence and knowledge of urinary schistosomiasis in the Mungo Division, littoral Region of Cameroon

Prevalence and knowledge of urinary schistosomiasis in the Mungo Division, littoral Region of Cameroon

Epidemiological Situation of Leprosy in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Purpose: This study aimed at determining the epidemiological situation of leprosy in the Littoral region of Cameroon.Problem: 20 years after the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in Cameroon, we wondered about its epidemiological situation across the country and in particular in the Littoral region.Methods: We conducted a quantitative retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The data were collected from the patients’ registers at the Dibamba leprosarium from 2011 to 2021. Using data from the Dibamba leprosarium, which appeared to be the only reference health facility still well engaged in the fight against leprosy in the Littoral region, we were able to create a clear leprosy situational report.Results: 281 cases of leprosy were treated at the Dibamba leprosarium, representing an incidence of 28 cases per year. They came from several regions of the country and even from a neighboring country (Central African Republic). 257 (91.50%) cases came from 20 health districts out of 24 in the Littoral region. Men were more represented with 156 (55.5%) cases. 14 (5%) cases were children under 15 years old, an average of 1 case per year. 22.9% (n= 44) of people affected by leprosy had second degree disabilities. 90.75% (n=255) of cases received were of the multibacillary form (MB). 44.4% (n=125) of female patients had a clinical form of MB.Conclusion: This situational report has shown that the Littoral region is still very endemic for Leprosy. Rapid actions should be taken to definitively stop the transmission of this disease.

Mycotoxin Occurrence in Milk and Durum Wheat Samples from Tunisia Using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection.

Food and feed contamination with mycotoxins is a major public health concern. Humans and animals are exposed to these toxins by consuming contaminated products throughout their lives. In this study, a method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FLD), was validated for the determination of aflatoxins (AFs) M1, B1, B2, G1, G2, zearalenone (ZEN), and ochratoxin A (OTA). The method was applied to 150 raw cow milk samples and 90 market durum wheat samples from two Tunisian climatic regions: the littoral region (Mahdia) and the continental region (Béja). This work was carried out to obtain more surveillance data to support rapid initiatives to assure safe foods and protect consumer health and to estimate the daily exposure of the Tunisian population consuming those products. AFG2 and OTA were found in wheat with incidences of 54.4 and 11.1%, respectively. On the other side, milk samples were contaminated by AFG2, AFB1, and AFB2 with incidences of 8.7%, 2.0%, and 0.67%, respectively. Some of the samples showed OTA concentrations above the maximum limit allowed by the European Union, which represents a health risk for consumers in Tunisia, where no legislation exists about the maximum content of mycotoxins in food.

BARRIERS TO HARMONIZATION OF THE SUB-SYSTEMS OF PRIMARY EDUCATION IN THE LITTORAL AND SOUTH WEST REGIONS OF CAMEROON

This study was designed to examine barriers to harmonization of the sub-systems of primary education in the Littoral and South West Regions of Cameroon. The study was guided by two objectives which where to inquire whether bicultural traditions of the country is a hindrance to the harmonization process of the curriculum of primary education and to find out if the fear of assimilation is a barrier to harmonization of the curriculum of primary education. The concurrent mixed-methods research approach specifically the descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The sample population for the study was made up of 20 pedagogic staff from the Regional Delegation, 20 from the Divisional Delegation, 20 from the Inspectorates, 200 head teachers and 300 teachers from both regions. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques was adopted for the study. The instruments use for data collection were a questionnaire (closed ended questions) for Teachers and Head teachers and an interview guide for regional delegation staff, divisional delegation staff and inspectorate staff. Data from the 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 hypotheses of the study were tested using Chi-square test. Statistically, findings showed that head teachers and teachers did not significantly differ in their perception on the bi-cultural tradition of the country acting as a barrier to the harmonization of the curriculum for primary education (P=0.270, &gt;0.05) whereby majority of the head teachers 154 (76.9%) and teachers 214 (71.4%) strongly agree and agree that the bi-cultural tradition of the country is a barrier to the harmonization of the curriculum for primary education while a minority of the head teachers 46 (23.1%) and teachers 86 (28.6%) disagree and strongly disagree. Statistically, findings showed that head teachers and teachers did not significantly differ in their perception on the fear of assimilation acting as a barrier to the harmonization of the curriculum for primary education. (P=0.555, &gt;0.05) whereby, majority of the head teachers 144 (71.8%) and teachers 222 (74.1%) of almost the same proportion strongly agree and agree that the fear of assimilation is a barrier to the harmonization of the curriculum for primary education while a minority of the head teachers 56 (28.2%) and teachers 78 (25.9%) disagree and strongly disagree. It is generally recommended that, harmonization in its context of preserving cultural patrimony as an objective of multicultural education. Cultural patrimony refers to the sum total of ways of living, including values, beliefs, aesthetic standards, linguistic expression, and patterns of thinking, behavioural norms and styles of communication, which a group of people have developed to assure its survival in a particular physical and human environment.

Barriers and facilitators to ART adherence among ART non-adherence people living with HIV in Cameroon: A qualitative phenomenological study.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) needs to be taken for life with near perfect levels of adherence for it to be effective. Nonetheless, ART non-adherence is still observed in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries such as Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing non-adherence and or adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) who have experienced non-adherence to ART in Cameroon. A descriptive qualitative study of PLWH who have experienced non-adherence with ART in Cameroon was conducted. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed using the NVIVO 12 software. In total, 43 participants participated in this study. The Southwest and Littoral regions each contributed 15 (34.88%) of participants, participants' mean age was 37.1 years (SD: 9.81) and majority 34 (82.93%) were females. ART adherence barriers include those related to patient (forgetfulness, business with other things, unwillingness to swallow drugs daily), medication (side effects), health service (arrogance of caregivers, occasional drug shortages at treatment centre, poor counseling of patient), stigma (fear of status disclosure), use of alternative treatment (traditional medicine, prayers and deliverance), resource limitation (limited food, limited finances), environmental/social (limited or no home support), and political instability (disruption of free circulation by ghost towns, roadblocks and gunshots in some regions). ART adherence facilitators include social support (family and peer support), aligning treatment with patient's daily routines (align ART with schedule of family members), use of reminders (phone alarm, sound of church bell), health sector/caregiver support (messages to patient, financial support, proper counseling), and patient's awareness of HIV status/ART knowledge (awareness of HIV positive status, Knowledge of ART benefits). ART adherence barriers in Cameroon include those related to patient, medication, health service, stigma, use of alternative treatment, resource limitation, environmental/social, and political instability. ART adherence facilitators include social support, aligning treatment with patient's daily routines, use of reminders, health sector/caregiver support, and patient's awareness of HIV status/ART knowledge. Given these barriers and facilitators, continuous information provision and consistent support both from patients' families and caregivers are needed to improve adherence among patients. Further studies including many regions and larger samples using both in-depth and focused group discussions as well as quantitative approaches are required to uncover the burden related to ART non-adherence.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: impact of physical activity

BackgroundLiving areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire.ResultsLow level of PA was (P < 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p = 0.0110), low HDL-c (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p = 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389–2.900, p = 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088–2.179, p = 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298–0.686, p = 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277–2.285, p = 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212–0.466, p < 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409–0.794, p = 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534–0.983, p = 0.038) compared to rural residents.ConclusionsMetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

Heavy Metals Identification and Detection in Incinerated Bottom Ash from Biomedical Solid Waste in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Douala, Cameroon

Aims: To identify and detect heavy metals in incinerated bottom ash of Biomedical Solid Waste in selected healthcare facilities in Douala, Cameroon.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional fieldwork and laboratory based study design approach that involved quantitative and qualitative data collection methods&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Douala, Littoral region of Cameroon from the month of January 2023 to June 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: 5 grams of filtered incinerated bottom ash from BSW were collected from incinerators of the selected healthcare facilities using labeled plastic polyethylene containers and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Samples were air dried and introduced on polypropylene film to the EDX 7000 spectrometer for sensitive analysis.&#x0D; Results: Both the quantitative and qualitative concentration percentage of the heavy metals detected from Na to Uranium in each HCF was determined by the EDX 7000 spectrometer device. Zinc had a significant concentration percentage in BDH (7.491±0.009333%), LH (4.255±0.009%), GH (7.506±0.013%), AHD (6,903±0.012%) and Iron had a significant concentration percentage in GOHD (3.669±0.013%).&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that improper disposal of incinerated BA from incinerators may pollute the environment and water bodies through leaching into ground water or being carried into water bodies through runoffs, being inhaled in dust from the dump area, and bioaccumulating in plants and animals that stray to the dump site, potentially having a negative impact on the environment and health risks like cancer and respiratory illnesses. Some of the heavy elements found in bottom ash that had been burned during this investigation were above the USEPA-permitted limits. Assuring proper BA disposal through hygienic landfills may help reduce the amount of heavy metals and other toxic elements in the environment, hence safeguarding human health. To prevent additional environmental damage and human exposure to these elements, waste management practices must be improved through BA recycling. Additionally, it is advised that waste managers in the healthcare industry receive training in safe incinerator bottom ash handling and disposal techniques. Regulatory organizations should also oversee and implement policies for bottom ash management in neighborhood healthcare facilities. In Cameroon, a developing nation that must concentrate on environmental challenges that also benefit human health, this study is fundamentally significant. Sustainable prevention of waste and heavy metals in various HCFs will result from source segregation, knowledge of the problem, and safeguards taken at every stage of the waste cycle.

Landscape configuration modulates the presence of leaf-cutting ants in eucalypt plantations

Pest responses to landscape complexity show variable patterns globally, primarily related to species traits and specific managed habitats. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) are native insects and important pests of plantation forests in South America. We evaluated the responses of LCA nests in young Eucalyptus plantations to different spatial contexts: land uses, interfaces (adjacent land use pairs), agroecosystems, and landscapes. We selected 30 sites in the littoral region of Argentina representing three types of land uses neighboring Eucalyptus plantations: adult eucalypt plantations, citrus plantations, and semi-natural habitats. At each site, we quantified and identified LCA nests and characterized landscape composition and configuration in circles of 250 m radius. LCA nest abundance and presence were similar across different land uses, interfaces, and agroecosystems. Nest presence decreased in landscapes with increasing mean perimeter/area ratio and citrus coverage, whereas LCA abundance showed a similar trend. This indicates that heterogeneous landscapes and those with greater citrus plantation coverage were less likely to have LCA nests. Our findings suggest that landscape configuration was the main predictor of the LCA presence. Understanding the dynamics of LCAs populations and their complex associations with landscape components will contribute to developing successful environmental pest management strategies for plantation forests.

High risk of virologic failure among HIV-infected children and adolescents routinely followed-up in Littoral region of Cameroon.

Virological response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a challenge for HIV-infected children and adolescents due to non-optimization of pediatric ART for resource-limited settings. In this study, we aimed to investigate factors associated with virologic failure (VF) in HIV-infected-children and adolescents on ART in Cameroon. A prospective patient-based cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years) followed-up between November 2018 and October 2019 in 38 healthcare centers located in the Littoral region of Cameroon. The 1st viral load (VL) was assessed after 6 months of ART initiation and the 2nd VL between 3 and 6 six months later in patients with VL ≥1000 copies/ml in accordance with the national algorithm using Abbott Real-Time HIV-1 Viral Load Assay. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the determinants of higher risk of VF. Of 1,029 HIV-infected children and adolescents (393 children and 636 adolescents), 801 (77.8%) cumulatively presented with VL <1000 copies/mL within 12 months on ART. Adolescents were more likely to have VF than children (24.5% vs 18.3%, OR: 1.39; 95%CI: 1.00-1.93; p = 0.047). Patients followed-up in decentralized care units were significantly more likely to have VF compared to those attending the accredited treatment centers (26.1% vs 16.6%, OR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.37-2.58; p<0.001). Our findings show a high rate of VL suppression (VLS, 77.8%) among HIV-infected children and adolescents, albeit lower than the established target of 90%. Being adolescent and patients followed in the decentralized care units are high risk factors for VF, thereby necessitating routine therapeutic education of patients and guardians in resource limited countries to improve VLS.

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AS A DETERMINANT OF TEACHERS’ JOB EFFECTIVENESS IN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE WOURI DIVISION, LITTORAL REGION OF CAMEROON

This study, examined school principals’ conflict management strategies as a determinant of teachers’ job effectiveness in Catholic Secondary Schools in the Wouri Division, Littoral Region of Cameroon. It adopted the exploratory sequential mixed method research design/ approach. The targeted population of the study comprised the 744 teachers and 13 school principals in 13 Catholic secondary schools in the Wouri Division. Eight (08) principals were purposefully sampled andthree hundred (300) teachers were randomly sampled from eight (08) Catholic Secondary Schools. An interview guide and questionnaires were the tolls adopted for the study administered to school principals and teachers/principals .The overall reliability analysis of the tolls was 0.757. Generally, when the Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient value is above 0.5 especially in a context where the test items to some extent are directly related to one another as it was the case in the context of this study, the instrument is considered to be valid and reliable for analysis. Findings showed, in aggregate, that most school principals used preferred strategies in managing conflicts that affect teachers’ job effectiveness in Catholic secondary schools such as confrontation (52.1%), awareness raising (47.9%), recollection/moral instructions/mass (41.7%) and dialogue (35.4%). On the part of teachers’ the most common strategy that principals use in managing conflicts that affect teachers’ job effectiveness in Catholic secondary schools is the organization of recollections/masses with a proportion of 41.3%, followed by confrontation at 40.1%, awareness raising 38,0% and dialogue 32.9%. Statistically, findings revealed that there is a significant effect of school principals’ conflict management strategies on teachers’ job effectiveness (calculated r-value=0.339**, P-value =0.000, &lt; 0.05). Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that conflict management should be introduced in the citizenship syllables for secondary and higher learning institutions to educate learners about the adverse effect of conflicts and how conflicts can be positively managed.

Risk factors for short birth interval: A hospital-based cross-sectional study among women in the Nkongsamba Health District, Littoral Region, Cameroon.

Short birth interval remains a major reproductive health problem, especially in the developing world. It is associated with maternal, neonatal, infant and under-five morbidity and mortality. This study identifies the risk factors of short birth interval among women in Cameroon. Women in early postpartum (with at least one previous live birth) from four health facilities in the Nkongsamba Health District were consecutively included in the study from September 2021 to December 2021. All data were collected by interview, using a semi-structured questionnaire, and analysed in Epi-Info version 7.2.3.1. With a statistically significant threshold of 5%, the adjusted odds ratio was used in multiple logistic regression to measure the association between short birth interval and potential factors. This study included a total of 679 participants with an age range of 18 to 47 years. Short birth interval was recorded in 46.10 [95%CI: 42.38-49.86]% of these women. A little more than half (56.72%) had at most 4 pregnancies already, while only 06.35% had at least 8 pregnancies in their reproductive life. Maternal age ≤ years (AOR = 2.66[1.80-3.93]), less than or equal to 10 months of breastfeeding of the previous child (OR = 2.48[1.80-3.41]), use of modern contraception before conception (AOR = 0.62 [0.43-0.89]), and the number of household occupants below 5 (AOR = 0.60[0.40-0.92]) were significantly associated with short birth interval. Short birth interval remains a significant call for concern in Cameroonian women. The likelihood of short birth interval is affected by maternal age, duration of breastfeeding, use of modern contraception and number of household occupants. Interventions to promote effective breastfeeding and postpartum family planning uptake are indispensable in the fight against short birth interval in Cameroon.