Cameroonian Population Research Articles

Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach

Bio-monitoring of human exposure to mycotoxin has mostly been limited to a few individually measured mycotoxin biomarkers. This study aimed to determine the frequency and level of exposure to multiple mycotoxins in human urine from Cameroonian adults. 175 Urine samples (83% from HIV-positive individuals) and food frequency questionnaire responses were collected from consenting Cameroonians, and analyzed for 15 mycotoxins and relevant metabolites using LC–ESI–MS/MS. In total, eleven analytes were detected individually or in combinations in 110/175 (63%) samples including the biomarkers aflatoxin M1, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A and total deoxynivalenol. Additionally, important mycotoxins and metabolites thereof, such as fumonisin B2, nivalenol and zearalenone, were determined, some for the first time in urine following dietary exposures. Multi-mycotoxin contamination was common with one HIV-positive individual exposed to five mycotoxins, a severe case of co-exposure that has never been reported in adults before. For the first time in Africa or elsewhere, this study quantified eleven mycotoxin biomarkers and bio-measures in urine from adults. For several mycotoxins estimates indicate that the tolerable daily intake is being exceeded in this study population. Given that many mycotoxins adversely affect the immune system, future studies will examine whether combinations of mycotoxins negatively impact Cameroonian population particularly immune-suppressed individuals.

Evaluation of rotavirus and intestinal parasite infection in a paediatric population in West Cameroon: Clinical characteristics and virus genotyping

The prevalence of Rotavirus (RV)-related gastroenteritis in Cameroon was monitored in this study, identifying the circulating G-P types, and the presence of co-infection with intestinal parasites. The stool samples were examined for rotaviruses using chromatographic and molecular techniques, and parasites were identified by macroscopic and microscopic examination. 38% of samples were RV positive. Data revealed the presence of three different G-genotypes (G1, G2 and G8) and three P-genotypes (P [8], P[6] and P[4]). The main G-P combination was G1+G2P[8]. Entamoeba histolytica was identified in 44.4% of stool samples. The G2P[8] genotype identified is an unusual strain with the G1P[8] or G2P[4] more common. Genotype G8 strains, also associated with animals, have been sporadically recovered from humans and have been considered for inclusion in bovine-human reassortant vaccine. Epidemiological RV strain surveillance should be continued in order to support RV vaccination campaigns. The results also show a high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Key words: Gastroenteritis, rotavirus, G/P genotype, semi-nested multiplex PCR, intestinal parasites, Cameroon.

Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in the High Grade Preinvasive Cervical Lesions in Yaounde (Cameroon)

The objectives of this study were to detect and determine the different genotypes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) found in high-grade squamous preinvasive lesions of the uterine cervix of Cameroonian women. HPV genotyping was conducted on 37 endocervical secretions of women with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. HPV was found in 31 of the 37 women (83.8%); 9 different HPV genotypes were identified. The genotypes with high oncogenic potential were found in decreasing order of frequency as follows: 16, 18, 45, 33, 35 and 68. The frequency of strains found per patient ranged from 1 to 3. Genotypes 16 and 18 were single in 17 out of 31 patients. They were associated with other HPV genotypes in 4 out of 31 patients. In this study genotypes 16 and 18 are the most frequent genotypes encountered in high grade squamous preinvasive cervical lesions in Yaounde. This finding, if confirmed on a larger sample, portrays the potential effectiveness of HPV vaccines in the Cameroonian population as a preventive measure against cervical cancer. However, the position of genotype 45 is not negligible and should be confirmed on a large sample.

Prevalence, correlates and pattern of Hepatitis B among antenatal clinic attenders in Yaounde-Cameroon: is perinatal transmission of HBV neglected in Cameroon?

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated the prevalence of HBV in the general Cameroonian population or among antenatal attendants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, correlates and patterns of Hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Yaounde-Cameroon.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional multicenter study carried out in a referral hospital and two secondary hospitals in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. The study lasted 15 months (March 2011 to June 2012), and recruited 959 pregnant women. Patient recruitment was consecutive. The HBsAg was tested using the Monalisa HBsAg Ultra ELISA kit. Other hepatitis B markers were equally tested.We used the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 14.0 software to conduct a quantitative analysis of the derived data. Simple descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, and proportions were used to describe the data. We tested for association in categorical variables using the chi-squared (χ2) test. The odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to summarise the strength of association between specific binary exposure and outcome variables. The level of statistical significance for the study was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) among antenatal clinic attenders in our setting was 7.7%. Amongst these women, just 5.4% were previously aware of their HBsAg status. The rate of HBV infectivity was high, with 28% of HBsAg positive women having evidence of HBeAg in their plasma, and up to 45.8% of these women lacking antibodies against hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe). About 41% of the pregnant women had had previous contact with HBV as evidenced by the positive status for anti-HBc.Just 2.7% of the pregnant women had previously been vaccinated against HBV. The mean age for HBsAg positivity in our setting was 26.9 ±4.7 years, and the most affected age group was the 25 – 29 years age group. There was no statistically significant association between age or other socio-demographic risk factors and HBsAg status. Numerous risk factors for HBV acquisition exists in our settings, but amongst these, only a history of a contact with hepatitis B infection was found to be significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (OR 1.63, 95% C.I 1.15-2.30). Finally, the coinfection rate of HBV/HIV was 0.74%.ConclusionThe prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Cameroon is high, and the pattern tends towards high infectivity and therefore increased risk of perinatal HBV transmission. These highlight the need to step up preventive efforts against hepatitis B infection and perinatal HBV transmission in our community.

Distribution of CCR5-Delta32, CCR5 promoter 59029 A/G, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3’A genetic polymorphisms in HIV-1 infected and uninfected patients in the West Region of Cameroon

BackgroundGenetic variants of the genes encoding Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) co-receptors and their ligands, like CC-Chemokine Receptor 5 delta 32 mutation (CCR5-Delta32), CCR5 promoter A/G (Adenine/Guanine), CC-Chemokine Receptor 2 mutation 64 isoleucine (CCR2-64I) and the Stromal cell-derived Factor 3’A mutation (SDF1-3’A), are involved in the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and progression. The prevalence of these mutations varies by Region. However, little is known about their distribution in the population of Dschang, located in the West Region of Cameroon. The prevalence of HIV in the West Region of Cameroon is lower than elsewhere in Cameroon. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of four AIDS Related Gene (ARG) variants in HIV-infected and non-infected population of Cameroon especially in the West Region and to estimate the contribution of these variants to the susceptibility or resistance to HIV infection. We also aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of genotyping using dried blood spot (DBS) samples.MethodsA total of 179 participants were recruited from two hospitals in Dschang in the West Region of Cameroon. Their genotypes for CCR5-Delta32, CCR5 promoter 59029A/G, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3’A were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms.ResultsA total of 179 participants were enrolled in the study. Among them, 32 (17.9%) were HIV positive and 147 (82.1%) were HIV negative. The allelic frequencies of these genes were: 0%, 49.72%, 17.6% and 100% respectively for CCR5-Delta32, CCR5 promoter 59029A/G, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3’A. No individual was found to carry the CCR5-Delta 32 mutation. All participants recruited were heterozygous for the SDF1-3’A allele.ConclusionOur data suggest that the CCR5-Delta32 cannot account for the protection as it was completely absent in our population. SDF1-3’A variants, may be in association with other polymorphisms, may account for the overall protection from HIV-1 infection in participants recruited as everyone carries this allele. The CCR5 promoter 59029 G/G genotype may be associated with the risk for HIV-1 infection in this population, while the CCR2-64I (A/A genotype) may account for the protection against HIV infection. The results of genotyping from fresh blood and DBS were comparable.

Hepatitis E virus infections in HIV-infected patients in Ghana and Cameroon

BackgroundChronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections have recently been described in HIV-infected patients. Only few data are available for sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV and HEV are highly co-endemic, and where liver pathology is common in HIV-infected individuals. ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of HEV viremia, anti-HEV antibodies, and serum aminotransferase levels in HIV patients in Ghana and Cameroon. Study designWe retrospectively surveyed a cross-section of patients who were enrolled in cohort studies in Ghana (West Africa), and Cameroon (Central Africa). Plasma samples from 1029 HIV patients from Ghana and 515 patients from Cameroon including 214 children were analyzed for HEV-RNA by two reverse transcription PCR methods. In a subset of 791 patients, anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies were analyzed. ResultsNo HEV-RNA was detected in any of the plasma samples of 1544 patients. HEV seroprevalence was high in adult HIV patients from Ghana (45.3%, n=402) and Cameroon (14.2%, n=289), but low in pediatric HIV patients from Cameroon (2.0%, n=100). Elevations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were common in adult patients from Ghana (20.8% and 25.4%) and Cameroon (38.9% and 69.8%). The prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen was 11.8% and of hepatitis C virus antibodies 2.5% in our adult Cameroonian study population. ConclusionsAcute or chronic HEV infections did not play a role in liver pathology in two HIV cohorts in Ghana and Cameroon. A better understanding of the epidemiology and genotype-specific characteristics of HEV infections in HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa is needed.

Assessment of serum calcium in relation to dietary calcium intake in a rural population in Cameroon

The serum calcium levels of patients were assessed as they attended a district hospital in a rural population for a period of one month. A majority of the patients were between the age group of 38-77 years. 55 cases were studied. The ratio of males to females was 3:8. The results show an increase in abnormal serum calcium level with age. The abnormality in serum calcium was higher in females than in males. The demonstration of poor nutritional intake and lack of other calcium supplements was a predisposing factor to the abnormal calcium levels. It was concluded that the abnormal levels of calcium were as a result of lack of calcium diet.

Assessment of exposure to ochratoxin - A (OTA) through ground roasted coffee in two cameroonian cities: Yaounde and Douala

Occurrence of ochrato xin A (OTA) in ground roasted coffee fro m d ifferent brands and types available in Yaounde and Douala cities was assessed. Based on these data, exposure of the Cameroonian population to OTA through coffee consumption was estimated. Coffee samples were purchased in hypermarkets and supermarkets of the two selected cities of Cameroon. OTA was extracted, cleaned-up by immunoaffin ity columns, and detected by HPLC-fluorescence detection. OTA was found in 64.7% of pure Arab ica coffee, 75% of pure Robusta coffee, and 62% of Arab ica / Robusta mixtu re coffee, with OTA levels ranging fro m 0.3 to 4.9 µg.kg -1 , 0.6 to 18 µg.kg -1 and 0.3 to 7.4 µg.kg -1 respectively. Robusta Coffee brands are the most contaminated, follo w by coffee mixture brands and Arabica coffee brands. The daily intake of OTA is 0.065 ng / kg bw per day. Consumption of OTA fro m coffee in the cities of Douala and Yaounde are then very lo w compared to that of Europe who is 2-3 ng/kg bw per day. Consumption of OTA fro m coffee in the cities of Douala and Yaounde is very low co mpared to that of Europe, for wh ich the rate is 2-3 ng/kg bw per day.

Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Thinness in Cameroon Urban Children and Adolescents

Objective. This study examined the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity in Cameroon children ranging from 8 to 15 years old using several published references as evaluation tools. Methods. A stratified sample was used with eleven schools randomly selected, and data from 2689 children (52.2% girls) ranging from 8 to 15 years were analyzed. Weight and height were recorded and BMI was calculated. BMI cutoffs used to define nutritional status grades included two international and three national published indices which were compared to our database-derived cutoffs. Results. A prevalence of 9.5% thinness and 12.4% overweight including 1.9% obesity according to international references was detected. A 2.2% low-weight-for-age, 5.7% low-height-for-age, and 5.2% low-weight-for-height were identified. Overall, there were significant differences using calculations based on our database versus published reference values and between boys versus girls. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity is similar to that of other leading-emerging countries reported within the last decade, yet it is still lower than prevalence in developed countries. Ethnic background and social environment have impact on prevalences, highlighting the importance of evaluating the Cameroon population based on locally derived database.

Social impact assessment in LCA using the Preston pathway

The purpose of the social Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method is to predict the social impacts on people caused by the changes in the functioning of one product chain throughout its life cycle. Changes in health status are very important experiences for people. The aim of this paper is to build a pathway between changes in economic activity generated by the functioning of a product chain and the changes in health status of the population in the country where the economic activity takes place. Empirical and historical factors suggest that increased economic activity through growth in income leads to improvements in the health of a country’s population. This empirical relationship is well known in economics as the Preston curve. Using this relationship, we design a pathway for social LCA impact assessment. This pathway may be used to explain or predict the potential impact caused by the modification of one product sector upon the health of a population. The Preston relationship usually is calculated for a cross section of countries. We assess whether the Preston relationship is valid when a single country is considered alone. Drawing from scientific literature regarding development, we define the context where the use of the Preston relationship is justified. We describe the general design of the Preston pathway, using a recalculated (panel based) relationship, and specify the conditions for its use. We apply it to the case of company B, a banana industry in Cameroon, for the period between 2010 and 2030. We highlight that the panel calculation of the Preston relationship remains significant when a country is considered alone. We suggest that the following conditions are required for the pathway to be used: (1) the activity is set within countries where the GDP per capita in purchasing power parity is less than $10,000 at the start of the period, (2) the assessed activity accounts for a significant part of the annual GDP and/or demonstrates obvious signs that it represents a huge stake in the country’s economy, (3) the duration of the assessed activity is regular and long enough, and (4) the added value created by the activity is shared within the country. We found that the future activity of company B would improve the potential LEX of the entire population of Cameroon by 5 days over 20 years, based on 200,000 t of bananas exported annually (in comparison with no activity). When the four conditions for use are met, and provided results are interpreted by comparing them with other situations or countries, the recalculated panel-based relationship may be used to explain or predict a change in potential life expectancy generated by a change in economic activity. The Preston pathway may be useful for impact assessment in social LCA. The assessment is valid only when used for a comparative analysis and must be done within a multi-criteria framework. Complementary pathways therefore need to be designed. We suggest that the conditions for use and other research issues be discussed and fine-tuned further. Moreover, we welcome comments and criticisms.

Genetic structure and origin of Busseola fusca populations in Cameroon

AbstractThe cereal stem borer Busseola fusca Fuller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a species endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa. It is a major pest of maize and cultivated sorghum, the main cereal crops on the African mainland. Previous studies using mitochondrial markers revealed the presence of three clades of haplotypes (W, KI, KII) among B. fusca populations. Previous preliminary studies based on a few B. fusca individuals collected from three localities within the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest in Cameroon demonstrated a matching with clade KII, a fairly surprising result because the putative centre of origin of that clade is located 3 000 km away in East Africa. To check this finding, 120 individuals of B. fusca covering several Cameroonian sites belonging to both Guineo‐Congolian rain forest and Afromontane vegetation mosaics were collected. Comparison of cytochrome b sequences using the same marker revealed low mitochondrial diversity (h = 0.483 ± 0.054, π = 0.073 ± 0.061%). Moreover, molecular diversity in the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest zone was lower than that in Afromontane vegetation, which is therefore thought to be the likely starting point for the colonization of other zones in Cameroon. The study showed a moderate but significant structuring between populations (ΦST = 0.034, P&lt;0.001) as well as within and among the two Cameroonian phytogeographical groups considered (ΦSC = 0.000 and ΦCT = 0.051, respectively, both P&lt;0.001). Nested clade phylogeographic analysis indicated that all Cameroonian clades with significant geographical associations were interpreted as a phenomenon of contiguous range expansion. All results suggest that the Cameroonian population of B. fusca is relatively recent and originates from the recent geographical expansion of clade KII.

The prevalence and management of hypertension in a population of adults with type 2 diabetes in the Adamawa Region (Cameroon): A retrospective analysis

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in adult Cameroonian population in Adamawa with type 2 diabetes. Medical files of patients under follow-up at the hypertension and diabetes Unit of the Ngaoundere Regional Hospital (Adamawa Region, Cameroon) were evaluated over one year period from January 2008 to January 2009. Medical follow-up consisted of a regular monthly clinical evaluation, with measurements of anthropometric parameters and monitoring of blood pressure and fasting blood sugar. A total of 317 diabetics were surveyed in this study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 60.3%. The prevalence of hypertension was higher for the female population (61.1%) as compared to male (58.6%). Overall, 36.7% patients (n=70) were treated for hypertension; only 5.7% of the treated patients had their blood pressure controlled. The commonly prescribed drugs were: alpha methyldopa (26%), association reserpine and chlortalidone (25%), diuretics (22%), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors (10%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Our study indicates a low control rate of hypertension in Cameroonian diabetic patients in our setting and underlines the need for improving their blood pressure management with effective prevention of cardiovascular risk. Keys words: Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prevalence, drugs, control

Would sickle cell trait influence the metabolic control in sub-Saharan individuals with type 2 diabetes?

To determine the prevalence and effects of sickle cell trait on metabolic control in a Cameroonian diabetic population in a tertiary care setup. This was a cross-sectional study involving 73 consecutive outpatients with Type 2 diabetes recruited from the Yaounde National Diabetes and Obesity Centre. Sickle cell trait status was based on haemoglobin electrophoresis. Metabolic control was assessed by plasma glucose and HbA(1c), and comparisons made between participants with and without sickle cell trait, with adjustment for confounders through linear regressions models. The prevalence of sickle cell trait was 19%, without sex difference, and comparable with figures in individuals without diabetes in this setting. Participants with diabetes and sickle cell trait were older than the non-trait participants (66 vs. 58 years, P = 0.02). Otherwise, clinical and biological profile including indicators of metabolic control were similarly distributed between trait and non-trait participants (all P >0.08). After adjustment for confounders, sickle cell trait was unrelated to fasting glucose (β = 0.02; 95% confidence interval -37.68-43.30) and HbA(1c) (β = -0.03, 95% confidence interval -1.18-0.93), and did not affect the relationship between the two markers of diabetes control (β = -0.03, 95% confidence interval -1.18-0.89). Sickle cell trait was as frequent in this subgroup of patients with Type 2 diabetes as in the general population, suggesting no specific association with diabetes. It does not affect the metabolic control of diabetes. However, how this translates into long-term outcome needs to be fully elucidated in this setting, with an increasing population with both sickle cell trait and diabetes mellitus.

Why should we translate Cochrane Reviews into French? A view from Cameroon.

Why should we translate Cochrane Reviews into French? A view from Cameroon.

Sexual violence among host and refugee population in Djohong District, Eastern Cameroon

The following is a population-based survey of the Central African Republic (CAR) female refugee population displaced to rural Djohong District of Eastern Cameroon and associated female Cameroonian host population to characterise the prevalence and circumstances of sexual violence. A population-based, multistage, random cluster survey of 600 female heads of household was conducted during March 2010. Women heads of household were asked about demographics, household economy and assets, level of education and sexual violence experienced by the respondent only. The respondents were asked to describe the circumstances of their recent assault. The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence among Djohong district female heads of household is 35.2% (95% CI 28.7–42.2). Among heads of household who reported a lifetime incident of sexual violence, 64.0% (95% CI 54.3–72.5) suffered sexual violence perpetrated by their husband or partner. Among the host population, 3.9% (95% CI 1.4–10.5) reported sexual violence by armed groups compared to 39.0% (95% CI 25.6–54.2) of female refugee heads of household. Women who knew how to add and subtract were less likely to report sexual violence during their lifetime (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08–0.34). Sexual violence is common among refugees and host population in Eastern Cameroon. Most often, perpetrators are partners/husbands or armed groups.

Cancer care challenges in developing countries

Health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are not prepared for the rapid rise in cancer rates projected in the region over the next decades. More must be understood about the current state of cancer care in this region to target improvement efforts. Yaounde General Hospital (YGH) currently is the only site in Cameroon (population: 18.8 million) where adults can receive chemotherapy from trained medical oncologists. The experiences of patients at this facility represent a useful paradigm for describing cancer care in this region. In July and August 2010, our multidisciplinary team conducted closed-end interviews with 79 consecutive patients who had confirmed breast cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, or lymphoma. Thirty-five percent of patients waited >6 months to speak to a health care provider after the first sign of their cancer. The delay between first consultation with a health care provider and receipt of a cancer diagnosis was >3 months for 47% of patients. The total delay from the first sign of cancer to receipt of the correct diagnosis was >6 months for 63% of patients. Twenty-three percent of patients traveled for >7 hours to reach YGH, and 40% of patients interviewed spent >$200 on a single round of chemotherapy. Cancer patients experienced numerous geographic and health care system challenges, resulting in significant delays in receiving diagnosis and treatment, even for cancers highly amenable to early intervention. This unacceptable and unethical situation is likely explained by limited knowledge about cancer among patients and health care professionals, government neglect, poverty, and reliance on traditional healers.

Rural and urban differences in metabolic profiles in a Cameroonian population

The difference between modern lifestyle in urban areas and the traditional way of life in rural areas may affect the population's health in developing countries proportionally. In this study, we sought to describe and compare the metabolic (fasting blood sugar and lipid profile) profile in an urban and rural sample of a Cameroonian population, and study the association to anthropometric risk factors of obesity. 332 urban and 120 rural men and women originating from the Sanaga Maritime Department and living in the Littoral Region in Cameroon voluntarily participated in this study. In all participants, measurement of height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure systolic (SBP) and blood pressure diastolic (DBP), resting heart rate (RHR), blood glucose and lipids was carried out using standard methods. Total body fat (BF%) was measured using bio-impedancemetry. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Low Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations were calculated using the Friedwald formula. World Health Organization criteria were used to define high and low levels of blood pressure, metabolic and anthropometric factors. The highest blood pressure values were found in rural men. Concerning resting heart rate, only the youngest women's age group showed a significant difference between urban and rural areas (79 ± 14 bpm vs 88 ± 12 bpm, p = 0.04) respectively. As opposed to the general tendency in our population, blood glucose was higher in rural men and women compared to their urban counterparts in the older age group (6.00 ± 2.56 mmol/L vs 5.72 ± 2.72 mmol/L, p = 0.030; 5.77 ± 3.72 vs 5.08 ± 0.60, p = 0,887 respectively). Triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in urban than rural men (1.23 ± 0.39 mmol/L vs 1.17 ± 0.64 mmol/L, p = 0.017). High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were higher in rural compared to urban men (2.60 ± 0.10 35mmol/L vs 1.97 ± 1.14 mmol/L, p<0.001 respectively). However, total Cholesterol (TC) and LDL-c were significantly higher in urban than in rural men (p<0.001 and p = 0.005) and women (p<0.001 respectively. Diabetes' rate in this population was 6.6%. This rate was higher in the rural (8.3%) than in the urban area (6.0%). Age and RHR were significantly higher in diabetic women than in non-diabetics (p = 0.007; p = 0.032 respectively). In a multiple regression, age was an independent predictor of SBP, DBP and RHR in the entire population. Age predicted blood glucose in rural women only. BMI, WC and BF% were independent predictors of RHR in rural population, especially in men. WC and BF% predicted DBP in rural men only. Anthropometric parameters did not predict the lipid profile. Lipid profile was less atherogenic in rural than in urban area. The rural population was older than the urban one. Blood pressure and blood glucose were positively associated to age in men and women respectively; this could explain the higher prevalence of diabetes in rural than in urban area. The association of these metabolic variables to obesity indices is more frequent and important in urban than in rural area.

Rural and urban differences in metabolic profiles in a Cameroonian population

Rural and urban differences in metabolic profiles in a Cameroonian population

Diabetes awareness in general population in Cameroon

Background A good knowledge about diabetes could lead to early diagnosis and improved management. Objective To evaluate the level of diabetes awareness in Cameroonians, and to identify factors that influence this awareness. Methods In subjects aged ≥25 years ( n = 1000, 93.4% of response), details regarding risk factors, symptoms, treatment and complications of type 2 diabetes were collected. One mark was attributed to each true answer and a global diabetes awareness score was computed. Influence of age, gender, educational level, occupational level, notion of a relative having a chronic condition and presence of chronic disease were analyzed. Results Eighty percent of subjects scored more than the total mean score. The highest score obtained by participants (0.10%) was 28/30. The mean total score was higher in men ( p < 0.02) and in subjects with a relative having a chronic condition ( p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, age classes ( p < 0.01), educational level ( p < 0.001) and relatives with a chronic condition ( p < 0.001) were associated to the global diabetes awareness score. Conclusions Diabetes awareness was generally good. This may be due to the fact that the study was conducted in an area where health promotion and health education on diabetes have been intensively delivered for the past 4 years.

Central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in the Cameroonian nonglaucomatous population

We performed a prospective, analytical study from 01 January to 31 March 2009 in the Ophthalmology Unit of the Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital of Yaounde, aiming to determine the profile of central corneal thickness (CCT) in the Cameroonian nonglaucomatous black population and its relationship with intraocular pressure (IOP). Four hundred and eighty-five patients (970 eyes) meeting our inclusion criteria were selected for this study. The average CCT was 529.29 +/- 35.9 mum in the right eye (95% confidence interval [CI]: 526.09-532.49), 528.19 +/- 35.9 mum in the left eye (95% CI: 524.99-531.40) and 528.74 +/- 35.89 mum in both eyes (95% CI: 526.48-531.00), range 440 to 670 mum. The average IOP was 13.01 +/- 2.97 mmHg in both eyes (95% CI: 12.82-13.19). A rise in CCT by 100 mum was followed by an increase in IOP of about 2.8 mmHg (95% CI: 2.3-3.6) for both eyes taken together. Linear regression analysis showed that corneal thickness was negatively correlated with age and IOP was positively related with age. CCT in the Cameroonian nonglaucomatous black population was found to be lower compared with CCT values in Caucasian and Asian populations. On the basis of reference values ranging between 527 and 560 mum, an adjustment of IOP values by a correction factor is required for many Cameroonian patients. This will improve the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma by helping to detect true ocular hypertension.