Cameroonian Population Research Articles

Perceptions of Factors Associated with Condom Use to Prevent HIV/AIDS among Persons with Physical Disability in an Urban Town of Cameroon: A Qualitative Study.

Persons with disabilities have been identified as one of the groups vulnerable to HIV, due to several challenges posed by their disabilities. They also suffer external stigma from their able bodied peers. However, they have largely been ignored as part of HIV prevention programs, largely due to the perceptions that they are not at risk, and information is not being accessible. About 5.4% of the Cameroon population lives with a disability. In Cameroon, no official statistics exist on perception of factors associated with condom use to prevent HIV among persons with disabilities, which creates a challenge for understanding the extent of the pandemic in this population. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate perceptions of factors associated with condom use among persons with physical disability in an urban town of Cameroon. The qualitative study from which this paper is based, used semi-structured in-depth interviews, conducted with a purposive sample of ten (5 male and 5 female) persons with physical disability, aged 18 years and above, in April 2015. The findings of this study as interpreted according to the components of the Health Belief Model, indicated that perceived susceptibility to HIV, perceived severity of HIV, perceived benefit of condom use, perceived barriers to condom use and perceived self-efficacy for condom use were the factors perceived by persons with physical disability, to be associated with condom use. It is therefore recommended that there should be educational programs in HIV/AIDS targeted specifically at persons with physical disability. These programs should pertinently promote the understanding and perceptions of persons with physical disability of the real threat of HIV/AIDS, and also equip them with condom negotiation skills and strategies to overcome barriers to condom use.

An Assessment of Pension Insurance on the Socio-Economic Life of the Retired Population in Buea-Cameroon

This work aimed at evaluating the impact of pension insurance on the socio-economic life of the retired population in Buea-Cameroon. The objectives of the study were to appraise the policies and procedures used to obtain old age pension and old age allowance, and to assess the impact of old age pension and old age allowance on the socio-economic life of the retired population in Cameroon, precisely the Buea municipality. To achieve these objectives, the researcher came out with methods of data collection which included questionnaires that were administered to respondents in Buea and interviews. The said data were analysed with the help of simple regression and it was discovered from the analyses that an increase in old age pension and old age allowance will better off the socio-economic life of the retired population. Moreover, this relationship also portrays that, a fall in old age pension and old age allowance will worsen off the socio-economic life of the retired population. From these findings, the researcher recommends that, the National Social Security Fund should be able to hold seminars and give advices to the retired population on how they could better manage their retirement income, which will enable them to meet up their standard of living and satisfy their basic necessities such as their health, children’s education, feeding and many others.

Association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in South West Cameroon.

The association of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism and essential hypertension has been reported but with controversial results in diverse populations in Asia and Europe, thereby suggesting a dependency on ethnicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and essential hypertension in a Cameroonian population (Bantu ethnic group) of the South West Region. Analysis of anthropometric and biochemical data in hypertensive and normotensive subjects revealed that age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum total cholesterol, and triglycerides are independent risk factors for essential hypertension. Substitution of thymine for cytosine at position 667 of the MTHFR gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotype frequencies were found to be 7.3% CC, 58.5% CT, and 34.1% TT for hypertensive subjects compared to 90.0% CC, 10.0% CT, and 0.0% TT for normotensives. Allele frequencies were obtained as 36.6% C and 63.4% T for hypertensive subjects and 95.0% C and 5.0% T for normotensive subjects. These results reveal that the T allele predisposes individuals to hypertension. Therefore, there is an association between variants of the MTHFR gene and hypertension in Cameroonian patients from the South West region.

Can Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions be used to Monitor the Hearing of HIV-Infected Patients? A Case-Control Study in a Cameroonian Population

Can Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions be used to Monitor the Hearing of HIV-Infected Patients? A Case-Control Study in a Cameroonian Population

Morphological and Biochemical Changes During Muskmelon (<i>Cucumis melo</i> var. Tibish) Fruit Maturation

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is a vegetable much appreciated by the Cameroonian population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of development stage on morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the fruit. These parameters were studied from the third to the seventh week after fruit set. The average weight, fruit size and proportions of the different fractions (peel, mesocarp and endocarp) were evaluated. Some physicochemical and antioxidant properties were also determined. Results showed that morphological parameters increased significantly (p<0.05) during the development of the fruit of Cucumis melo. From the third to the seventh week after fruit set, the average weight varied from 105 to 404 g. During the maturation of fruit, the weight of mesocarp was higher than that of endocarp. The studied physicochemical parameters, varied from a fruit fraction to another and also depended on the development stage. Results showed that the weight ratio of mesocarp (44-42%) decreased meanwhile that of endocarp (41-44%) increased down the growth. During the maturation of fruit, the proteins content of peels decreased from 1.7 to 0.4 mg / g, while that of mesocarp and endocarp increased from 0.14 to 0.48 mg / g and from 1.38 to 4.26, respectively. At stage 1 of development, the peels were two times richer in vitamin C (14.9 µg / g) than the other fruit fractions (4.17-8.38). However, from stage 2 to stage 5 (full maturation), the mesocarp and endocarp appeared by far richer. The minerals requirements can be satisfy by the mesocarp or endocarp of Cucumis melo fruit harvested at five week after fruit set (stage 3). However, antioxidant capacity, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamin C are high in the fruit at stage 4 or 5.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Associated to Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Patients Seen in Rheumatology Unit in Yaounde, Cameroon

Introduction: Even though there is a huge burden of both chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) and cardiovascular diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, no published study from this region has yet addressed the issue of cardiovascular diseases in a group including different CIRD to the best of our knowledge. Objective: We conducted this research with the aim to explore the association between CIRD and cardiovascular risk in a Cameroonian population based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Society for Hypertension (ISH) risk charts. Methods: This cross-sectional study included CIRD patients, followed at the rheumatology unit of the Yaounde Central Hospital, and, who were matched to non-CIRD subjects for sex, age and race. Cardiovascular risk factors were studied and subsequently the cardiovascular risk was estimated using the WHO/ISH risk charts. Analyses were performed in Epi-info and SPSS software and results were considered statistically significant for a p-value less than 0.05. Results: In total, 109 CIRD patients and 111 non-CIRD subjects were included. Their respective mean ages were 44.4 ± 15.2 years and 44.2 ± 15.1 years. Odds ratio 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07 - 4.08); high BMI OR 1.89, 95% CI (1.1 - 3.24); diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03) and physical inactivity (p < 0.001) were all markedly found in CIRD patients compared with controls. Ten (9.2%) CIRD patients had a past history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events compared with no control (p < 0.001). The cardiovascular risk estimated with the WHO/ISH risk charts was low in 43 (79.6%) patients with CIRD versus 52 (88.1%) non-CIRD subjects. Conclusions: CIRD were associated with hypertension, excess overall adiposity, diabetes mellitus, and physical inactivity. A substantially increased proportion of CIRD patients with a past history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events were noted. But the WHO/ISH risk charts broadly found a similar and globally decremented cardiovascular risk in both study groups, highlighting the need to pursue research for definite conclusions on their reliability.

The Development of a Potential Local Dairy for an Emerging Peri-Urban Population of Cameroon

Dairy milk development guarantees income small graziers and nutritive balance of the population but its perishable and bulky characteristics requires a special production attention especially in the North West region of Cameroon where indigenous breeds of zebu cattle notably the Gudali, Red Mbororo and White Fulani grazed in nomadic to semi-nomadic systems year round. Primary and secondary data collected and treated statistically allude to the fact that Tubah-Sabga is an archetypical rangeland continuum where this activity has deepened its roots years past with a timidly growing human population that is a prime production and potential market. The population rise within this zone consequent of student influx has soared the demand potential for the dairy products that have been on a near abandonment to indigenous efforts. The current dairy production levels have a high potential to be enhanced by the emerging educational institutions emerging in the zone so as to guarantee a self-sufficiency for the local peri-urban community in the making.

Socioeconomic correlates of trauma: An analysis of emergency ward patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon

IntroductionInjury is a significant and increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa; however, the social and economic factors underlying these trends are not well understood. We evaluated the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and trauma outcomes using a prospective registry of patients presenting to the largest trauma hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon. MethodsTrauma patients (n=2855) presenting to the emergency ward at Central Hospital, Yaoundé between April 15 and October 15, 2009 were surveyed regarding demographic and socioeconomic background, nature and severity of injuries, treatment, and disposition. A wealth score was estimated for each patient, corresponding to an SES index constructed using principle components analysis of the urban Cameroonian Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of SES on care-seeking behaviour, injury severity, and treatment outcome. Main outcome measures: SES wealth score, care-seeking prior to visiting hospital, injury severity, treatment outcome. ResultsPatients aged 1–89 presented with road traffic injuries (59.83%), falls (7.76%), and penetrating trauma (6.16%), and had higher SES than the broader urban Cameroonian population. Within the Yaoundé sample, being in the lowest SES quintile was associated with an increased likelihood of having sought care elsewhere before presenting to the hospital (aOR=3.28, p<0.001), after controlling for background and injury characteristics. Patients in the lowest SES quintile were also more likely to present with moderate/severe injuries (aOR=4.93, p<0.001), and were more likely to be transferred to the operating room. ConclusionsPatients presenting to this trauma centre were wealthier than the broader community, suggesting the possibility of barriers to accessing care. Poorer patients were more likely to have severe injuries and more likely to need surgery, but were less likely to seek care from a major trauma centre immediately. Substantial differences in SES between the sample visiting the hospital and the broader community suggest a need for community-based sampling approaches in future trauma research.

Entrepreneurs-politiciens et populations locales au Cameroun

Au Cameroun des echanges mutuels existent entre les entrepreneurs economiques qui font la politique et les populations locales. Apres avoir accumule de nombreuses ressources, les entrepreneurs les redistribuent sous forme de dons en direction de leur localite et etablissent ainsi des rapports de clienteles aupres des populations et s’assurent le patronage ou l’amitie de certaines autorites traditionnelles. Tout don appelant un contre-don, les beneficiaires offrent dans l’immediat au donateur des remerciements tout en lui rassurant du retour de l’ascenseur plus tard a travers les suffrages qu’ils lui accorderont lorsqu’il sera candidat a une competition politique locale. Cette strategie d’echange a permis a de nombreux entrepreneurs economiques d’acceder a des postes politiques de maires ou de depute dans leur localite respective et de devenir ainsi des entrepreneurs politiciens.

Association between the rs12255372 variant of the TCF7L2 gene and obesity in a Cameroonian population.

BackgroundThe transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is one of the genes that have been identified as possible determinants of diabetes which is associated with obesity. Data on the genetic causes of obesity in sub-Saharan African populations are very scares. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism (rs12255372 G/T) and obesity and weight-related traits in a Cameroonian population.MethodsA case–control study was conducted on 35 obese and 30 non-obese Cameroonian adults. TCF7L2 rs12255372 genotypes were determined using PCR–RFLP and correlated with BMI and weight-related traits.ResultsNo significant association was observed between the rs12255372 T allele (χ2 = 0.0684, p = 0.79) or the TT genotype (χ2 = 0.372, p = 0.54) of the TCF7L2 gene and obesity in the Cameroonian population. However, amongst the weight-related traits, triglycerides were significantly associated with the T risk allele of the TCF7L2 gene (p = 0.012).ConclusionThis study on Cameroonian subjects replicates the absence of association between the TCF7L2 rs12255372 variant and obesity as observed in European and American populations.

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge among Persons with Physical Disability in Cameroon: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: The physically disabled have historically been excluded from HIV planning and programming largely due to perceptions that they are not sexually active. About 5.4% of the Cameroon population lives with a disability. However, there is scarcity of literature on HIV/AIDS related knowledge among persons with disabilities, mainly because those who have been charged with HIV/AIDS control have not yet considered HIV/AIDS and how it affects people with disabilities. The objective of this study was to investigate the HIV/AIDS related knowledge among persons with physical disability in an urban town of Cameroon, in order to ascertain if this vulnerable population is also a key population in relation to the HIV epidemic.

Evaluation of the Prevalence of Rheumatoid Factor in Five Regions of Cameroon

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of rheumatoid factor (RF) of immunoglobulin M nature in the Cameroonian population and the influence of demographic factors on its production. Patients and methods: A total of 369 subjects (125 males and 244 females; mean age 42.36±15.73 years; range 15-88 years) were tested from five regions of Cameroon (Center, East, Far North, Littoral and West) between July 2012 and December 2012. Whole blood was collected from each participant and the serum was used for immunoglobulin M RF assay using the RF-IMMESCO test (agglutination technique). Results: The prevalence of RF in the whole population was 5.4%, with a female to male ratio of 2.4. RF was present in all age groups, but especially in participants of 30 to 60 years of age. The Center region had the highest prevalence (7.5%), while the West region had the lowest prevalence (2.2%). However, there was no significant difference between studied regions (p>0.05). Of the 369 participants tested, 257 (69.6%) complained of having suffered joint pain at one time or another while 112 did not complain of joint pain. The prevalence of RF was 6.22% in the former group and 3.57% in the latter. Among those 50 to 70 years of age, nearly 90% had at least one painful joint. Conclusion: The presence of RF in the study population may lead to joint diseases, which are more common disabling diseases among the inhabitants of Cameroon. Further studies are needed to bring more insight on the prevalence of RF in Cameroon.

Association between the TCF7L2 rs12255372 (G/T) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Cameroonian population: a pilot study.

BackgroundTo study the relationship between the rs12255372 (G/T) polymorphism of the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Cameroonian population.MethodsThis case–control study included 60 T2DM patients and 60 healthy normoglycemic controls, all unrelated and of Cameroonian origin, aged above 40 years (range 40–87). The Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR) was used for genotyping.ResultsThe T allele frequency was significantly higher in the diabetic group (0.44) than in the control group (0.17). This allele was significantly associated to a greater risk of developing T2DM as compared to the G allele (OR = 3.92, 95% CI 2.04 – 7.67, p < 0.0001). The codominant (additive) model explained best the risk of developing the disease, as the TT genotype was significantly associated to T2DM when compared to the GG genotype (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.64 – 12.83, p = 0.0014). By logistic regression adjusted for age, this OR was 4.33 (95% CI: 1.57 – 11.92, p = 0.005).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the rs12255372 (G/T) polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene is an important risk factor for T2DM in the Cameroonian population.

Contribution of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C/T) gene polymorphism to the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Cameroon.

BackgroundData on the genetic variants for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in sub-Saharan African populations are very scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association of transcription factor 7-like (TCF7L2) with T2DM in a Cameroonian population and explore possible genotype-phenotype correlation.MethodsThis is a case–control study involving 37 T2DM patients and 37 non-diabetic volunteers of Cameroonian ethnicity aged 40 years old and above. We collected clinical and biological data to determine phenotypic traits. TCF7L2 was analyzed by genotyping for rs7903146 (C/T) using PCR-RFLP. Biochemical analyses were performed using a spectrophotometer with Chronolab kits. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS, PS and Quanto.ResultsTCF7L2 was associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population (p = 0.013 for alleles, and p = 0.013 for genotypes). The risk allele was C (9.5% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 16.56) and the protective allele was T (90.5% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.06). The risk genotype was C/T (18.9% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 18.44), while the protective genotype was T/T (81.1% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.054). The statistical power was 99.99%. TCF7L2 was not preferentially associated with a specific disease phenotype.ConclusionTCF7L2 is associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population. The association is not dependent on a specific T2DM phenotype. Clinical genetic testing for TCF7L2 can help to predict the occurrence of T2DM in Cameroon.

Chemical composition of essential oils of &lt;i&gt;Eugenia caryophylla&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Mentha sp cf Piperita&lt;/i&gt; and their &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antifungal activities on six human pathogenic fungi

Background: Many fungal infections are responsible for human skin damages, to control their negative action, some aromatic and medicinal plants are traditionally used by local population in Cameroon. The present study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of essential oils of Eugenia caryophylla and Mentha sp cf piperita and their antifungal activity on some human pathogenic fungi.Materials and methods: Essential oils from Eugenia caryophylla and Mentha sp cf piperita were extracted by steam distillation using Clevenger apparatus and the antifungal activity was evaluated on six human pathogenic fungal strains; two yeasts (Candida albicans 1 and Candida albicans 2) and four dermatophytes (Tricophyton rubrum 1, T. rubrum 2, T. violaceum, and T. soudanensis) using modified broth microdilution method M27-A3 and M38-A respectively.Results: The essential oils obtained yielded of 5.9 for Eugenia caryophylla and 0.2% Mentha sp cf piperita respectively. The chemical composition was assigned by GC and GC/SM and showed that E. caryophylla was mainly composed of eugenol (80.0 %), E-caryophyllene (8.3%), and eugenol acetate (6.7%) while Mentha sp cf piperita was characterized by piperitone (67.5 %), menthol (10.0 %) and ß-phellandrene (5.8%). The result showed that essential oil of E. caryophylla exhibit the highest antifungal activity with MICs and MFC of 0.25μL/mL and 0.125μL/mL for filamentous fungi and MIC of 0.5 μL/mL for both yeast strains while MFC value was 1 μL/mL for one yeast strain and not determined for the second. MFCs Mentha sp cf piperita essential oil showed a weak activity with a MIC of 2.5 μL/mL on Tricophyton strains while no activity was exhibited on Candida albicans strains.Conclusion: The results of this work can be used to confirm their traditional uses and can also be proposed as natural ingredients to some industries to treat superficial infections.Keys words: Essential oil, Eugenia caryophylla, Mentha sp cf piperita, antifungal activity, Human pathogenic strains, fungistatic and fungicide.

POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) AND HEALTH STATE OF THE CAMEROON POPULATION

Since independence (1960s), African countries are regularly animated by crisis (political alternation, ethnic conflicts, tribalism, wars, coup d’etats). These plagues that consume African society have serious impact on the economic growth of these countries, and diversely affect neighboring countries known for their relative stability. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of political crises in Central African Republic (CAR) on the Cameroon health performances. We used Nafziger crude mortality model based on famine, conflict and population displacement. Data used are from the BEAC Documentation service, the UNESCO database and the World Bank (World Development Indicators 2010). The econometric analysis of the model shows a strong contribution of the critical political situation in CAR on the degradation of the health state of people living in Cameroon. Several reasons justify this argument: the influx of refugees from one country to another and the dissemination of diseases amplified by the precariousness of their living condition on the Cameroon territory. This proofs that political instability in Central African Republic (CAR) negatively affects the health state of the Cameroonian population.

Effect of HIV Infection and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Hearing Function: A Prospective Case-Control Study From Cameroon.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many studies have found a higher prevalence of hearing impairment among HIV-positive individuals. To investigate the effect of HIV and highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on the hearing function in a Cameroonian population. We conducted a prospective case-control study from March 1, 2012, through January 31, 2013. The study took place at the National Social Insurance Fund Hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon, a public health facility. We included 90 HIV-positive case patients and 90 HIV-negative control patients aged 15 to 49 years without any history of hearing loss or treatment with a known ototoxic drug. The case group was further divided into 3 subgroups: 30 HAART-naive patients, 30 patients receiving first-line HAART, and 30 patients receiving second-line HAART. Hearing function was assessed by pure-tone audiometry and classified according to the criteria of the Bureau International d'Audio-Phonologie. Hearing loss due to HIV and HAART. The HIV-positive patients had more otologic symptoms (hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, and otalgia) than HIV-negative patients (41 vs 13, P = .04). There were 49 cases (27.2%) of hearing loss in the HIV-positive group vs 10 (5.6%) in the HIV-negative group (P = .04). Compared with HIV-negative individuals, the odds of hearing loss were higher among HIV-infected HAART-naive patients (right ear: odds ratio [OR], 6.7; 95% CI, 4.3-9.7; P = .004; left ear: OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 3.5-8.3; P = .006), patients receiving first-line HAART (right ear: OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.9-10.5; P = .01; left ear: OR, 12.5; 95% CI, 8.5-15.4; P < .001), and patients receiving second-line HAART (right ear: OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.3-9.6; P = .004; left ear: OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 3.0-5.0; P = .08). Hearing loss is more frequent in HIV-infected patients compared with uninfected patients. Therefore, HIV-infected patients need special audiologic care. Further studies are needed because controversy remains regarding the factors that lead to ear damage.

Quantity and spatial distribution of seeds dispersed by a western lowland gorilla population in south-east Cameroon

Abstract:Understanding the ecological function of large frugivores in tropical forests is important considering their central position in seed-dispersal networks. This study illustrates the seed-dispersal effectiveness of a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) population in Cameroon by looking at the interaction of seed quantity, species regeneration traits and the environmental characteristics of the deposition sites (sleeping sites vs. feeding trails) in order to discuss the role of gorillas within the ecosystem. The analysis of 1030 faecal samples collected over a 3-y period (September 2009–August 2012) showed that gorillas dispersed a diverse array of species (58 spp. identified), with an average of 289 intact seeds (&gt;5 mm) d−1 per individual. Seed damage during mouth and gut processing occurred for 12 spp., generally accounting for &lt;5% of specific seed load. Germination trials suggested that germination success of passed seeds remained unchanged (N = 6 spp.) or improved (N = 5 spp.) after gut passage compared with hand-cleaned seeds, with one exception. Indicator species identification (IndVal method) and General Discriminant Analysis suggested that sleeping sites (N = 36), as a main type of seed deposition site, correspond to regenerating microhabitats and correspondingly degree of canopy openness is one variable discriminating significantly this type of deposition site with random locations in the forest (N = 36) used as a proxy for non-directed seed deposition on feeding trails. With a mean canopy openness of 19–27%, sleeping sites offer optimal light conditions for the seedling recruitment of non-pioneer light-demanding species, the seeds of which encompass 47.4% of the total seed load dispersed over the 3-y period. From this study, it is hypothesized that the gorilla performed directed-dispersal of some light-demanding plant species at sleeping sites, and hence, by being actively implicated in gap-phase dynamics, fulfils a valuable ecological function within its ecosystem.

Risk factors of impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes in Yaoundé, Cameroon: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, particularly in low and middle income countries, where treatment and control are often unavailable and inaccessible. Information on risk factors at local and regional levels is of utmost importance for tailored prevention programmes to curb the rise in diabetes.The current study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG)/Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and its risk factors in the adult population in Biyem-Assi-Yaoundé, Cameroon.MethodsInformation on cardiovascular risk factors using the WHO STEPwise approach was obtained for 1623 men and women aged 25 years and older of the CAMBoD Project in Biyem-Assi, Yaoundé, Cameroon. T2D was defined as fasting capillary glucose (FCG) ≥ 7.0 mmol/l and/or being on diabetes medication, IFG/T2D as FCG ≥ 6.1 mmol/l and/or being on diabetes medication. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to describe prevalence of IFG/T2D, prevalence of risk factors for IFG/T2D and to investigate the association of risk factors with prevalence of IFG/T2D.ResultsPrevalence of T2D and of IFG/T2D was 3.3% and 5.7%. Prevalence of hypertension, obesity and abdominal obesity (elevated waist circumference) was 26.6%, 28.4% and 34.9%, respectively. Age and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with IFG/T2D in multivariate logistic regression.ConclusionFor successful primary prevention of T2D in the general population in Cameroon tailored efforts to address obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, and associated life-style factors are warranted.

Body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist–hip-ratio and waist–height-ratio: Which is the better discriminator of prevalent screen-detected diabetes in a Cameroonian population?

BackgroundThe link between measures of adiposity and prevalent screen-detected diabetes (SDM) in Africa has been less well investigated. We assessed and compared the strength of association and discriminatory capability of measures of adiposity including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist–hip-ratio (WHR) and waist–height-ratio (WHtR) for prevalent SDM risk in a sub-Saharan African population. MethodsParticipants were 8663 adults free of diagnosed type 2 diabetes, who took part in the nationally representative Cameroon Burden of Diabetes (CAMBoD) 2006 survey. Logistic regression models were used to compute the odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for a standard deviation (SD) higher level of BMI (7.3), WC (12.5), HC (11.7), WHR (0.19) and WHtR (0.08) with prevalent SDM risk. Assessment and comparison of discrimination used C-statistic and relative integrated discrimination improvement (RIDI, %). ResultsThe adjusted OR and 95%CI for prevalent SDM with each SD higher adipometric variable were: 1.05 (0.98–1.13) for BMI, 1.30 (1.16–1.46) for WC, 1.18 (1.05–1.34) for HC, 1.05 (1.00–1.16) for WHR and 1.26 (1.11–1.39) for WHtR. C-statistic comparisons and RIDI analyses showed a trend toward a significant superiority of WC over other adipometric variables in multivariable models. Combining adiposity variables did not improve discrimination beyond multivariable models with WC alone. ConclusionWC was the best predictors and to some extent WHtR of prevalent SDM in this population, while BMI and WHR were less effective.