Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Independent State, Federal State, or Unitary State? Age, Gender, and Regional Differences Among Anglophone Cameroonians

For the past 8 years, Cameroon has been witnessing a deadly conflict between anglophone separatist fighters and the Cameroon military over the form of governance. This study seeks to highlight anglophone attitudes and preferences towards forms of governance, as well as the differences between men and women and between northwesterners and southwesterners, i.e., the inhabitants of the two English-speaking regions in Cameroon, with respect to this question. In addition, it explores the relationship between age and attitudes toward the form of state. In a sample of 314 participants, the results show that men were more supportive of an independent state than women, but women were more supportive of a federal state than men. On the other hand, support for a unitary state, the current form of state, was extremely low, and there was no significant difference between men and women. Also, this study shows that there is no significant difference between anglophones from the northwest region and anglophones from the southwest region in terms of their support for an independent state, a federal state, and a unitary state. Lastly, the results indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between age and support for an independent state, a significant negative correlation between age and support for a federal state, and a nonsignificant negative correlation between age and support for a unitary state. The implications, limitations, and recommendations of this study are discussed as well.

Research on slope stability assessment methods: a comparative analysis of limit equilibrium, finite element, and analytical approaches for road embankment stabilization

In this study, a comprehensive assessment of slope failure risk in man-made slopes was conducted, focusing specifically on the embankments in the excavated regions along the Tibati-Sengbe road in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the stability of these slopes and determine the safety factors that should be considered in their stabilization. To achieve this goal, a field survey was conducted to identify and characterize the areas at risk. The stability assessment was performed employing sophisticated numerical methods, including the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) utilizing the Bishop Method, the Finite Element Method (FEM) through the Plaxis Method, and the Analytical Method (AM) based on Taylor's Abacus. Ten slopes with homogeneous soil composition but varying geotechnical and geometric properties were selected as the objects for simulations, which were performed using the software packages ROCSCIENCE (Phase 2) for LEM and PLAXIS for FEM. The results indicated a high degree of consistency between the FEM and LEM methodologies, with an R2 correlation approaching 1 in their comparison. Nonetheless, the AM yielded conflicting results in 60% of cases, emphasizing the fundamental significance of numerical methods in evaluating slope stability. The findings of this study discredit the effectiveness of analytical methods in determining safety factor calculations and highlight the accuracy and reliability of the FEM and LEM techniques given their consistent results.

Schistosome infections and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle of the Magba sub-division in the West region of Cameroon

Schistosome infections and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle of the Magba sub-division in the West region of Cameroon

Detection of blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes of antibiotic resistance in diarrheagenic E. coli causing enteric infection in hypertensive patients at Laquintinie Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon.

Pathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the most common causes of acute watery diarrhea among children and adults in the developing world. The severity of infection by this bacterium is a product of many factors, including virulence properties and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to determine the distribution of different virulence genes of E. coli isolates in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients and their association with some selected beta-lactam resistance genes. At the Douala Laquintinie Hospital, 518 fecal samples were collected from both hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients with enteric infections. E. coli was isolated on eosin-methylene blue agar (EMB) and identified by the Api 20 E Galery. The virulence genes and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) E. coli genes were detected by simplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by the Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion method. The prevalence of enteric infection due to diarrheagenic E. coli (n=204) was found to be 39.38% in the general population (n=518). There were 55 enterovirulent E. coli isolates identified. According to hypertension (HTN), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) isolates were more isolated in hypertensive patients (77.78%) than in non-hypertensive patients (22.22%), while enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) were the most frequent in non-hypertensive patients (58.33%). EPEC, EAEC, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) isolates showed higher rates of resistance to amoxicillin (AMO) (90.48%; 100.00%; 100.00%; 100.00% vs 83.33%; 85.71%; 75.00%; 50.00%) and SXT (71.43%; 80.00%; 75.00%; 75.00% vs 0.00%; 28.57%; 50.00%; 25.00%) in hypertensive patients compared to non-hypertensive patients. The prevalence of ESBL-producing (ESBL-P) E. coli was 87.27%. The resistance genes blaTEM (64.71% vs 52.38%) and blaOXA (23.53% vs 9.52%) were more frequently detected in hypertensive patients than in non-hypertensive patients. The high resistance to AMO was correlated with the presence of the blaCTX-M gene (OR: 5.52; 95% CI: 0.61-49.39; p=0.093). This study reveals the high burden of the typical EPEC, EAEC, and ESBL-P E. coli and confirmed the high occurrence of blaCTX-M and blaTEM among ESBL-producing E. coli in hypertensive patients. The study suggests that measures need to be taken to reduce the harmfulness of enterovirulent E. coli and the resistance of enterovirulent E. coli in hypertensive patients.

Parasitic infection prevalence in tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Parasitic infection prevalence in tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF LAND USE TYPES FROM 1993 TO 2023 IN THE SOUDANO-SAHELIAN ZONE OF CAMEROON

This work raises the problem of the evolution of deforestation in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. This land cover study was mainly based on diachronic analyzes of satellite images (Landsat). Diachronic analysis, used for a long time to understand the transformations of space, is an approach which carries out a comparative study, by superposition, or even juxtaposition of the different documents processed. Diachronic analysis in this study is developed over a three-decade period. Understanding vegetation dynamics in this study region requires careful analysis of how vegetation has evolved over the past three decades. It evolves according to management methods imposed by humans and climate variability. Satellite imaging (also called space imaging) refers to the taking of images from space, by sensors placed on satellites. The physiognomy of vegetation refers to the overall appearance of the vegetation, structure, and more particularly aerial system. This allows an overview on a very large scale, which depends on the species in an environment.In addition, topographic maps were acquired and digitized, as well as photographs. This study was undertaken with the aim of showing from satellite images the transformations undergone by plant formations in four Divisions of the Far North region of Cameroon and make a forecast of the vegetation of the study sites in thirty (30) years.From the analogical interpretation and mapping of land data, seven major land cover classes have been identified. These are: Steppe, Grassy Savannah/Fields, Shrubby Savannah, Wooded Savannah, Forest Gallery/Clear Forest, Surface Water and Buildings/Bare Soil and Sand Strip. The evolution of deforestation does not affect all vegetation, but there is an increase in other types of plant formations to the detriment of others. In addition, the vegetation of the study area is undergoing a regressive evolution due to the phenomenon of deforestation. Satellite images clearly show a number of negative changes in plant physiognomy. The 1993 image shows homogeneity of spots. Thirty (30) years later (2023), it indicates heterogeneous spots. Overall, the simulation of percentage changes in deforestation is very accentuated in the study area. The results of this study show that vegetation is in full decline in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. This regression is due to deforestation and the deforestation is a function of ethnicities, cultures and traditions.Deforestation, which is mainly caused by human activities, has the major consequences of flooding and loss of biodiversity. These results could serve as a reference for the search for strategies for the exploitation of natural resources and sustainable conservation of plant diversity in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon.

Comparative study of fibers extracted from the stems and roots of the Cameroonian pennissetum purpureum for their applications in compressed earth brick reinforcement and textile engineering

This work focuses on the extraction and experimental characterization of pennisetum purpureum fibers extracted from stems and roots, harvested in the Batié Kingdom, in the West Region of Cameroon. After extracting fibers using the boiling water technique, they are chemically treated to improve their properties and performance and to facilitate their incorporation into various composite materials. For the physical characterizations, it is measured: the absolute and apparent densities, the linear mass, the water absorption rate, and the diameter via the microscope. The mean values of the diameters and the measure of their frequency distributions are calculated, followed by the statistical analysis using the maximum entropy principle, in order to find the most probable diameter necessary for technological applications. For the mechanical properties, only the tensile tests are performed, with the determination of the young modulus of both the stems and roots. The results thus obtained showed that the fibers of the stems have an absolute density of (1.35 g/cm3), a linear mass of (54.6 tex), an apparent density of (0.45 g/cm3), a water content of (12.73%), an absorption rate of (142.46%), a porosity of (65.91%), a mean diameter of (7 mm), an elastic modulus of (3.98 GPa), a tensile strength of value of (1186.59 MPa) and an elongation of 16.17%, while the root fibers have an absolute density of (1.34 g/cm3), a linear mass (16.76 tex), an apparent density of (0.37845 g/cm3), a water content of (12.25%), an absorption rate of (193.16%), a porosity of (71.92%), a diameter of (4 mm), an elastic modulus of (1.55 GPa), a tensile strength of a value of (1960.35 MPa) and an elongation of 60.6%. Thus, the fibers of the stems have good mechanical properties, which make them an appropriate material in several applications, such as the reinforcement of composite materials.

Evaluating the effectiveness of oral HIV self testing according to distribution models in Cameroon

Innovative strategies such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) are useful for identifying hard-to-reach people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), especially in developing settings where considerable gaps still exist in reaching the first 95% UNAIDS target. We evaluated the effectiveness of HIVST in Cameroon using several distribution models and investigated the predictors of HIV seropositivity among self-testers. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 in three regions in Cameroon. HIVST kits were distributed according to 5 distribution models: antenatal, postnatal, maternal and child clinics (ANC/PNC/MCH); partners of PLHIV; workplace; community and HIV-testing services (HTS). Overall, 42,687 people received oral HIVST kits, among whom 15.6% were HIV first-testers. Approximately 85% reported on the test outcome; 2.3% (n = 825) were reactive, and 75.8% came for test confirmation. After the confirmation test, a concordance of 85% was found with the national algorithm. Overall, the HIV seroprevalence was 1.5% [95% CI: 1.4–1.6]; ANC/PNC/MCHC: 1.9%, partners of PLHIV: 6.9%, workplace: 0.5%, community: 0.1% and HTS: 7.0%, p < 0.001. The positivity rate among first-testers was 1.2%. Youths < 25 years had a lower seroprevalence (0.4%) than older people (2.6% and 2.7% for those aged 25–39 and those aged ≥ 40 years, respectively), p < 0.001. Seropositivity was negatively associated with secondary distribution, workplace model, community model and age < 25 years. On the other hand, partners of PLHIV model, HTS model, female sex and first-time-testers were positively associated with seropositivity. In Cameroon, oral HIVST is an effective approach for identifying undiagnosed PLHIV, especially when using ANC/PNC/MCHC, partners of PLHIV and HTS distribution models. However, to ensure the successful scale-up of HIVST in Cameroon, guidelines should be revised to fine-tune the target populations for HIVST and optimize the use of resources.

Socioeconomic Challenges to Cervical Cancer Screening in Underserved Communities: Doukoula, Extreme North -Cameroon.

Background: Developed nations have well-structured health systems where cervical cancer (CC) screening is routine, accompanied by effective treatment and follow-up for positive cases. In contrast, many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, lack specialized health infrastructure, treatment options, equipment, and qualified healthcare professionals. Screening initiatives are often limited in scope and lack sustained follow-up. As a result, approximately 90% of CC cases in these regions are diagnosed at advanced stages, exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges. Aim: This study aims to explore the socioeconomic and cultural factors contributing to cervical cancer risk among women in Doukoula, Far North Region of Cameroon. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 3-9, 2021, among women aged 16 to 80 years in Doukoula and surrounding areas. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire with 26 questions covering respondent identification, demographics, and cervical cancer screening (CCS) information. Data were entered into a Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet, checked for consistency, and analyzed using CDC Epi Info version 7.2.5.0. Associations between respondent characteristics and CCS uptake were assessed using the Pearson Chi-square (χ²) test (significance level: 0.05). Results: Socioeconomic and cultural factors, including area of residence, age at first sexual activity, number of sexual partners, lack of information, education level, poverty, illiteracy, poor communication, cultural beliefs, and awareness gaps, were identified as barriers to effective cervical cancer prevention and control. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex socioeconomic and cultural vulnerabilities contributing to cervical cancer risk among women in Doukoula. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving prevention, early detection, and treatment outcomes.

Internalised and Externalised Problems and Perspectives for Wellbeing During Emergency: Reflections on The Psychological Impacts of The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon

The socio-political crisis rocking the English-speaking regions of Cameroon has degenerated into an armed conflict, pitting government forces and separatist, and leading to severe human and material damage. The psychological impacts of the crisis on affected populations is neck-breaking. Many victims are dealing with either internalised or externalised psychological problems or both, as a consequence of the crisis. Internalised psychological problems consist of the deep emotional trauma experienced by victims of the crisis such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Meanwhile, those externalised manifest as aggressive behaviour, violence, substance abuse, strained family dynamics, and social fragmentation. In their various forms of manifestation, these psychological issues present distinct yet equally significant challenges to individual well-being and societal stability. Affected residents, internally displaced victims, refugees and communities have each in their own category suffered these psychological impacts that also grossly affect their wellbeing. Internalised problems often lead to chronic mental health conditions that impair victims’ ability to function and diminish their quality of life over the long term. While internalised problems lead to a cycle of persistent psychological distress, less productivity and strained relationships among people, externalised problems disrupt social harmony and contribute to increased violence and erosion of trust among people and within communities. These problems can hurt mental hurt and foster environments of fear and instability. They can also eventually hinder positive and productive human development and wellbeing. Therefore, addressing them is crucial for promoting mental health, enhancing individual wellbeing and quality of life, and fostering safer, more resilient people and communities. Promotive interventions require a nascent understanding of the root causes, manifestations, and impacts of these problems, as well as a collaborative approach involving key stakeholders in mental health care.

Higher Education Curriculum Content and Graduate Employability in Cameroon: A Teacher- Student Perspective

Aim: The study aimed to examine the contribution of the higher education curriculum content on graduate employability especially from the teacher's and students' perspective. Methods: Two research questions and a null hypothesis were formulated to guide the study to achieve this objective. The study was carried out in the two-state universities of the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. The sample for the study was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table giving 300 students and 120 lecturers. This sample size was representative of the target population. Primary data was collected using close-ended questionnaires and was analyzed using regression techniques such as the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach with the maximum likelihood estimation technique. The critical ratio was used to test the significance of the hypothesis. Results: The overall results revealed that curriculum content has a significant positive effect on graduate employability from the student's perspective but an insignificant effect from the teacher's perspective. That is, an improvement in the curriculum content will likely improve the graduates' employability rate in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon according to the teachers but will likely have little or no change in graduate employability according to the students. Recommendation: Higher education institutions should revise their current curriculum content to inculcate key work-related skills like soft skills, critical thinking and technical skills because they are vital in enhancing graduate employability in Cameroon.

Outbreak of cholera in the Southwest region of Cameroon, 2021-22: an epidemiological investigation.

In October 2021, a large outbreak of cholera was declared in Cameroon, disproportionately affecting the Southwest region, one of 10 administrative regions in the country. In this region, the cases were concentrated in three major cities where a humanitarian crisis had concomitantly led to an influx of internally displaced persons. Meanwhile, across the border, Nigeria was facing an unprecedented cholera outbreak. In this paper, we describe the spread of cholera in the region and analyse associated factors. We analysed surveillance data collected in the form of a line list between October 2021 and July 2022. In a case-control study, we assessed factors associated with cholera, with specific interest in the association between overcrowding (defined by the number of household members) and cholera. Between October 15, 2021 and July 21, 2022, 6,023 cases (median age 27 years, IQR 18-40, 54% male) and 93 deaths (case fatality 1.54%) were recorded in the region. In total 5,344 (89%) cases were reported from 6 mainland health districts (attack rate 0.47%), 679 (11%) from 4 maritime health districts (attack rate 0.32%). More than 80% of cases were recorded in 3 of 10 health districts: Limbe, Buea, and Tiko. The first cases originated from maritime health districts along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, and spread progressively in-country over time, with an exponential rise in number of cases in mainland health districts following pipe-borne water interruptions. Case fatality was higher in maritime health districts (3.39%) compared to mainland districts (1.5%, p < 0.01). We did not find an association between overcrowding and cholera, but the results suggest a potential dose-response relationship with an increasing number of household members (>5 people: (crude OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.97-3.12) and 3-5 people: (crude OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.85-2.60)), even after adjusting for internally displaced status and number of household compartments in the multivariable model (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 0.80-3.02). We report the largest cholera outbreak in the Southwest region. Our findings suggest the cross-border spread of cases from the Nigerian outbreak, likely driven by overcrowding in major cities. Our study highlights the need for cross-border surveillance, especially during humanitarian crises.

Geoelectrical assessment of groundwater potential and aquifer characteristics in the west region of Cameroon

Geoelectrical assessment of groundwater potential and aquifer characteristics in the west region of Cameroon

Improving Childhood Immunization Service Delivery in Cameroon: A Synthesis of Caregiver Experiences and Recommendations.

A "people-centered" approach is one of the core principles of the Immunization Agenda (IA) 2030 and emphasizes the need for services to be organized around the needs and expectations of individuals and the community. A better understanding of the immunization experience from the client's perspective is key to guiding the design of policies and interventions aimed at improving immunization delivery and coverage. This study provides a synthesis of the immunization experiences of children's caregivers in Cameroon, highlighting potential barriers for timely and complete immunization. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting caregivers of children brought to selected health facilities for immunization in all ten regions of Cameroon. Using structured questionnaires, data were collected from caregivers and analyzed using STATA version 13. In total, 1230 caregivers were interviewed in 265 health facilities. The median age of participants was 27 years and the median number of children per caregiver was two children. Most (87%) of the study participants reported to be satisfied with immunization service delivery. The median waiting time for vaccination was 1 h 48 min, with regional median waiting times ranging from 18 min in the South region to 4 h 6 min in the North region. About a quarter (24%) of surveyed participants reported to have presented to a health facility for immunization services and were turned away without achieving the purpose for which they came at least once. About half (48%) of the caregivers had never heard about planned vaccination activities in their communities. While most caregivers appeared to be satisfied with immunization service delivery in Cameroon, our study highlights some notable caregiver concerns (long waiting times, unproductive immunization visits and inadequate information about outreach activities) which, if addressed, may go a long way to enhance the immunization experience of caregivers in Cameroon, build trust in immunization services and thus improve vaccination uptake.

Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections and determinants of carriage in a seasonal malaria chemoprevention setting in Northern Cameroon and south Senegal (Kedougou)

BackgroundAmong the several strategies recommended for the fight against malaria, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine combination (SPAQ) targets children 3 months to 5 years in Sahel regions of Africa to reduce mortality and mortality. Since SMC with SPAQ is administered to symptoms-free children for prevention of malaria, it is anticipated that a proportion of asymptomatic parasitaemic children will also be treated and may result in a drop in both the overall population prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections, subsequent risk of symptomatic malaria infections and transmission. Age-specific carriage of asymptomatic Plasmodium spp. infections (API) was evaluated in target children and adults in Cameroon and Senegal, prior to the 2018 SMC campaign in both countries.MethodsA baseline household survey was carried out in August 2018 in two areas in Cameroon and one in Senegal just before the beginning of distribution of SPAQ for SMC. The survey included collection of fingerpick blood for malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) and administration of a pre-tested questionnaire on demographics and malaria risk factors to participants. The age-specific prevalence of API in all study sites was analysed, first as a distribution of RDT-positives in 5-year age categories and secondly, with age as a continuous variable in the whole sample, using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Risk factors for carriage of asymptomatic infections were examined using logistic regression analysis in STATA v.16 and Rv4.1.2.ResultsIn total, 6098 participants were surveyed. In Cameroon, overall prevalence of API was 34.0% (32.1–36.0%) in Adamaoua, and 43.5% (41.0–45.7%) in the North. The median age of RDT positivity was higher in Senegal: 11 years (IQR 7–16) than in Cameroon—Adamaoua: 8 years (4–17) and North: 8 years (4–12) and significantly different between the three study regions. In all three study sites, asymptomatic carriage was significantly higher in the older age group (5–10 in Cameroon, and 7–14 in Senegal), compared to the younger age group, although the median age of participants was lower among RDT-negatives in the North compared to RDT-positives. Health area, gender and last infection within past year significantly confounded the relationship between age and parasite carriage in Adamaoua and Senegal but not in North Cameroon. Absence of bed net and previous infection within one month of the survey all independently predicted carriage of asymptomatic parasites in multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionUnder five years asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in northern Cameroon prior to SMC season remained high in 2018, irrespective of history of SMC implementation in the study areas in Cameroon. Compared to Adamaoua, peak asymptomatic malaria parasite rate was observed in children 5–10 years, which is out of the SMC target age-range. Health area, last infection within the past month and to a lesser extent gender affected the association between age and asymptomatic carriage in all sites except the North region of Cameroon, indicating wide heterogeneity in risk of malaria among the general population in that geography. Follow-up studies designed to measure SMC effects in Cameroon are warranted as it may become necessary to extend age of SMC eligibility to 10 years, as is practiced in Senegal.

The impact of COVID-19 stringency policies on primary health care in Cameroon: a case study of the expanded program of immunisation

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and containment policies disrupted health services, including vaccination activities in Cameroon since March 2020. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study used secondary data from Cameroon’s District Health Information System-2, from the COVID-19 situational report, and from the international data platform on contingency measures. Time series analysis of monthly vaccination data (BCG, PENTA 1 and 3, measles) compared Pre-COVID (Jan 2019-Feb 2020) and COVID periods (Mar 2020-Dec 2021). Bivariate analysis with simple linear regression assessed the association between COVID-19 cases stringency index, and vaccination coverages. The Wilcoxon rank sum test compared vaccination coverage changes between rural and urban districts. Results Vaccination coverage increased initially right after the start of the pandemic, but dropped over the following 10 months. There was a weak, non-significant negative association between COVID-19 cases/stringency index and vaccination coverages. BCG coverage dropped by 4.75% (P=0.3), while PENTA1, PENTA3, and measles coverages dropped significantly by 7.83% (P=0.04), 9.55% (P=0.002), and 12.11% (P=0.001), respectively. Rural areas, despite having fewer COVID-19 cases, saw a more pronounced decline in EPI coverage than urban areas, suggesting additional influencing factors. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant declines in PENTA1, PENTA3, and measles vaccination coverage in the Littoral region of Cameroon, especially in rural areas. While other studies showed that these declines were due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our study showed that factors beyond COVID-19 cases and stringency measures influenced vaccination rates. There is therefore a need to do further studies to identify some of these factors to strengthen health systems and to maintain immunisation services during future health crises.

Management Approach to Leadership and Teachers Commitment in Secondary Schools in Kupe-Muanenguba Division, South West Region of Cameroon

The effectiveness of an educational system heavily relies on teachers' commitment. In Cameroon, despite government efforts, concerns about teacher engagement persist. This study, based on Meyer and Allen’s Organisational Commitment Model, examined how leadership approaches influence teacher commitment in secondary schools in Kupe-Muanenguba Division. The research focused on democratic, transformational, and transactional leadership styles. Using a survey design with concurrent triangulation, data were collected from 248 teachers and 354 students across six government schools. Teachers completed the “Teacher Insights on Management Approach to Leadership Questionnaire” (TIMAL-Q), while students used the “Student Perception of Educator Commitment Questionnaire” (SPEC-Q). Semi-structured interviews with principals and vice principals supplemented the data. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, proportions, and Pearson Correlation, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed strong positive correlations between democratic (r=.980, p=.028) and transformational (r=.980, p=.028) leadership styles and teacher commitment, suggesting these approaches significantly enhance engagement. The transactional style also showed a positive correlation (r=.800, p=.014), though to a lesser extent. Qualitative data highlighted practices aligning with these leadership styles. The study underscores the importance of democratic and transformational leadership in fostering teacher commitment, especially in challenging environments. Recommendations include integrating these approaches to improve teacher engagement in quantitative and affective domains, leveraging transactional leadership for short-term goals, and providing targeted leadership training for school managers. This comprehensive strategy aims to boost teacher commitment and performance despite infrastructural constraints.

Dimensional Analysis of Spatial Inequality in Regional Development: Evidence from the Noun Division, West Region of Cameroon

Dimensional Analysis of Spatial Inequality in Regional Development: Evidence from the Noun Division, West Region of Cameroon

The effect of positive parenting practices on social cognition in early childhood in the English regions of Cameroon.

The effect of positive parenting practices on social cognition in early childhood in the English regions of Cameroon.

Large-scale production of Mansonella perstans infective larvae from engorged Culicoides milnei.

Mansonella perstans is transmitted by Culicoides species and affects hundred millions of inhabitants in about 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known that Mansonellosis due to Mansonella perstans do not result in a clear clinical picture, but down-regulates the immunity of patients predisposing them to other diseases like tuberculosis, HIV and malaria or damping vaccine efficacy. However, research about novel drugs against this filarial nematode is missing because of the lack of parasite material. Previous studies have developed in vitro culture systems using infective stage 3 larvae (L3), but these life stages are difficult to obtain and thus the performance of in vitro cultures is restricted and does not allow large-scale testing of drugs or even infection experiments in animal models. Therefore, we aim to establish a platform for the large-scale production of M. perstans infective larvae from engorged Culicoides milnei. Culicoides species were caught in Yangom (Yabassi Health District) in the Littoral Region of Cameroon following a blood meal on six microfilariae-positive donors with different microfilaraemic loads over one year. Engorged midges were reared in the insectarium for up to 14 days and L3 were isolated from the different body parts. In summary, 13,658 engorged Culicoides were collected and reared in the laboratory. We observed an overall predicted survival of 78.5%. Out of the 8,123 survived midges, 7,086 midges belong to C. milnei, from which 2,335 were infected leading to a recovery of 6,310 L3. Moreover, we found the highest survival rates of midges during the early dry season in December with moderate temperatures (23-25°C) and low (2-4mm) or no rainfall. In addition, we observed that midges that fed on donors with high microfilarial loads showed increased mortality. We revealed suitable conditions for the collection and maintenance of engorged Culicoides midges allowing the large-scale production of M. perstans L3. This procedure will provide a platform to produce sufficient parasite material that will facilitate in vitro cultures and the establishment of a murine model of M. perstans, which is important for in-depth investigation of the filarial biology and screening of novel drugs that are effective against this ivermectin-resistant nematode.