West Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Time of the First Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Default and Factors Associated to Early ART Default in the Test and Treat Context: Evidence from the West region of Cameroon

Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) retention continues to be a challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding factors that contribute to default at the early stage of ART can contribute to avoid poor treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on adult patients who initiated ART treatment between October 2019 and September 2020 in 25 health facilities in the West region of Cameroon. Early ART default was defined as having default within the first three months of treatment. The mean age of the 2219 clients included in the analysis was 36.8 (SD:13.4), and 838 (36.5%) were male. The median time to the first ART default of the 629 (28.3%) participants who experienced at least one ART default within 12 months after their ART initiation was 5 months, and 41.2% of those defaults occurred within the first three months of ART. Male gender (AOR =1.3; 95%CI:1.1-1.7) and good health at initiation (AOR =1.7; 95%CI:1.3-2.2) were associated with a high risk of early default; while being followed up in a private facility (AOR =0.3; 95%CI:0.2-0.6) were associated with less risk of early default. The ART default at the early stage of HIV care is high in the West region of Cameroon and more frequent in the male gender and in patients with apparent good health at the time of ART initiation. Interventions should be identified and implemented to ensure continuity of ART treatment especially in males, in clients with good health at the time of ART initiation, and in clients on care in public health facilities.

Time to Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation and Factors associated to Same Day Initiation in the West Region of Cameroon

Same-day Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) initiation after a positive HIV test result is vital for faster viral suppression. This study assessed the time to ART initiation and factors associated to SDAI in the West region of Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study. The data was extracted from registers and patients’ medical records and analysed. The mean age of the 3053 participants was 36.9 (SD: 13.3), and 64.0% were female. A total of 2346 (76.8%) participants had initiated ART the same day of the diagnosis. Female gender (OR= 1.2; 95%CI:1.1-1.5), Tier 3 HF (OR= 1.3; 95%CI: 1-1.7), semi-urban facility’s location (OR= 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.7), periods of test January-March 2020 (OR= 2; 95%CI: 1.6-2.6), April- June 2020 (OR= 1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.2), and July- September 2020 (OR= 3.4; 95%CI: 2.5-4.6), index case testing entry point (OR= 1.6; 95%CI: 1.2-2.1), active occupational situation (OR= 1.3; 95%CI: 1-1.7), and good general status (OR= 1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.6) were independently associated to same day initiation. In addition to WHO stage 2 (OR= 0.6; 95%), tuberculosis (OR= 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.5), inpatient (OR= 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.4) and emergency entry point (OR= 0.1; 95%CI: 0-0.2) were inversely associated to SDI. The ART initiation was timely for most clients in the West region of Cameroon, in alignment with the WHO recommendations. However, this was not the case among symptomatic, critically ill, and tuberculosis clients. This underscores the need for ongoing support, counselling, and continuous readiness assessment, as well as a strong linkage system for clients with delayed ART initiation.

Larval habitats characterization and population dynamics of Culex mosquitoes in two localities of the Menoua Division, Dschang and Santchou, West Cameroon

BackgroundChoosing an appropriate strategy for mosquito vector control in an eco-climatic facies requires knowledge on vector ecology including population dynamics of species and productivity of the breeding sites. The aim of this study was to characterize Culex mosquitoes breeding places and to determine their population dynamics in two localities (Dschang and Santchou) separated by a forest cliff in the West Region of Cameroon. Field surveys were conducted from November 2019 to June 2020 in Dschang and Santchou. Mosquito breeding sites were georeferenced, and for each breeding site, physical parameters were measured and immature stages were collected. The collected immatures were reared in the laboratory until adult stage. Adult mosquitoes were identified using a stereomicroscope and morphological identification keys.ResultsA total of 44 breeding sites were identified: 24 in Dschang and 20 in Santchou. They were grouped into seven types and were mostly shallow, close to human dwellings, sunny, with organic matters and of anthropogenic nature. A total of 2706 mosquitoes belonging to four genera were identified. Culex genus was the most represented (90.4%) and was made up of Culex pipiens s.l. (61.79%), Culex duttoni (23.17%) and Culex (Culiciomyia) sp. (05.46%). High abundance of Culex species was observed in Santchou (52.71%) compared to Dschang (47.28%), while Dschang (S = 3; H = 0.87; D = 0.54) recorded the greatest diversity compared to Santchou (S = 2; H = 0.23; D = 0.11).ConclusionsThe proliferation and persistence of Culex mosquitoes independently of the breeding sites and localities might be attributable to the poor environmental management which favor the creation mosquito breeding sites. This study highlights the fact that prompt sanitation measures could be undertaken in these two localities to reduce mosquito abundance and the risk of vector-borne diseases.

Assessing the Role of Irrigation as an Adaptive Measure to Climate Change Induced Water Insecurity: Case Study of the Market Gardening Sector in Parts of the Northwest and West Regions of Cameroon

Climate change induced extreme weather events are having major repercussions on availability and accessibility to water and water resources especially for farmers across the globe. This is more so for small-scale farmers in the developing world who largely depend on rain-fed agriculture. The market gardening sector in particular is known for its high dependence on suitable weather conditions for adequate productivity. However, in recent years, market garden crop cultivation has been severely threatened by climate change induced extreme weather events such as prolong dry spells, scanty and erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, extreme sunshine and storms. This study was undertaken to understand the role of irrigation as an adaptive measure to climate change induced water insecurity, with focus on the market gardening sector in parts of the west and northwest regions of Cameroon. Data were collected through a survey of 260 market gardeners involved in different irrigation practices geared toward countering water insecurity problems induced by climate change. Findings indicated that water insecurity is induced by extreme weather events such as prolong dryness, scanty and erratic rainfall, extreme sunshine and rising temperatures. A majority of the market gardeners surveyed reported the existence of water insecurity which has led to crop failure in many instances placing them in financial difficulties and seriously hampering their livelihood. Market gardeners were involved in different types of irrigation practices including sprinkler, drip, furrow, and manual with some taking to no irrigation practice. The main factors influencing market gardeners' practice of irrigation in the face of extreme weather induced water scarcity/insecurity were household income, age of market gardeners, educational level, farm size, number of farm plots, proximity to source of water, gender, water requirement of crop, support from government and NGOs, extension services, access to credit, membership in farming group and membership in common initiative group (CIG). Climate change has therefore induced water insecurity forcing market gardeners to indulge in different irrigation practices all year round in a bid to improve crop productivity and reduce recurrent crop failures. On the basis of these findings, the use of more sustainable irrigation methods in order to conserve water and water resources is recommended as this will go a long way to phase out the problem of water insecurity induced by climate change. Policy makers need to craft and implement favorable policies that encourage more market gardeners to adopt sustainable irrigation practices in the face of climate change induced water scarcity/insecurity.

Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates from Broiler Chicken in the West Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The emergence of multidrug-resistant food-borne pathogens of animal origin including Enterobacteriaceae is a growing concern. Identifying and monitoring resistance in isolates from human-related environments are of clinical and epidemiological significance in containing antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to contribute towards the fight against antibiotic resistance and ameliorate the management/treatment of Enterobacteriaceae-linked diseases in Cameroon. Methods Cloacal swabs from healthy broilers were enriched in buffered-peptone-water and cultured on EMB agar. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested on Mueller-Hinton-Agar by disc diffusion. Plasmid-borne genes for extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and resistance to Quinolones (PMQR) and Aminoglycosides were detected by standard endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results A total of 394 isolates were identified belonging to 12 Enterobacteriaceae genera, the most prevalent were Escherichia coli (81/394 = 20.56%), Salmonella spp (74/394 = 18.78%), and Klebsiella spp (39/394 = 9.90%) respectively. Overall, 84/394 (21.32%) were ESBL producers, 164/394 (41.62%) were resistant to quinolones, 66/394 (16.75%) resistant to aminoglycosides with 44.0% (173/394) expressing MDR phenotype. Poor hygiene practice (OR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.67, 3.89, p=0.001) and rearing for >45 days, (OR = 7.98, 95% CI: 5.05, 12.6, p=0.001) were associated with increased carriage of MDR. Plasmid-borne resistance genes were detected in 76/84 (90.48%) of ESBL-producing isolates, 151/164 (92.07%) quinolone resistant isolates and 59/66 (89.39%) aminoglycoside resistant isolates with co-occurrence of two or more genes per isolate in 58/84 (69.05%) of ESBLs, 132/164 (80.49%) of quinolone resistant isolates and 28/66 (42.42%) of aminoglycoside resistant isolates. Conclusion This study found high carriage and widespread distribution of Enterobacteriaceae with ESBL and MDR in broiler chicken in the West Region of Cameroon. Most PMQR genes in bacteria were found at levels higher than is seen elsewhere, representing a risk in the wider human community.

Leaf spot of Telfairia occidentalis incidence and severity influenced by altitude and planting date in the West Region of Cameroon

BackgroundLeaf spot disease of Telfairia occidentalis, caused by Phoma sorghina, represents one of the major biotic constraints to T. occidentalis production under small scale farming systems in West Africa including Cameroon. Currently this critically important seed and leaf vegetable is cultivated under varying altitudinal levels at different planting dates. In this framework, a field study was conducted in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons between March and July in the localities of Dschang and Santchou to determine the influence of altitude and planting date on the prevalence and severity the disease.Material and methodsA 2 by 4 factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and four planting dates were used. Data for disease prevalence and severity documented fortnightly, were submitted to general linear model for analysis using SPSS version 23, and the means were separated by least significant difference (LSD) at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed that, the low altitude recorded a significantly (p < 0.05) lower prevalence than high altitude while disease severities between both altitudes were not significantly different. Moreover, the initial three planting dates at low altitude and planting date three in Dschang recorded significantly lower prevalence than other planting dates investigated in the study.ConclusionWe established that, the initial three planting dates at low altitude and planting date three at high altitude could be helpful in reducing leaf spot prevalence and severity of T. occidentalis.

Survey on roselle juice (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) preparation in the West Region of Cameroon: An evaluation of the effect of different formulations of this juice on some biological properties in rats

Continuous efforts in the search for rich food crops or diets are ongoing, and in order to contribute to this effect, this study was designed to identify the processing methods and to evaluate the effect of consuming roselle juice prepared with three plant extracts (pineapple peelings, lemongrass leaves, avocado leaves) and synthetic flavour on some nutritional and biochemical properties in rats. The processing methods of roselle juice were identified via a questionnaire administered to some roselle juice makers and the biological properties of the juice were assessed with conventional methods. The results obtained show that the preferred extraction methods of roselle juice by the population is hot extraction and that 4.55; 9.09; 4.55; 18.18 and 40.91% of people used respectively pineapple peelings, lemongrass leaves, avocado leaves, synthetic flavouring agents and a mixture of these different flavour sources during the preparation of the juice. The effect of consumption of roselle juice prepared by adding plant extracts and synthetic flavour showed that the calyces-pineapple peelings juice had the highest acceptability in terms of volume consumed (15.24 ± 0.61 mL/day). The roselle juice flavoured with the pineapple peelings, lemongrass and synthetic flavour demonstrated no positive effect on blood parameters in rats. However, the avocado leaves-calyces juice increased the red blood cells, haematocrit and haemoglobin levels in the rats. The decrease of transaminases in all groups of rats compared to the control group was also observed. These findings show that the pineapple peelings-roselle juice should be valorized because of its important organoleptic characteristics. Also, the avocado leaves-roselle juice should be valorized since its consumption showed some positive effects on haematological parameters. Roselle juice flavoured or not could be hepatoprotective. • Pineapple peelings, lemongrass and avocado leaves, are used in the preparation of roselle juice. • Calyce-pineapple peelings juice showed great acceptability. • Calyce-avocado leaves juice enhanced the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin.

Phytochemical Analysis of Some Medicinal Plants Used for the Management of Reproductive Health Care Problems in the West Region in Cameroon

Reproductive diseases are conditions that negatively affects human reproductive systems in many countries. Indeed this study was carried out to analyse chemical constituents of some medicinal plants used to treat reproductive organs, diseases in Bamboutos division, West of Cameroon. 45 plants samples were collected from their natural habitats in some villages of the above cited division. Study was conducted according to standard procedures in the laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances of the University of Dschang. Polyphenols were revealed in all screening medicinal plant extracts, while, flavonoids were found in most of the studied plant extracts except for those obtained from Dioscorea dumetorum. Triterpens were present in 40 plants, saponins and sterols were respectively found in 33 and 32 plants ; whereas, alkaloids were only present in 15 plants.This work showed that the plants used to alleviate human reproductive ailments in some locality of the West Region in Cameroon are rich in bioactive compounds. These compounds are known to manage human reproductive diseases. Therefore, this finding supported the uses of these plant species for the treatment of human reproductive diseases. Furthermore, appropriate conservation of such valuable medicinal plant species is required.

Agroforestry as an Agro-Ecological Pathway to phase-out chemical Fertilizer Application in Smallholder Farms in Cameroon: State-of-the-Art and Policy Implications

Man and ecosystems are highly threatened by the abusive application of chemical fertilizers in a bid to enhance soil fertility and improve crop productivity. These chemical fertilizers pose serious health risks to farmers and the population at large and contribute to short and long-term soil degradation. Thus, this study was initiated to examine how agroforestry can contribute towards phasing out chemical fertilizers application in smallholder farms in the south west region of Cameroon. Data collection was done from secondary and primary sources and analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 17 were used to run the descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that silvopastoral, agrosilvopastoral and agrosilvicultural systems were the most dominant agroforestry systems, with different agroforestry practices like coffee-based agroforestry plantations, cut and carry fodder, home gardens, trees/shrubs on farmlands, cocoa-based agroforestry plantations, live fences, improved fallows and home gardens with livestock characterizing these three agroforestry systems. These agroforestry systems provided different ecosystem services to agroforestry practitioners with the most common being food, fuelwood, finance/income, and climate moderation. Besides food and soil fertility enhancement, very limited or no chemical fertilizer was used to obtain the other ecosystem services. There was an inverse relationship (p&lt;0.05) between ecosystem services of agroforestry systems and chemical fertilizer application, demonstrating that chemical fertilizers are not needed to enhance the ecosystem services of agroforestry systems. There was equally an inverse relationship (p&lt;0.05) between agroforestry systems and chemical fertilizer application, indicating that farmers’ practice of agroforestry reduces chemical fertilizer application on farms. Agroforestry is therefore recommended as a sustainable pathway to limit and/or eradicate farmers’ application of chemical fertilizers.

Ethnopharmacological Study of the Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia in the West Region of Cameroon.

Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) or sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality in Africa and other developing nations. Therefore, modern and traditional remedies are being introduced for use in the treatment and management of this disease. This is because safe, effective, and inexpensive therapeutic agents are urgently needed for the treatment of this disease in Africa and other developing nations. Objective The purpose of this study is to identify medicinal plant species commonly used by traditional healers in the treatment of sickle cell patients across some localities in the west region of Cameroon. Material and Methods. The ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in several districts within some localities of the western region of Cameroon. The survey was based on a semistructured questionnaire that was administered to 17 traditional healers and 62 sickle cell patients. It took place between November 2018 and March 2019. Personal information of participants and plant therapy data were gathered. Plants were identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon. Literature review determined pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds of the identified plants. Data were generally analysed using Epi Info 7 software for Windows. Results Twelve medicinal plant species belonging to 10 families are being used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia across the study sites. Euphorbiaceae is the dominant family with three plant species. Bark (39.3%) and seeds (35.7%) are the most used plant parts, which get administered through maceration, decoction, and chewing in water. According to the literature review, the identified plants have pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds (especially polyphenols and alkaloids) that signify the presence of antioxidant compounds, which may possess an antisickling activity. There is therefore a need to conduct another study to scientifically validate (in vitro) antisickling properties of these plants. Conclusion This study has revealed promising medicinal plants that are currently applied in the traditional treatment of sickle cell anemia. Although still inconclusive, the association of pharmacological effects and phytochemical compounds with these medicinal plants justifies their use in traditional pharmacopoeia.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Prophylactic and Metaphylactic Antimicrobial Use in Layer Poultry Farming in Cameroon: A Quantitative Pilot Study.

An evaluation of the patterns of antimicrobial use in livestock can help understand the increasing level of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. This study aimed at evaluating antimicrobial usage in modern layer poultry farms in the West Region of Cameroon. In this light, 70 layer poultry farms and 4 veterinary pharmacies were surveyed. Data on antimicrobial use were collected through interviews using a quantitative-frequency questionnaire and consultation of medical records. The four veterinary pharmacies sold a total of 2.8 tons of antimicrobials (active ingredients) during 2011. At the level of farms, 297 kg of antimicrobials (active ingredients) were used in the 50 layer poultry farms surveyed. Tetracycline, sulfonamides, quinolones, and β-lactams (aminopenicillins) were the most sold and used drugs in layer farms. As for treatment indication, metaphylactic (58.1%) and prophylactic (41.9%) treatments were the most observed practices, and nearly all (99%) treatments were administered per os as remedies to respiratory (33.4%) and digestive (24.7%) tract symptoms. Overall, 78.2% of antimicrobials sold in pharmacies and 67.3% used in the farms belonged to the class of critically important antimicrobials of the WHO categorization of antimicrobials according to their importance to human medicine. Doxycycline, sulfonamide, ampicillin, and streptomycin, which have been banned for layer poultry in the production of eggs for human consumption, were still used in Cameroon. The treatment incidences based on the used daily dose (TIUDD) and animal daily dose (TIADD) were 11.59 and 10.45, respectively. In regard to dosage correctness based on the UDD/ADD ratio, aminoglycosides (100%), macrolides (90.6%), and tetracyclines (74.5%) were the most underdosed, while trimethoprim sulfonamides (45.8%) and β-lactams (35.7%) were overdosed. This study highlights an irrational antimicrobial usage in layer poultry farms. Regulation of the use of antimicrobials and the education of farmers on adequate antimicrobial use are essential to preserve the effectiveness of drugs in both humans and animals.

Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) and Evangelisation amongst the Nsos of Cameroon: Challenges and Prospects

This paper examines the challenges or difficulties faced by the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) Movement of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) in Nso, Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. From its inception, the movement faced a lot of challenges in the Nso area in its evangelization drives although several successes were registered. The CWF has been actively involved in spiritual and socio-economic activities which have affected more positively the lives of women in particular and the entire community in general. The spiritual activities helped to strengthen its members in their Christian faith and the socio-economic lessons also empowered the women to become self-reliant. To carry out this work we use data collected from both the primary and secondary sources. Primary data were mostly collected from archival material and oral interviews conducted with some CWF officials and CWF members alike in the Bui Presbytery. Those interviewed were mostly between the ages of 40 and 80. This choice was dictated by the desire for reliability as most of them lived and experienced some of these challenges personally. Secondary data were collected from documented sources obtained through the use of books. The necessity for interviews was created by the lacunae exposed by archival material and secondary sources. It was realized that despite the successes registered, this group faced challenges such as poor road infrastructure, financial difficulty, cultural constraints, administrative bottlenecks and misconduct of some of its members.

Effects of Rainfall Variability on the Occurrence of Crop Pests at Foumbot Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon

Rainfall is an essential climate variable for plant development. Its variability has an impact on the plant phenology. The present study aimed to analyze the variation in rainfall in order to determine the rainfall hazard responsible to the occurrence of pest and diseases in tomato and maize. The study was carried out at Foumbot located in the Western Region of Cameroon, more specifically in the Noun Division. Part of this district occupies the left bank of the river Noun, more precisely the Noun plain. The rainfall data was collected from the period of 1997 to 2019 and analyzed. Monthly data was collected from 1997 to 2019 and daily data from 2010 to 2019.The surveys were made with three groups of actors: the agricultural services (the Agricultural Delegation of Foumbot), the agricultural research services (IRAD of Foumbot), and the farmers' organizations (the Common Initiative Group (CIG) and cooperatives). Stratified random sampling was used for the surveys. The results revealed that the first cropping season from March to July is characterized by an increase in consecutive dry days of 5 to more than 7 days. This situation has been confirmed by 30% of the investigated actors, who mentioned that consecutive days without rain were favorable to the appearances of pest and diseases. The SPI (Standard Precipitation Index) analysis of rainfall data showed that this can be link to the prolongation of the dryness season in the cropping season which started in March. Therefore, the monthly SPI consider March as a dry month. So, March and May are not suitable for the beginning of cropping season due to the multiplication of drought episode. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) and the armyworm had been identified as the pest and disease which appear during the consecutive dry days. They are characterized by an increase in temperature. The study is useful for agricultural drought management and crop productivity in an unpredictable environment.

Recruitment strategies to promote uptake of cervical cancer screening in the West Region of Cameroon

ObjectivesThe World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy for cervical cancer elimination has set the target of 70% of women screened in all countries by 2030. Community sensitization through media is often used, but community health workers’ (CHW) involvement may contribute to improving screening coverage. We aimed to assess effectiveness and costs of two cervical cancer screening recruitment strategies conducted in a low-resource setting.MethodsThe study was conducted in the West Region of Cameroon, in the Health District of Dschang, a community of 300,000 inhabitants. From September 2018 to February 2020, we recruited and screened women for cervical cancer in a single-visit prevention campaign at Dschang District Hospital. During the first 9 months, recruitment was only based on Community Information Channels (CIC) (e.g.. street banners). From the tenth month, participation of CHW was added in the community after training for cervical cancer prevention counselling. Population recruitment was compared between the two strategies by assessing the number of recruited women and direct costs (CHW costs included recruitment, teaching, certification, identification badge, flyers, transport, and incentives). The intervention’s cost-effectiveness was expressed using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).Results and discussionDuring the period under study, 1940 women were recruited, HPV positive rate was 18.6% (n = 361) and 39 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) were diagnosed. Among included participants, 69.9% (n = 1356) of women were recruited through CIC as compared to 30.1% (n = 584) by CHW. The cost per screened woman and CIN2+ diagnosed was higher in the CHW group. The ICER was 6.45 USD or 16.612021Int’l$ per screened woman recruited by CHW. Recruitment in rural areas increased from 12.1 to 61.4% of all women included between CIC-led and CHW-led interventions. These outcomes highlight the importance of training, preparing, and deploying CHW to screen hard-to-reach women, considering that up to 45% of Cameroon’s population lives in rural areas.ConclusionCHW offer an important complement to CIC for expanding coverage in a sub-Saharan African region such as the West Region of Cameroon. CHW play a central role in building awareness and motivation for cervical cancer screening in rural settings.

A situational analysis of the mental health system of the West Region of Cameroon using the World Health Organization\u2019s assessment instrument for mental health systems (WHO-AIMS)

BackgroundThe publication of the World Health Report of 2001 by the World Health Organization (WHO) raised awareness of mental health worldwide. It reported a higher burden of mental illnesses in developing countries, with fewer resources to address the conditions. Since then, many initiatives have been taken in Cameroon to improve the mental health of the population, but these efforts lack local scientific evidence to support them. This study aims to describe the mental health services available in the West Region of Cameroon and to provide evidence-based support to this process.MethodWe used the World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health systems (WHO-AIMS) version 2.2 to collect, analyze, and report the data on mental health services offered in 2020 in the West Region of Cameroon. We extracted our data from the registers of 10 mental health facilities of the region, and we interviewed the staff in these facilities and at the Ministry of Public Health.ResultsThe region is divided into 20 health districts, of which six offered mental health services. As a whole, Cameroon had a mental health policy, mental health plan, but no mental health legislation or emergency plan. There was no specific budget for mental health in the country. In the West Region there were not any psychiatrists. Mental health services were provided by nurses, psychologists, general practitioners, and neurologists. There were 1.87 human resources in mental health facilities per 100,000 population, of which 1.4 were nurses. 1 in 1.4 of these nurses worked in the main city. There was no formal link of mental health services with other sectors and no publication in the previous five years about mental health in the region referenced on PubMed.ConclusionIn 2020, the access to mental health services in the West Region of Cameroon was inequitable. The approach to mental health system development was not inclusive and not supported by enough scientific evidence.

Reach and Utility of COVID-19 Information and Preventive Measures for Nomadic Populations in Massangam, West Region of Cameroon.

ABSTRACT.The separation of nomadic pastoralist settlements from settled communities is a well-known challenge to the health system. Difficulties reaching these groups contribute to inequities in their health and impact the spread or control of several diseases. COVID-19 has led to the suspension of many public health interventions in Cameroon, while preventive measures including behavior change communication have been ongoing since the onset of the pandemic. The reach and utility of these campaigns in semi-nomadic population remain unclear. This exploratory qualitative study was conducted in September to October 2020 using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with nomadic camp heads, and their wives to explore their interactions with communication campaigns, awareness, understanding, and acceptance of behavior change messages. The study revealed a general awareness of COVID-19 and its preventive measures and a prevailing belief that they were less at risk because their camps are isolated from the main communities, and the fact that they had never met a COVID-19 case. They perceived that the women were at lower risk because of their limited interaction outside the camps. There was a common concern regarding the transmission of COVID-19 to their cattle. Routes of communication were markets and mosques frequented by men, making access to information limited to or dependent on men. Financial constraints and lack of water were the main barriers affecting the access to and use of COVID-19 prevention measures. There is need for adaptive communication strategies especially tailored to the culture of nomadic pastoralists addressing gender dynamics of this subgroup.

Metabolic Syndrome During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Determinants Among Pregnant Women Followed-Up at the Dschang District Hospital, West Region of Cameroon.

PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MS) during pregnancy constitutes a serious threat to the mother and child health that will shortly become a major public health issue, especially in developing countries. However, in Cameroon, epidemiological data on MS during pregnancy are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of MS among pregnant women followed-up at the Dschang District Hospital (DDH), in the west region of Cameroon.Patients and MethodsThis study was a hospital based cross-sectional study, carried out among pregnant women followed-up at the antenatal care unit of the DDH, from September 2019 to June 2020. Participants were assessed on sociodemographic, lifestyle parameters, and dietary habits using standardized and structured questionnaires. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and biochemical markers were measured using standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the HNLBI/AHA definition, modified for pregnant women by Chatzi et al. A participant was recorded as having MS if presenting at least three of the following criteria: Pre-gestational BMI >30 kg/m2; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl; HDL cholesterol <50 mg/dl; SBP ≥130/DBP ≥85 mm/Hg; and fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dl.ResultsSix hundred and four (604) pregnant women were included in the study. The prevalence of MS was 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its most frequent individual components were low levels of HDL-cholesterol (66.23% (95% CI: 62.36–69.88)) and hypertriglyceridemia (28% (95% CI: 54.31–62.15)). Grand multiparous shows a higher risk of presenting MS (OR:3.06, 95% CI: 1.24–7.12; p = 0.011) compared to nulliparous. Pregestational BMI appears to be the best predictor of MS during pregnancy even after adjustment on age, parity, lifestyle and dietary habits (OR: 46.46, 95% CI: 15.58–138.49; p ˂ 0.0001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MS on pregnant women in the Dschang health district is 17.88% (95% CI: 15.03–21.14) and its major determinant is pre-gestational obesity. This work provides quality preliminary data for the design and improvement of prevention strategies.

Access to and Repayment of Agricultural Credit in the Face of COVID 19

Purpose: Gender differences in access to and repayment of loans seem to be the reason behind the persistent subsistence and small-scale nature of most agribusinesses in Cameroon. This study examines access to and repayment of agricultural credit in the face of COVID 19 in the West Region of Cameroon building on evidence from selected microfinance institutions in the West Region of Cameroon. Specifically, the study mirrors gender differences in microfinance loan disbursements and repayments, determinants of loan repayment, and constraints to loan access and loan repayment during the period of COVID 19. Method: The purposive sampling technique was employed to select 100 farmers who had access to agricultural credit in three villages in the West Region of Cameroon. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for primary data collection and secondary data was collected from microfinance institutions and the internet. Collected data were analyzed employing tables, frequencies, t-test, and regression analysis. Results: Findings indicated that there was a positive insignificant difference in the amount of credit received and repaid by male farmers than that of the female farmers. The male and female have equal access to credit and the same repayment capacities (R2 = 0.55 or 55%). Loan repayment was statistically and significantly determined by loan amount, interest rate, and time lag for repayment at the 5% significance level. Serious constraints to loan access were lack of sensitization, lack of collateral security, and illiteracy while major constraints to loan repayment were family commitment, price fluctuation, crop failure, high cost of production, and interest payment. Implications: Increasing the ceiling for loan amount approved for farmers and curbing excessive bureaucratic procedures would ensure minimal diversion of the loans, higher income for the farmers, and hence better repayment rates. Originality: The distinctiveness of this study is viewed from the context of the COVID 19 pandemic within which data was collected, thus capturing how the pandemic situation played a role in access to and repayment of agricultural loans from the perspective of gender.

Assessment of Causes and Effects of Wetlands Degradation in the Babessi Municipality, Ngoketunja Division of the North West Region in Cameroon

Despite the international and national policies on environmental protection ratified and signed by Cameroon, the degradation of wetlands is on the rise in the Babessi Municipality. This study aimed at assessing the causes and effects of wetlands degradation in the Babessi Municipality. Specifically, it investigated from the point of view of the local population: the importance of wetlands, the causes of wetlands degradation, the effects of wetlands degradation on the traditional institutions, and the strategies to reduce wetlands degradation in Babessi Municipality. To do this, stratified random sampling was employed and data was collected from 278 respondents with 75 from Baba 1, 62 from Babessi, 70 from Babungo and 71 from Bangolan using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed wetlands are of significant importance to the people of Babessi municipality. Anthropogenic factors like increase in population which enhance urbanization, grazing and hunting are mostly the causes of wetlands degradation. This phenomenon has an effect on culture. Sensitization of the local population can be used as a strategy to reduce wetlands degradation. Environmentally-friendly farming methods are recommended. Keywords: Wetland degradation, traditional institutions, and culture

Decentralization and its Effects on the Develpoment of Decentralized Structures: The Case of Buea Council, South West Region-Cameroon.

Decentralization and its Effects on the Develpoment of Decentralized Structures: The Case of Buea Council, South West Region-Cameroon.