West Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and risks factors in pig farmers in rural West region, Cameroon

Background: Animal farming can be a potential reservoir of microbial resistance. Little data and information are documented on the prevalence and spread of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in remote and rural and semi-urban settings in developing countries. Yet, the increasing spread of antibiotics resistance either in the community or at the hospital has become a major public health problem in Cameroon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasal methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers among pig farmers and breeders in the West Region of Cameroon. Methods: A total of 103 nasal scraping samples were collected in four distant division of Bamboutos, Nkoung-Khi, Menoua and Mifi for microbiological, biochemical and sensitivity testing according to the standard protocol of CASFM 2018. Results: A high presence of Staphylococcus aureus of 29.13% was documented. S. aureus resistant showed 93.3%, to the ß-lactamases family, with MRSA prevalence at 27.18%. Resistance to glycopeptides (vancomycin) was 60%, macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramines mainly resistance to erythromycin 90% and clindamycin 30.6%, tetracycline 83.3%, fusidic acid 96.6% and to aminosides (tobramycin and gentamycin 76.6%). All isolated samples were sensitive to fluoroquinolones, notably to ofloxacin (80%) and to ciprofloxacin (86.6%). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to implement a robust and sustainable MRSA and AMR surveillance in curbing the growing threat locally.

Contribution of the Mix Renewable Energy Potentials in Delivering Parts of the Electric Energy Needs in the West Region of Cameroon

Contribution of the Mix Renewable Energy Potentials in Delivering Parts of the Electric Energy Needs in the West Region of Cameroon

Access to Healthcare and Spatialisation of Resources in Sub-saharan Africa: A GIS Solution to Mobility and Treatment of Patients in the West Region of Cameroon

Access to health and availability of sanitary resources is a major deterrent to mobility and treatment in sub-Saharan African towns. If it is not a problem of distance, perhaps it will be that of existing health infrastructure and know-how. This article posits that the incongruence in the availability of health units and unsatisfactory alertness has affected care in the West Region. A physical- access-ratio analysis was done to determine the distance between the health resources and population through a GPS and WGS 84 for the presentation of results. Some 120 questionnaires were administered to patients and health personnel to have first-hand information on the ratio and health need of the area. Results from findings divulge an unequal distribution of health units in the West with 51.3% concentrated in five districts and 48.7% in fifteen. The ratio of population to available health unit is 2,543 inhabitants per unit which is commendable to the WHO 10,000 inhabitants per unit standard. Unfortunately this ratio is unevenly distributed within the region as districts with a high prevalence level of diseases possess less health units. The region is 78.6% accessible in the distance of households to health unit of 5km maximum of WHO standard with 21.4% of some areas at 20km away. With an uneven distribution of inhabitants to health personnel in the region, there is a need to re-adjust the ratio. This paper advocates for a health unit and resources map to facilitate mobility and reduce health discrepancies at best in the area.

Caregiver´s perception of the home-based management of childhood malaria in Baneghang and Fombap health areas in the West Region of Cameroon.

Introductionadequate community perception of malaria is crucial to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed to determine the caregiver´s perception of the home-based management of childhood malaria in Baneghang and Fombap health areas, Cameroon.Methodsa cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of home caregivers (HCGs) in Baneghang, a health area under Community Directed Intervention (CDI), and Fombap, a CDI-free health area. Community health workers (CHWs) conducted a census to identify households with under-five children that constituted a sample frame, and then a systematic random sampling was used to select HCGs. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean score perceptions of HCGs in the management of childhood malaria at the two sites.Resultsout of 420 HCGs interviewed, 161 (38.3%), 226 (53.8%), and 271 (64.5%) displayed correct knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice, respectively, towards childhood malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in both study sites. The mean score knowledge of HCGs in Baneghang was significantly higher than that of those in Fombap (7.33 versus 6.94, p < 0.001). The mean score of attitudes of HCGs towards childhood malaria was also higher in Baneghang than in Fombap (6.59 versus 6.29, p=0.013). However, the mean scores of good practices of HCGs on childhood malaria in both health areas were similar (5.94 versus 5.92, p=0.921).Conclusionhome-based management of childhood malaria seems to have contributed to good knowledge and positive attitudes of HCGs on malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Assessing Growth Parameters from Culm Cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris at the University of Dschang Botanic Garden, West Region of Cameroon: Implications for the Bamboo Resource Base and Rural Livelihoods

Dwindling supplies of bamboo resources and the increase in the demand for bamboo have led to the need for better propagation techniques. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods. Thus, this study was carried out to examine the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris in propagation beds with a substrate consisting of dark soil, manure (compost) and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. Data on different growth parameters was collected on a daily basis over a three week period and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the different growth parameters (diameter, height, leaves and sheaths) of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris evolved in like manner in three propagation beds. Descriptive statistics for growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris showed little or no differences across three shelter/propagation beds (shelter bed 1, shelter bed 2 and shelter bed 3) with 1.4675 ± 1.6172 cm, 93 ± 112 cm, 22 ± 30 leaves, and 4 ± 6 sheaths being the mean diameter, height, number of leaves and number of sheaths for all three propagation beds, respectively. ANOVA test showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris across the three propagation beds, implying that the different growth parameters were relatively similar. Pearson correlation showed the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of bamboo. The existence of these direct and inverse relationships could be attributed to the rapid growth rate of bamboo, the substrate used, and the species of bamboo used (B. vulgaris). The study recommends more large-scale propagation projects of this bamboo species in order to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods of bamboo dependent rural communities.

Quality of Life Following Major Limb Amputations in a Rural Community in Cameroon

Background: Limb amputation is considered the last resort when the limb is no longer salvageable or when the limb is dead or dying, viable but nonfunctional or endangering the patient’s life. It is associated with profound economic, social, and psychological effects on the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life of major limb amputees in a rural setting in western Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study carried out at the BATSENGLA-DSCHANG community in the West Region of Cameroon. Participants were interviewed and data collected using a pre-defined accredited questionnaire of the WHOQOL-BREF to assess the quality of life. Results: There were 63 participants, and a majority (60.32%) reported trauma as the cause of amputation. Participants with prostheses had a better quality of life. Conclusion: The age range of the study participants was 18 to 85 years with a mean of 46.73 ± 18.31 years. The majority were males (74.6%). Most of them (41.27%) had attained at least a secondary level of education, a majority (80.95%) were unemployed and more than half (55.56%) have less than the guaranteed inter-professional minimum wage. Major limb amputations were mostly due to traumatic causes (72%) and involved the lower limbs. Only a few (12.70%) used prostheses. Almost all of them (90.48%) had symptoms consistent with a phantom limb. The quality of life after major limb amputation in this study was generally fair according to the WHO quality of life tool.

Trace Metals Evaluation of Groundwater in the Granito-Basaltic Fractured Rock Aquiferous Formations in Bafoussam, West Region—Cameroon

Trace Metals Evaluation of Groundwater in the Granito-Basaltic Fractured Rock Aquiferous Formations in Bafoussam, West Region—Cameroon

Impact of Soil Treatment by Addition of Cement on the California Baring Ratio: Case of Bamendou in West Region Cameroon

Impact of Soil Treatment by Addition of Cement on the California Baring Ratio: Case of Bamendou in West Region Cameroon

Assessing the Status and Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of the Bamenda Mountain (Bm), North West Region of Cameroon

Assessing the Status and Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of the Bamenda Mountain (Bm), North West Region of Cameroon

Outcomes of Twin Delivery at the Bamenda Health District, North West Region Cameroon

Introduction: Multiple gestations or multiple pregnancies occur when two or more fetuses are conceived at the same time in the same woman. Therefore, a twin pregnancy is defined as the simultaneous development of two fetuses in the same woman. It can either be a monozygotic or dizygotic pregnancy. Twin pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy with variable incidence and outcomes worldwide. The adverse maternal and fetal outcomes of twin deliveries have not yet been investigated in our setting. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of twin deliveries at the Bamenda Health District. Methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional analytic study done at the Bamenda Health District in three selected hospitals (Bamenda Regional Hospital, CMA Nkwen, and IHC Azire) from the 1st of January to the 10th of May 2018. 55 women with twin pregnancies and 55 women with singleton pregnancies at gestational ages of 28 completed weeks and above who came for delivery and who consented to the study were included. A face-to-face interview-administered questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic characteristics; a venous blood sample was collected from the mothers before and after delivery to determine the estimated blood loss based on haemoglobin level. The partogram was opened from 4 cm cervical dilatation for those who came in the first stage of labour and the mode of delivery was recorded. After delivery, outcome variables were 1st, 5th, and 10th min Apgar score, birth weight, and gestational age. Data were entered in CSPro 7.1 and exported to IBM SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. All variables with p Results: During the study period, we included 110 participants (55 twin mothers and 55 singleton mothers). Women with twin gestations were mostly aged between 25 and 34 years with a mean maternal age of 28.6 ± 5.8 years, more than half (60%) of them were multiparous with family histories of twin, and business was their main occupation (58.2%). The prevalence of twin gestations at the Bamenda Health District was 2.8%. As compared to singleton deliveries, twin deliveries were associated with adverse fetal outcomes such as prematurity (born before 37 completed weeks) which was about 6 times higher among twins than singleton babies (OR: 5.6, 95% CI: 2.2 - 14.3, p th min) that was 15 times higher in twin than singleton births (OR: 15.3, 95% CI: 2 - 116.6, p grams) that was 15.6 times increased in twin than singleton births (OR: 15.6, 95% CI: 3.6 - 67.8, p CI: 2.2 - 13.9, p 0.05). Conclusion: Twin deliveries were associated with adverse fetal outcomes (prematurity, birth asphyxia, and low birth weight) in the three health facilities where we carried out the study. Cesarean section was higher among women with twin gestations compared to women with singleton gestations.

Molecular detection and genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis circulating in women of Western Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Background: In Cameroon, C. trachomatis screening is not routinely practiced, and its epidemiology is still unexplored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection, its risk factors and the genotypes circulating in the West Cameroon region.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst patients in five district hospitals in the West region of Cameroon. Endocervical samples were collected from women visiting the hospitals forantenatal, prenuptial and contraception consultations and at least 18 years old, sexually active, and non-menstruating. The molecular detection of C. trachomatis was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing of the ompA gene.Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was determined to be 11.47%. Having sex for the first time between the ages of 15 and 17 (OR=1.683, 95% CI: 1.1-2.5), non-usage of condom (OR=1.622, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), being single (OR=1.263, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5) and age range 18-30 years (OR=1.426, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8) were risk factors for C. trachomatis infection. Three genotypes of C. trachomatis circulated in West Cameroon viz. D (49%), E (29.4%) and G (21.6%).Conclusions: This study revealed that, three genotypes; D (dominant), E and G were identified circulating in the population of the study area. This information may be important for controlling the dissemination of C. trachomatis infection in West Cameroon as well as strategizing the therapeutic approach.

Comparative Approach of the Antibiotics Susceptibility of some Bacterial Strains Concurrently Isolated from Raw Milk and Cattle Feed (Water and Fodder) from some Farms in the West Region of Cameroon (Central Africa)

Introduction: Foodborne resistant bacteria have become a challenge to food security. Milk and milk products are easy vectors of transmission of foodborne pathogens, these being the main sources of human infection by antimicrobial resistant pathogens. The present study aimed at making a comparative approach of the antibiotic sensitivity/resistance of 3 bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Brucella spp.) isolated from milk, drinking water and green fodder consumed by cows in the West Cameroon region (Central Africa).&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 48 raw milk samples, 48 water samples and 48 green fodder samples were collected during the year 2020 and subjected to culture and identification of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Brucella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the antibiotic disc diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: Escherichia coli isolates showed high resistance (56-100%) to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone in all three samples. Salmonella spp. isolates showed resistance to ampicillin only (62, 67 and 67%). Brucella spp. strains isolated from raw milk and drinking water showed high sensitivity (78-100%) to azithromycin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, rifampicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin and tetracycline. Antibiotic sensitivity/resistance to Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. strains largely did not differ between samples (P&gt;0.05). No difference in sensitivity/resistance (P&gt;0.05) of Brucella spp. strains isolated from milk and water was observed with respect to the 10 antibiotics tested.&#x0D; Conclusions: The emergence of resistance to various antibiotics commonly used in medical and veterinary practices has important implications for public health. It seems necessary to strengthen of the regulations covering the sale and prescription of antibiotics.

Teachers’ Competence and the Development of Thinking Skills in Primary School Pupils in the South West Region of Cameroon

Teachers’ Competence and the Development of Thinking Skills in Primary School Pupils in the South West Region of Cameroon

Mobile clinics in conflict-affected communities of North West and South West regions of Cameroon: an alternative option for differentiated delivery service for internally displaced persons during COVID-19

IntroductionThe guidelines for differentiated service delivery (DSD) for HIV treatment became operational in Cameroon in 2017 with the Test and Treat national strategy elaborating services that can be decentralized and task shifted at community level, but with little to no guidelines for DSD in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Since 2016, more than 680,000 Cameroonians have been internally displaced due to the conflict in the North West and South West regions (NWSW). This conflict has impacted on the health system with numerous attacks on health facilities and staff, reducing access to health care for internally displaced persons. The outbreak of COVID-19 further reduced humanitarian responses for fear of spreading COVID-19. Mobile clinics were utilized as a model of care in piloting DSD for HIV in conflict-affected settings within the COVID-19 context.MethodsThe HIV DSD framework was used to evaluate a project that used mobile clinics in 05 divisions across the NWSW to provide primary health care to internally displaced persons in hard-to-reach areas. These mobile clinics were operated in the COVID-19 context and integrated HIV services in the benefit package. The mobile clinics mainstreamed HIV and COVID-19 sensitization during community mobilization, HIV consultations, HIV testing and referrals, and in some cases antiretroviral (ARV) dispensation. The project ran from March to October 2020. The results from the evaluation of this model of HIV care delivery were analysed in 06 of 08 mobile clinics.ResultsIn 07 months, a total of 14,623 persons living in conflict-affected settings were sensitized on HIV, 1979 received HIV testing from which 122 were positive and 33 placed on ARVs. 28 loss-to-follow up people living with HIV were relinked to treatment and 209 consultations for persons living with HIV were conducted. Despite the good collaboration at regional and field level, there was distrust by ARV centers for humanitarian organizations.ConclusionMobile clinics are a model of care which could be leveraged in fragile and conflict-affected settings as an alternative model of care for HIV DSD to ensure continuum of HIV care and treatment. However this should be integrated within the benefit package of primary health care services offered by mobile clinics.

Conflicts Resolutions and Impacts in Momo Division in the North West Region, Cameroon

Conflict is a process of human interaction as described by social conflict analysts. So is the case of conflicts resolutions and its impacts in Ngie, Momo Division of the North West region in Cameroon. This study dwells on literary and field data on conflict in Ngie. It demonstrates the contribution of conflict hold to the socio-cultural development of this sub-division experienced in the past until late. Notwithstanding this ill many are drawn back from the contemporary era as this could be seen as a cultural heritage since conflict is experienced at almost all levels from individuals in the home right up to the elites due to self-centeredness. In acquiring the necessary qualitative data, we used life-stories, interviews, focus groups and observations. The goal of this study is to measure the impact of retardation the society has witnessed and what prospects to integrate in the social system. Four villages with conflict problems were studied. Our study reveals that cultural contacts and information enhance social change. Though rural sustainable development is highly recommended there is need for unity to help in development.

Group Borrowing : Microfinance-Tontine Sustainable Co-Existence. Case Of Cameroon

This paper uses a case study approach to examine the role of group account in Microfinance institutions on tontine's survival. The research investigates on the origin of funds deposited in group accounts, and its importance to group members. The collection of respondents’ perceptions will contribution to promote digital-group account – accessible both on apps and handset – for the group’s benefit. We interviewed ten participants coming from the critical stakeholders of rural finance in the community of Balessing in the west region of Cameroon. We performed a textual and content analysis of the qualitative data collected. The results showed that group accounts contribute to the financial, managerial and social development of tontine group – factors indispensable for strong cohesion and group survival. Moreover, group accounts also benefit microfinance institutions by contributing to their growth and development. From the results mentioned above, we made recommendations to consolidation the link between microfinance institutions and tontine groups through group accounts.

Taro Leaf Blight: Disease Assessment, Farmers’ Knowledge and Management Potential of Goatweed Extract in South West Cameroon

Leaf blight disease severely constrains the production of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in Cameroon. Studies were conducted in seven localities in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon to assess the incidence and severity of the disease in taro farms using non-destructive sampling, and to document farmers’ knowledge about it using a structured questionnaire. The fungicidal effect of the aqueous leaf extract of goatweed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) at 0 and 100% concentrations and the chemical fungicide Mancozan was tested in-vitro. Results revealed widespread distribution of the disease in the Region. The incidence (77.996.5%) and severity (51.9 – 85.6%) varied significantly (P≤0.05) across the localities. The infection rate was classified as high in four localities and very high in three. The farmers were able to identify the disease and understood its effects on taro production but they were not aware of any pesticidal plants for its management. The aqueous leaf extract (100%) of goatweed and Mancozan significantly (P≤0.05) inhibited the mycelia growth of the fungus compared to the untreated control (0%). The plant extract had the potential to control the disease although it gave moderate inhibition of the fungus (38.4% at 9 days after exposure) which was not as effective as Mancozan (100% inhibition). Goatweed could be exploited for use as a source of natural fungicide for management of the pathogen. This study provides baseline information for future studies on the disease and recognises it as a major challenge to the sustainable production of taro.

Quinolines and Macrolides Resistance-Associated Mutations in Chlamydia trachomatis in Women Endocervical Samples in the West Region of Cameroon

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a public health problem worldwide. Although antibiotic resistance of this strict intracellular bacterium is rare, it is important to monitor the appearance of resistance genes to available efficient antibiotics. This study aimed to screen for mutations in some of these genes in C. trachomatis clinical isolates, which may be associated to resistance to quinolone and macrolide antibiotics. Thirty-five endocervical samples were collected from women aged between 18 and 49 in five district hospitals in the Western Region of Cameroon. The mutations in quinolones (parC and gyrA) and macrolides (L4, L22 and 23S rRNA) resistance domains were detected by PCR followed by sequencing on positive samples to C. trachomatis. The overall mutation rate for the studied genes was 60% in the studied samples. Seven (20%) and twelve (34%) samples presented mutations in the parC and gyrA gene respectively. Mutations in L4 (11.42%) and L22 (60%) were detected in ours samples, while no mutation was found in 23S rRNA gene. Seven clinical samples (20%) presented mutations to both macrolide and quinolone resistance genes. This study revealed a relatively high rate of mutations in the resistance genes to macrolides and quinolones in C. trachomatis in the West Cameroon. This rate of mutation calls for the competent authorities for better surveillance of C. trachomatis infection in West Cameroon to avoid a sudden increase in resistance to antibiotics in the years to come.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Contribution of natural resource exploitation of stone, impact on livelihood and rural development in West Region of Cameroon.

Purpose: Stone as a natural resource has always been highly recognized as an income generating activity worldwide. The study on the contribution of natural resource exploitation of stone, impact on livelihood and rural development was conducted in the West Region of Cameroon with the used of purposive random sampling technique.&#x0D; Methodology: The target population for this study were the inhabitants around the quarries involved in the mining and the farmers’ activities. From the number of workers, the researchers chose a sample size of 400 miners assuming that the miners in the West region are more than 100000 distributed within four divisions. The study used both primary and secondary data sources. The methods used for the study were interviews, focus group discussions sources, documents analysis and participatory observations. SPSS version 22 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse data.&#x0D; Finding: Results indicated that 41.61% were artisanal miners while 31.88% were industrial miners. More so, results further revealed that 76.66% were quarry operators and 33.34% were farmers.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory and practice: The study therefore recommends that the state through the local authorities such as the council could improve on the livelihood of these inhabitants by assisting and respecting their limit areas of stone exploitation, also compensate the villagers whose lands are being exploited especially moderately, upon what they request as terms of compensation not what they offer to them as gift.

Development of Garcinia kola capsules

Garcinia kola usually referred to as "bitter cola" is a tree found in the rainforests. Many studies have revealed the properties of its seeds: antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antidiabetic, antioxidant. In the West Region of Cameroon these seeds are mainly used against nausea and vomiting; unfortunately, the generalization or the widening of the use of these seeds encounters some problems: the production is seasonal (June to September), the plant only grows in a small area (the departments of Moungo and Mbam and Inougou), the long storage of the seeds is not possible (they harden quickly and become unfit for consumption). The non-toxicity of these seeds having already been demonstrated by Udenze et al in 2012, in this study we wanted to develop a galenic form that is easy to produce and likely to help better use this resource by circumventing these difficulties. Garcinia kola seeds purchased in the city of Bafia, were cleaned, crushed and dried for 2 days at the temperature of 30°C and finally ground. The powder obtained was used to prepare capsules. The powder, calibrated through a 125 sieve, was homogeneous and had a residual humidity of 4%; its flavonoid content was 28 mg quercetin equivalent per gram. The capsules contained 400 mg of seed powder and titrated 3 mg quercetin equivalent of flavonoids per unit. They have responded favorably to the pharmacotechnical tests recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia 5th edition and appear to be able to allow the use of Garcinia kola seeds everywhere and in any season.