THE BURDEN OF HIV INFECTED SEVERELY ACUTE MALNOURISHED CHILDREN IN FOUR HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE BAMENDA MUNICIPALITY, CAMEROON
Introduction: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in developing countries. The presence of HIV worsens this condition, creating a vicious cycle that increases morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the prole of children with SAM infected with HIV across four hospitals in Bamenda municipality. Materials and Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study included children aged 6 weeks to 15 years hospitalized for SAM between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2024, in Bamenda Regional Hospital, Nkwen District Hospital, Saint Blaise Catholic Hospital, and Saint Mary Soledad Catholic Hospital. The sociodemographic information, type of malnutrition, clinical presentation, HIV status and hospital outcome were collected using a pretested study-specic questionnaire, entered into Microsoft Excel, and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Results: Out of the 217 children with SAM, 54 were HIV infected, giving a prevalence of 24.9%. The mean age of HIV infected children was 22.4 months, with a female predominance (sex ratio 1.7). Marasmic kwashiorkor was the clinical form most strongly associated with HIV (aOR=5.05; 95% CI: 1.36–18.68; p=0.015). Dyspnea was the symptom signicantly associated with HIV (aOR=5.41; 95% CI: 2.67–10.96; p<0.001), while lymphadenopathy and mouth ulcers were the clinical signs most associated with HIV (aOR=5.19; 95% CI: 1.40–19.80; p=0.013). Purulent otitis (aOR=12.11; 95% CI: 3.12–47.08; p<0.001) and tuberculosis (aOR=12.80; 95% CI: 1.23–133.05; p=0.032) were the pathologies signicantly associated with HIV infection. The mean hospitalization duration was longer among HIV-positive children (11.8 days) compared to HIV-negative peers (9.9 days). Conclusion: HIV prevalence among children with SAM was 24.9%. Marasmic kwashiorkor, dyspnea, lymphadenopathy, mouth ulcers, purulent otitis, and tuberculosis were signicantly associated with HIV in SAM cases. Hospital stay was longer among HIV-infected children
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF PEDIATRIC BURKITT’S LYMPHOMA IN CAMEROON.
Introduction: Burkitt's lymphoma is the most common childhood cancer in areas where malaria is holo-endemic accounting for 90% of childhood lymphomas. Burkitt Lymphoma is the fastest growing human tumour with a cell doubling time of 24–48hrs with high morbidity/mortality. However, it is very sensitive to chemotherapy alone and curable. Given its high prevalence with high morbidity and mortality associated, regular studies especially in a large scale on the nature and characteristics of this disease becomes very important. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and trends of Burkitt's lymphoma and to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the outcome of children treated for Burkitt's lymphoma in Cameroon from 2007 to 2016 through hospital-based records of the four main pediatric cancer care centers in Cameroon. Materials and methods: We carried out a cross sectional retrospective study using records of children and adolescents treated for Burkitt's Lymphoma in the four major paediatric cancer treatment centres in Cameroon during the period 2007 to 2016. Results: A total of 1042 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma were identiﬁed within this period out of which 59% were males and 41% were females; with 58% of them being in the age group 4 to 9 years. Almost 90% of the patients came from regions that have paediatric cancer treatment centres. About 80% of the patients presented late to the treatment centres and at very advanced stage of the disease. The cure rate for those initiated on treatment was 77.2% and the one-year event free survival rate was 84.9%. Conclusion: The incidence of Burkitt's lymphoma in Cameroon is dropping over time. Burkitt's lymphoma is more common in males than females and in children 5 to 9 years of age. Abdomen and face are the commonest sites of tumour localization. Most children present late to the hospital.
GERIATRIC CARE IN CAMEROON: A ONE-YEAR EXPERIENCE AT THE YAOUNDE CENTRAL HOSPITAL, CAMEROON.
Introduction: As the proportion of the older population is growing worldwide, health systems in developing countries need a policy shift to address the challenge of optimizing healthcare across age groups. Many older people in resource-limited countries will seek speciﬁc care due to multimorbidity and frailty. Materials and methods: Over one year, we trained healthcare workers and developed new procedures of care in the geriatric unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon, using the Acute Care for Elders(ACE) model. Records of all patients admitted to the unit after the implementation of the ACE model were included. Patients' records with missing data on functional status and outcome were excluded. Results: We included 169 patients, of whom 60.9% (n=103) were female. The mean age was 79.3±8.8 years. Most patients were admitted from the emergency department (53.3%, n=90). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (50.9%, n=86), osteoarthritis (32.5%, n=40), and diabetes mellitus (23.7%, n=38). The main diagnoses were sepsis (28%, n=48), community-acquired pneumonia (26.6%, n=45), ischemic stroke (25.4%, n=43), and urinary tract infection (21.9%, n=37). The most prevalent geriatric syndromes (GS) were activities of daily living (ADLs) dependency (85.8%,n=145), urinary incontinence (55%, n=93), and delirium (41.1%, n=70). Conclusion: With few trained personnel, it was possible to establish a comprehensive model of care for older patients to diagnose and manage geriatric syndromes in our hospital.
THE SPECTRUM OF CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS AT THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL BAMENDA IN THE NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON.
Introduction: Congenital malformations; are structural or functional anomalies that arise during intrauterine development. They can be detected prenatally, at birth, or identiﬁed later in infancy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of congenital malformations among neonates in a Cameroonian population. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study involving neonates admitted to the neonatal unit of the Regional Hospital Bamenda, from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st , 2023. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire speciﬁcally designed for this study, which adhered to the established inclusion criteria. Data was entered into excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS version 27. Results: Out of 6,305 neonatal admissions, 125 babies had congenital anomalies, giving a prevalence of 2.0%. Maternal ages of the neonates ranged from 17 to 43 years, with a mean of 27.8 years and majority of the mothers (47. 6%) were 30 to 39 years. Most mothers had a secondary level of education (61.0%), were in non-liberal occupations (43.8%), lived as couples (79.0%), and resided in urban areas (57.1%). Digestive system malformations were the most common occurring in 33.3% of neonates, followed by central nervous system malformations in 21.0%, urogenital system malformations in 21.0%, and musculoskeletal system malformations in 9.5%. The risk factors for congenital malformations in our study were: maternal urinary tract infection (UTI) and human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy. Most of these neonates (37.1%) were managed accordingly while the mortality rate was 30.5%. Conclusion: Congenital malformations signiﬁcantly contribute to the burden of neonatal admissions from this study. Risk factors as maternal UTI and HIV during pregnancy were associated with the occurrence of these malformations. Consequently, it is essential to establish a surveillance system for congenital anomalies and to promote awareness of the associated risk factors.
PATTERNS OF LOWER LIMB INJURIES AMONGST ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN BAMENDA, CAMEROON: A TWO CENTER STUDY.
Introduction: This study aims at determining the prevalence, patterns and outcomes of management of lower limbs injuries amongst road traﬃc accident victims in 2 hospitals in a Sub-urban metropolis of Cameroon. Materials and methods: A Hospital based Cross-sectional descriptive study at a level III and IV Hospital's emergency Units in Bamenda, Mezam Division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, for a period of 4 months. All patients attending the emergency unit of these enters with road traﬃc injuries to lower limbs within the study period who gave consent to participate in the study were enrolled. A well- structured data collection sheet was used to obtain information from participants after informed consent was sought. Data was entered and analyzed using Epi Info Version 8 and presented as Tables and ﬁgures. Results: A total of 573 road traﬃc injured victims were received among whom 281 had lower limb injuries giving a prevalence of 49.04%. Young otherwise healthy male riders were disproportionately aﬀected. More crashes occur during daytime and especially on weekends with an almost nonexistent medicalized means of transport prolonging the mean time of arrival after crashes above 1hour. The most accounted reason for crashes were over speeding (44.1%) and bad roads (33.5%). The commonest injuries sustained were abrasions (48.8%), laceration (31%), fractures (16.0%) with a mortality of 1.4% of victims. Road safety measures such as driver's licensure, helmet and seat belt were poorly utilized. Conclusion: Road Traﬃc Injuries are a major public health concern. Lower extremities injuries represent one of the most common injury patterns that is seen in emergency practice. Injuries play a heavy toll on economy as majority of victims are young active males. Neglect contributed signiﬁcantly to the occurrence of crashes.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MEDICINE: BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY IN RESOURCE- LIMITED SETTINGS.
Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for addressing healthcare delivery challenges in resource-limited settings. This review explores its practical applications, opportunities, and limitations in low-resource healthcare environments, focusing on key domains such as laboratory diagnostics, clinical decision support systems (CDSS), and disease management. Drawing on real-world examples from countries including Nigeria, India, Kenya, Peru, and South Africa, the review highlights how AI models, such as decision trees, rule-based systems, and neural networks, can enhance diagnostic accuracy, support non-specialist healthcare workers, and improve treatment adherence. However, widespread adoption is hindered by systemic barriers, including infrastructural deﬁcits, lack of local data, ethical concerns, and the absence of tacit clinical knowledge in AI models. The paper proposes a strategic, context-sensitive roadmap for implementation, emphasizing governance frameworks, low-resource AI model design, leadership engagement, and local validation. With careful design and equitable deployment, AI has the potential to transform healthcare in underserved regions and close longstanding gaps in global health equity.
FACTEURS PRÉDICTIFS DES ANOMALIES DU FROTTIS CERVICO- VAGINAL À L’HÔPITAL CENTRAL DE YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROUN.
Introduction: Cervical cancer is a real public health problem worldwide,particularly in Africa and Cameroon. Numerous studies have been conducted on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the search for predictive factors and/or factors associated with the occurrence of cervical cancer remains a signiﬁcant avenue of access in preventive research, hence the interest of our study. Materials and methods: It was a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study. It was done over a period of 8 months, at the pathology laboratory of the Yaounde Central Hospital. We included all the women who presented and were registered in the pathology laboratory of the central hospital for pap smears. Their specimens were stained using Papanicolaou technique and examined under an optical microscope for the diagnosis. Results: This present study enrolled 186 Pap smears. The most represented age group of women was that of 30 to 45 years (58.6%). The median age was 35 years with an interquartile range of 30-42 years. Independently of HIV serological status, pathological cervico-vaginal smears were observed with a predominance of inﬂammatory smears (53.3%). Among the independent variables investigated, pills increased 3times the risk of developing inﬂammatory pap smears. The absence of the use of other methods of contraception increased 7 times the risk to develop dysplasic pap smears. Conclusion: The usage of pills and the absence of the use of other methods of contraception were associated with risk of occurrence of cervical lesions.
ORAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF SEVERE AND MODERATE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN AT THE GADO- BADZERE REFUGEE CAMP, EAST CAMEROON.
Introduction: Malnutrition is a prevalent nutritional disorder in low-resource settings that adversely aﬀects oral health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and associated risk factors of oral pathologies in severely and moderately malnourished children residing in a refugee camp. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from the 3th of January till the 16th of June 2020 at the Gado-Badzere refugee camp, East Cameroon. Children aged 6 to 59 months with WHZ < -2 or MUAC < 12.5cm were included. Oral examinations followed WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Quantitative variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. Categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test. Odds ratios (OR) at 95% conﬁdence intervals (CI) were computed. A p-value < 0.05 was deemed statistically signiﬁcant. Results: Among 172 children studied, 80 (46.5%) had severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and 92 (53.5%) moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). SAM was signiﬁcantly associated with delayed tooth eruption (OR = 2.29, p = 0.017), mucosal lesions (OR = 4.71, p < 0.001), xerostomia (OR = 3.75, p = 0.003), and enamel hypoplasia (OR = 1.69, p =0.022). Although gingivitis was more frequent in SAM (OR = 1.35), it was not statistically signiﬁcant (p = 0.100). Conclusion: Oral pathologies were more common among children with SAM, highlighting the need for integrated oral health interventions in malnutrition management programs.
CHARACTERIZATION OF VIRULENCE FACTORS, BIOFILM FORMATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF BACTERIAL UROPATHOGENS AT THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL BUEA, CAMEROON.
Introduction: Urinary tract infections are commonly caused by bacterial species that present with diverse virulence factors which contribute to the severity of the disease. The objective of this study was to determine the virulence factors and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial species isolated from urine of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of urinary tract infection. Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 180 participants. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deﬁcient agar. The isolates were identiﬁed and phenotypic methods were used to detect putative virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby Bauer method. Results: The prevalence of bacteriuria was 52.2% and it was signiﬁcantly higher (P= 0.001) in symptomatic (66.7%) than asymptomatic (37.8%) cases. The predominant bacteria were Staphylococcus saprophyticus (28.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (24.5%) and Escherichia coli (12.8%). Out of 94 isolates, 87 (92.6%) were bioﬁlm producers and 65 (69.1%) produced at least one of the putative virulence factors: urease (53.2%), deoxyribonuclease (21.3%), hemolysin (18.1%), lipase (17.0%) and protease (2.1%). Lipase production was signiﬁcantly higher in cases of symptomatic than asymptomatic bacteriuria (p=0.001). Gentamicin was the most eﬀective antibiotic for both gram negative and gram positive uropathogens. Conclusion: Uropathogens from symptomatic and asymptomatic urinary tract infection produced varied virulence factors and showed multidrug resistance. Hence, there is a need for monitoring the spread of pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria from apparently healthy individuals.
TRENDS IN THE OCCURRENCE OF CHOLERA OUTBREAKS IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON (2015-2020): A RETROSPECTIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON LINE LISTING FORMS.
Introduction: Cholera remains a major public threat worldwide but the burden remains high in developing countries. The South West Region of Cameroon is mapped as a cholera prone zone due to recurrent outbreaks. The aim of the study was to describe the trend of occurrence, sociodemographic correlates and seasonal implications of cholera in the region. Materials and methods: A retrospective descriptive study which eviewed line listing forms of cholera cases in the South West Region from 2015 to 2020. Results: Cholera outbreak in the region spanned from November 2019 to September 2020. The outbreak involved 466 cases, 21 deaths with a high CFR of 4.5%. Five health districts were aﬀected, the highest number of cases being from Bakassi (339, 72.7%) and Tiko (74, 15.9%).Ekondo Titi recorded the highest CFR (20.0%) (P=0.044). Persons most aﬀected were children (213, 45.7%) and ﬁshermen (116, 24.9%); and the infection occurred more in males (272, 58.4%). The trend of occurrence showed seasonal variation with most of the cases occurring in the dry season and the peak periods being November and December. Conclusion: Cholera outbreaks in the region mostly occur during the dry season and in coastal areas; with high risk population being children and ﬁshermen. Enhanced public health interventions targeting high risk persons and cholera-prone zones will help reduce outbreaks in the region.
HÉMOGLOBINURIE DANS LE PALUDISME GRAVE: ASPECTS ÉPIDÉMIOLOGIQUES, CLINIQUES ET PRONOSTIQUES CHEZ LES ENFANTS À YAOUNDÉ
Introduction : L'hémoglobinurie étant une complication fréquente du paludisme grave, le but de cette étude était de déterminer les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et pronostiques chez les enfants présentant une hémoglobinurie en cas de paludisme grave. Matériel et méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive, prospective, sur la période allant du 1er janvier au 30 juin 2020, dans deux hôpitaux pédiatriques de la ville de Yaoundé. Étaient inclus les enfants âgés de 3 mois à 15 ans présentant une hémoglobinurie conﬁrmée par un test urinaire à bandelette réactive et hospitalisés pour un paludisme grave. Résultats: Pendant la période d'étude, 4667 enfants ont été hospitalisés, parmi lesquels 1191 avaient un paludisme grave (25,5%), dont 115 présentaient une urine de couleur « coca cola », 87 avaient une hémoglobinurie conﬁrmée, soit une incidence de 9,7%. L'âge moyen était de 78,5±56,4 mois, avec un sex-ratio de 1,9. Il y avait 7 cas de drépanocytose (8,1%) et 3 cas de déﬁcit en G6PD (3,5%). Les principaux signes cliniques étaient la ﬁèvre (88,5%), la prostration (71,3%) et des vomissements (46,0%), et des urines foncées « coca cola » (63,2%). La durée moyenne entre l'apparition des urines foncées et l'admission était de 3 jours. Le taux de létalité était de 3,7% et 5 enfants ont évolué vers une lésion rénale aiguë (4,3%). Conclusion: L'hémoglobinurie était fréquente en cas de paludisme grave particulièrement chez les enfants de moins de sept ans avec une prédominance masculine. Elle était apparemment exacerbée par un retard de mise en place de traitement adéquat et responsable de lésion rénale aiguë.
INFECTIOUS PLEURAL EFFUSIONS IN CHILDREN IN A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN CAMEROON: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL, PARACLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS
Introduction: Infectious pleurisy is a frequent hospitalization indication in paediatrics in developing countries. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic characteristics of infectious pleurisy in children at the Gynaecological-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital in Yaounde. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of the medical records of patients aged between 3 months and 15 years admitted with infectious pleurisy to the paediatric wards of the Yaoundé Gynaecological-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2021. The data collected were summarised in the form of mean ± standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Results: The incidence of pleurisy was 1.04%. They were frequent in infants (39.4%) and boys (59.6%). Most of the infants had up to date routine vaccinations for their age, and 59.6% had frequently taken antibiotics themselves. They were referred (64.4%) within 4 to 7 days. Pleural ﬂuid culture was positive in 35 cases (33.7%), with Staphylococcus aureus the main germ isolated 25 times (71.4%). The main antibiotics active against staphylococcus were gentamicin (95.0%), ciproﬂoxacin (94.4%), fusidic acid (92.3%) and oxacillin (80.0%). The incidence of complications was 13.1%, particularly hydropneumothorax. The average hospital stay was 14 days. Case fatality was 1.9%. Conclusion: Infectious pleurisy was a health problem in the paediatric ward of HGOPY. Isolation of the causative agent was problematic because of prior antibiotic therapy in our children. Staphylococcus aureus was the germ most frequently isolated from pleural ﬂuid.
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF NEWBORN AND CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES: BETWEEN FAILURE AND RESURRECTION, A REAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILD HEALTH.
In Cameroon, vertical key programs considered as agship health programs compete the strategy of "Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses" (IMNCI). The IMNCI guide contains all the recommendations for effective implementation at a lower cost. Meanwhile, less than 20% of health districts has health facilities with at least 60% of staff skilled in IMNCI, threshold required for its measurable impact on child survival. The leadership in IMNCI is questionable; it interventions are not only confused with those of key programs, but also overlap in different departments of the Ministry of Health. The challenge revolves around locating sustainable funding sources to expand IMNCI. Its introduction into the academic programs of training institutions is among cost-effective solutions. Elsewhere, it requires the pooling of resources of the key programs in a common basket fund. The advantages brought by IMNCI represent a real opportunity for the Cameroon health system, so to reverse the oblivion it is suffering. The indifference IMNCI suffers should under no circumstance be judged as a failure without the government having mobilized its own resources to ensure it rebirth. There is a need to resize IMNCI into a wider system of primary health care services institutionalized within the Family Health Department.
TRAINING AND TRANSFER OF NURSING KNOWLEDGE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BAMENDA IN CAMEROON: A CHEF'S RECIPE FOR EXCELLENCE.
Training and transfer of knowledge is a common phenomenon in apprenticeship professions. A problem could arise when the training does not encompass all the recipes. Transfer may be less effective where the recipes were not the same or may be incomplete. The relevance of this paper lies in the fact that exposure to all relevant recipes for training is a requirement for better transfer of nursing knowledge. The objectives were: to dene a nurse, state the qualities of a good nurse, list what it takes to equip a good nurse, and to illustrate the outcomes of effective training and knowledge transfer through selected examples of successful nurses. Information was sought from personal experiences and some websites and peer-reviewed articles. It was observed that a nurse is one who has been trained and recognized in the country of training before there can be transfer of nursing knowledge. The roles and functions of nurses include technical and clinical judgement with strong ethical grounding. The recipe for training must include culture, weather, nutrients and ingredients. Examples of successful training and transfer of knowledge are outlined in the success stories of Terrence and Pride. The information can be used to inspire trainers on nursing knowledge transfer.
MONKEY POX DURING THE 2022 OUTBREAK: A FATAL CASE REPORT IN THE NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
Cameroon registered a total of nine cases of monkeypox disease following the 2022 multi-country outbreak that began Democratic Republic of Congo. Two cases have been registered in the conict stricken North West region, with one being fatal which we shall be presenting. We report the case of a 76-year-old patient, hunter, living in Batibo in the Northwest region of Cameroon. He presented at the Regional Hospital Bamenda in 2024 with multiple umbilicated, conuent vesiculo-pustular lesions on the face, torso, scrotum and limbs involving the palms and feet, associated with multiple inguinal lymphadenopathies in a febrile context evolving for two weeks. Mpox clade 2 was conrmed by RT-PCR on skin swap. Evolution was fatal by the 9th day when he rapidly became pyrexic again, associated with altered level of consciousness, stiffness and then died, despite meningeal dose antibiotics and anti-tetanus serum administered.
THE SPECTRUM OF HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN IN FOUR HOSPITALS IN THE BAMENDA MUNICIPALITY, CAMEROON.
Introduction: According to World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally. Children are not exempted, with an estimated 1.4 million children (0–14 years) living with HIV. The main problem with pediatric HIV remains the inadequate prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) despite being largely preventable. Inappropriate management of HIV in children will lead to an increase mortality and morbidity. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 15 years duration from 2010 to 2024 in children from ages 6weeks to 15 years at Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH), Nkwen District Hospital (NDH), Saint Mary Soledad Catholic Hospital and Nkwen Baptist Hospital. Data was collected using pre-designed questionnaires designed for the study. Data collected was entered to a computer and analyzed with statistical software. Results: A total of 378 les were retrieved. Children were predominantly between the ages of 1-3 years (45.0%), with a female predominance of 55.8%, mother- to -child transmission was the principal mode of transmission (93.1%). The proportion of children living with HIV with respect to the total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) at the day care centre was at 2.7%. The most common clinical manifestations were cough (19.6%) and fever (13.0%). Majority of the children were regular on antiretroviral treatment (69.6%), 2.9% were lost to follow up,, 6.9% defaulted and 18.0% were transferred-out to other treatment centers. The mortality rate was 2.6%. Conclusion: HIV in children remains a public health concern accounting for 2.7% of the total number of people living with HIV, with cough and fever being the most common clinical features. Majority of these children were stable on treatment. The overall mortality in our study was 2.6%.
prevention of mother to child transmission
PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF GASRO-INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOLAGED CHILDREN IN URBAN AND RURAL HEALTH DISTRICTS OF BAMENDA, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON.
Introduction: This study was conducted in two health districts of Bamenda: Ntambag representing the urban setting and Santa representing the rural area. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among school-aged children. They contribute to malnutrition, impaired cognitive development, and reduced academic performance. Intestinal parasitic infections remain a signicant public health concern among school-aged children in Cameroon. Although several studies have been conducted in different regions of the country, recent comparative data on the prevalence and risk factors of these infections in both urban and rural settings of Bamenda are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among school-aged children in four schools in Bamenda Urban and Rural Health Districts. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2025 among 181 school-aged children (5–15 years) selected by stratied random sampling from four schools in Ntambag (urban) and Santa (rural) health districts of Bamenda. Data on sociodemographic, hygiene, and environmental factors were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were examined microscopically using the formol-ether concentration technique. Associations between infection and risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically signicant. Results: Out of 181 stool samples examined, 46 (25.4%) were positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Protozoan infections predominated (35/46; intestinal. Les infections à protozoaires prédominaient (35/46 ; 76,1%) par 76.1%) compared with helminthic infections (11/46; 23.9%). The most common species identied were “Entamoeba histolytica (13/46; 28.2%), Entamoeba coli (11/46; 23.9%), and Blastocystis hominis”. (7/46; 15.2%). Infections were signicantly higher in rural areas (27.5%) than in urban settings (23.3%; p < 0.05), and were due to factors such as lack of proper sanitation, poor handwashing habits, and walking barefoot. Infection rates were signicantly associated with risk factors such as hygiene practices, toilet type, pet ownership, and water source (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections remain common among school-aged children in Bamenda, with protozoa predominating over helminths. The higher prevalence in rural settings reects the inuence of poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Strengthened school-based health education, regular deworming, and improved water and sanitation facilities are recommended to further reduce infection rates.
CHALLENGES IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN TWO HEALTH FACILITIES IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON.
Introduction: An ectopic pregnancy (EP) occurs when the blastocyst implants at a site other than the normal uterine cavity. It can greatly affect the reproductive capacity of the woman, especially when there is a delay in diagnosis and management. Despite availability of diagnostic tools, most cases are diagnosed late, and management is predominantly by invasive surgery. This study aims to determine challenges to early diagnosis and management of EP. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective crosssectional study from December 2021 to July 2022 among EP patients managed at the Yaounde Central Hospital and the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. The course patients followed from onset of symptoms to point of diagnosis and management was assessed to determine reasons for delayed diagnosis and management. Data was entered and analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0. Association between possible explanatory variables for misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis were determined by logistic regression analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered signicant. Results: We registered 113 EP cases out of 2,888 deliveries giving a frequency of 3.9%. Age of patients ranged between 17 and 44 years with a median of 27. Delays from rst symptoms to consultation varied between one and sixty days with a median of six days. Misdiagnosis was made at the rst health unit in 46.0% of cases. Factors associated with misdiagnosis were; consultation by nurse [OR = 5.88, P < 0.01]; no diagnostic tests [OR=13.0, P <0.01], and not doing a pregnancy test [OR=2.8, P = 0.04]. Invasive surgery was the most used management method (77.9%). Conclusion: Late consultation and misdiagnosis delay diagnosis and management of EP in Yaounde. Invasive surgery remains the main method used. Women should be encouraged to start antenatal care early and EP should always be considered as a differential in
PREVALENCE AND AETIOLOGIES OF ASCITES IN MEDICAL PATIENTS: A FIVE YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY AT THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL BAMENDA, CAMEROON
Introduction: Ascitesis a common clinicalsyndrome and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients due to its frequent complications. It is frequently reported in the context of decompensated liver cirrhosis, but non-cirrhotic causes are becoming frequent. The aim of this research was to study the prevalence and aetiologies of ascites in hospitalized medical patients in the Regional Hospital Bamenda. Materials and methods: we carried out a hospital based crosssectionalstudy that ran from November 2024 to June 2025. Files of adult medical patients hospitalized from 2020 to 2024 (retrospectively), and consenting adults hospitalized in the interna medicine units of the Regional Hospital Bamenda from January to May 2025 were included. Data were consecutively collected using a predesigned questionnaire on: sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, aetiologies and complicationsin patients with ascites, and then analysed using R statistical software version 4.2. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results: During this study period, a total of 7397 patients were hospitalized. Of these, 280 had ascites giving a prevalence of 3.79%. The mean age of participants was 51±18.5 years with a sex ratio of 0.9. Heart failure (32.4%); decompensated liver cirrhosis (27.2%); malignancy (11.7%); and nephrotic syndrome (9.75%) were the most common identified aetiologies. Meanwhile, hyponatremia (26.6%), hypotension (17.2%), acute kidney injury (15.0%) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (10.7%) were frequently identified complications. Conclusion: The prevalence of ascites was 3.79% in this studied Cameroonian population with right heart failure, decompensated liver cirrhosis, malignancy and nephrotic syndrome as the most common aetiologies. Hyponatremia, hypotension, acute kidney injury and spontaneous bacteria peritonitis were the most identified complications.
EVALUATION DE L'EFFICACITÉ DES RÉGIMES ANTIRÉTROVIRAUX À BASE DE DOLUTEGRAVIR CHEZ LES ENFANTS INFECTÉS PAR LE VIH DANS UN HÔPITAL DE RÉFÉRENCE DE YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROUN
Introduction: To slow down the progression of the disease, since 2018 the World Health Organization recommended antiretroviral treatment regimens combining an integrase inhibitor, Dolutegravir (DTG), and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and biological efcacy of DTG and Efavirenz (EFV) containing treatment regimens in children andadolescents. Materials and methods: This was an 8-year retrospective comparative study (2015-2023) involving children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years, divided into two groups, one receiving DTG-based antiretroviral therapy and the other EFV combined with NRTIs (abacavir/lamivudine or tenofovir/lamivudine). Viral suppression (<1,000 copies/ml) and viral undetectability (<50 copies/ml) were used as efcacy indicators. Results: Of the 60 patients included, 35 (58.3%) were on EFV and 25 (41.7%) were on DTG. The mean viral load reduction rate was 96.2% and 97.9% after 6 and 12 months, respectively, for EFV and DTG. After 18 months of treatment, 100% of patients on DTG had achieved viral suppression compared to 91.7% on EFV. After 24 months, 72% of patients on DTG had an undetectable viral load, compared with 65.7% on EFV. The overall death rate was 5%, with a predominance in the EFV group. Conclusion: Dolutegravir has demonstrated superior efcacy to efavirenz in terms of rapid and sustained viral load suppression in children and adolescents living with HIV.
SEVERE MALARIA IN CHILDREN ADMITTED IN THREE HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE BAMENDA HEALTH DISTRICT, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
Introduction: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites of genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito. In Cameroon, it accounts for 25.8% of consultations in 2021, including 31.5% in children under 5, and 14.3% of deaths. The objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, hematological features and outcome of severe malaria in children admitted in the Bamenda Health District. Materials and methods: We consecutively recruited from 1st March to 30th June 2021. Children from 3 months to 15 years admitted in 3 randomly selected hospitals (Regional Hospital Bamenda, Nkwen District Hospital, and Nkwen Baptist Health Centre), in the Bamenda health district, and presenting with one or more signs of severity of malaria and conrmed by malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and/or Thick blood smear (TBS) were enrolled in this study. Results: Two hundred and seventeen (217) children out of 990 consulted, were admitted for severe malaria in the three health facilities; making a global prevalence of 21.91%. Males were the most represented with sex ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 69.5± 52.09 months (5.79 years). The most frequent clinical features of severity were prostration (57.60%), persistent vomiting (36.41%) and hyperpyrexia (32.72%). TBS and RDT were positive (90.50% and 96.77% of cases respectively). Ninety-eight percent of cases had a favourable outcome, lethality rate was 1.38% and no child developed neurologic sequelae. The deaths were due to post-ictal coma, severe anaemia and renal failure. Conclusion: Severe malaria was found to affects mostly children under 5 years, with highest transmission being during rainy saison.
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MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND COPING STRATEGIES: A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY IN THE BAMENDAHEALTH DISTRICT, CAMEROON
Introduction: Menopause brings diverse physical, psychological, and emotional challenges, often leading women to seek for solutions for varied health conditions. In Cameroon, despite the increasing number of menopausal women, there is limited attention to the symptoms and coping strategies employed by these women. This study aims to assess symptoms and coping strategies among menopausal women in the Bamenda Health District. Materials and methods: This was a community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study carried out for six months in the Bamenda Health District, Cameroon. We included menopausal women aged 45-60 years who gave their informed consent to participate in the study. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics, menopausal symptoms and coping strategies. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The three most common menopausal symptoms were hot ashes (89.3%), night sweats (83.1%), and sleep disturbances (71.3%). Physical and mental exhaustion (66.5%), and vaginal dryness (61.4%) were the most reported psychological and urogenital symptoms respectively. Most women (62.9%) sought medical care for symptom relief, while 54% used complementary and alternative therapies. Majority (50.7%) wore layered clothing to manage hot ashes, regulated room temperature (60.3%) to cope with night sweats, and engaged in physical activities (50.4%) to cope with mood swings. About 48.2% avoided sex to cope with vaginal dryness. In addition, 41.2% avoided caffeine before bed to cope with sleep disturbances, while 52.6% took short daytime naps to cope with fatigue. About 50.4% used over-the-counter pain relievers to cope with joint pains and 27.9% practiced relaxation techniques for emotional symptoms. Conclusion: The most common symptoms were hot ashes, musculoskeletal pain and sleep disturbances. Non-pharmacology methods were often used as coping strategies