83 results on '"Tendongfor, Nicholas"'
Search Results
52. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge of secondary school adolescents in Fako, Cameroon.
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Muso Fubam, Rita, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Olayemi, Oladapo, and Odukogbe, Akin-Tunde Ademola
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HEALTH literacy , *SEX education for teenagers , *SEXUALLY transmitted diseases , *REPRODUCTIVE health , *SECONDARY schools , *LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Introduction: the correct sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescents remains important to empower them for healthy decision-making. The study aimed to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of secondary school adolescents in Fako, Cameroon. Methods: a cross-sectional survey of 1180 adolescents from nine schools in Fako, was conducted using a structured interviewer - guided questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to outline knowledge and to identify predictors of knowledge respectively. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: more than half (54.0%) of the participants had overall good sexual and reproductive health knowledge. However, 63.1% and 55.3% of the participants had poor knowledge on reproductive system functions and sexually transmissible infections respectively. In addition, 56.0% had overall good contraceptive knowledge, with 51.6% having poor knowledge on condom. Being male (AOR=0.43, 95% 0=0.20, 0.92) and using the internet to search for sexuality related information (AOR=0.46, 95% CI= 0.22, 0.94) were associated with good knowledge. Being in lower secondary school was an independent predictor of poor knowledge (AOR= 3.83, 95% CI= 1.67, 8.81). Conclusion: although slightly above half of adolescent secondary school students had good sexual and reproductive health knowledge, there existed several gaps in such knowledge. Policymakers especially in the education sector need to evaluate the current state of school-based sexual and reproductive health education in Cameroon, in order to design comprehensive curricula, that will begin from lower secondary school. Internet-based comprehensive sexuality education is also needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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53. Prevalence, infection intensity and Risk factors of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis among School aged children in Tiko Health District: A Community-based Cross-sectional study
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Ewane Etah Junior, Dilonga, Henry Meriki, Tendongfor Nicholas, and Eyong, Mathias
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- 2019
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54. MOESM1 of Comparative analysis of IgG and IgG subclasses against Plasmodium falciparum MSP-119 in children from five contrasting bioecological zones of Cameroon
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Tebit Kwenti, Tufon Kukwah, Tayong Kwenti, Babila Nyassa, Meriki Dilonga, Enow-Orock, George, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Anong, Nota, Wanji, Samuel, Longdoh Njunda, and Nkuo-Akenji, Theresa
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Additional file 1: Figure S1. Variation of total IgG, IgG1-4 antibody levels to MSP-119 with age in the different study site. The line shows the LOESS smoothed estimate of the geometric mean.
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- 2019
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55. The Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Attendance and Perceived Stigmatization Towards Individuals with COVID-19 Like Symptoms in Buea Municipality, Cameroon
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Mapoure Njankouo Yacouba, Njingti Ruth Bongngi, Ebiambu Ondoh Agwara, Ako Carol Shenelle Mbeng, and Tendongfor Nicholas
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education.field_of_study ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,Population ,Attendance ,Stigma (botany) ,Treatment center ,Scale (social sciences) ,Family medicine ,Pandemic ,Medicine ,Community survey ,education ,business - Abstract
Objectives: The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought about fear and uncertainty resulting to stigmatization and discrimination towards those with COVID-19 like symptoms as well as influence the patient influx to health facilities and the health-seeking behaviour of the population. This study assessed the health-seeking behaviour, hospital attendance, and the level of stigmatization of the population towards individuals with COVID-19 like symptoms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community and hospital-based study carried out to assess hospital attendance, perceived stigmatization and population health-seeking behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Buea Municipality. The trend in the patients' influx in the COVID-19 treatment centre and other health facilities was assessed from March to June 2020 and compared with corresponding months in 2019. The stigmatization data was collected using a modified 12-items stigma scale. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 26. Results: The hospital attendance decreased in the COVID-19 treatment centre from April to June 2020 by -38.3% and increased in non-COVID-19 treatment health facilities by over 70%. Of the 570 participants for the community survey, 322 (56.5%) reported to go for auto medication if they developed COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals with COVID-19 like symptoms experienced moderate (59.1%) to severe (33.9%) perceived stigmatization. Perceived stigmatization was significantly higher (2=14.56, p=0.001) in participants who reported not willing to go to the hospital during the pandemic. Conclusion: The hospital turnout experienced a drop in the COVID-19 treatment centre and an increase in other health facilities. There was high perceived stigmatization towards people with COVID-19 like symptoms, which probably accounted for the population refusal to seek treatment in the COVID-19 treatment center and to resort to auto medication.
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- 2021
56. Chrysops silacea biting densities and transmission potential in an endemic area of human loiasis in south-west Cameroon
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Wanji, Samuel, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Esum, Mathias Eyong, and Enyong, Peter
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- 2002
57. Heterogeneity in the prevalence and intensity of loiasis in five contrasting bioecological zones in Cameroon
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Wanji, Samuel, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Esum, Mathias, Atanga, Sali Ndindeng, and Enyong, Peter
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- 2003
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58. Long term impact of large scale community-directed delivery of doxycycline for the treatment of onchocerciasis
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Tamarozzi Francesca, Tendongfor Nicholas, Enyong Peter A, Esum Mathias, Faragher Brian, Wanji Samuel, and Taylor Mark J
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Onchocerca volvulus ,Wolbachia ,Doxycycline ,Community-directed delivery ,Effectiveness ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Anti-Wolbachia treatment with doxycycline is effective in sterilising and killing adult Onchocerca volvulus nematodes, proving superior to ivermectin and of great potential as an alternative approach for the treatment and control of onchocerciasis, particularly in areas of Loa loa co-endemicity. Nevertheless, the length of the required treatment poses potential logistical problems and risk of poor compliance, raising a barrier to the use of doxycycline in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategies. In 2007 and 2008 a feasibility trial of community-directed treatment with doxycycline was carried out in two health districts in Cameroon, co-endemic for O. volvulus and L. loa. With 17,519 eligible subjects, the therapeutic coverage was 73.8% with 97.5% compliance, encouraging the feasibility of using doxycycline community-directed delivery in restricted populations of this size. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of this community-directed delivery of doxycycline four years after delivery. Findings Infection with O. volvulus was evaluated by skin biopsy and nodule palpation. Of the 507 subjects recruited, 375 had completed the treatment with doxycycline followed by one or two rounds of annual ivermectin MDA and 132 received one or two rounds of annual ivermectin MDA alone. Statistically significant lower microfilarial prevalence (17.0% [doxycycline plus ivermectin group], 27.0% [ivermectin only group], p = 0.014) and load (p = 0.012) were found in people that had received doxycycline followed by ivermectin compared to those who received ivermectin only. Conclusions This study demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of doxycycline treatment delivered with a community-directed strategy even when evaluated four years after delivery in an area of ongoing transmission. This finding shows that a multi-week course of treatment is not a barrier to community-delivery of MDA in restricted populations of this size and supports its implementation to compliment existing control strategies for onchocerciasis, where needed.
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- 2012
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59. The human parasite Loa loa in cytokine and cytokine receptor gene knock out BALB/c mice: survival, development and localization
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Tendongfor Nicholas, Wanji Samuel, Ngwa Julius C, Esum Mathias E, Specht Sabine, Enyong Peter, Matthaei Klaus I, and Hoerauf Achim
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BALB/c mice ,knock out gene ,cytokine ,L. loa ,survival ,development ,recovery rate ,localization. ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Immunological mechanisms involved in the survival and development of human filarial species in the vertebrate host are poorly known due to the lack of suitable experimental models. In order to understand the role of cytokines in the survival and development of filarial larvae in the vertebrate host, we infected different strains of BALB/c mice deficient in a number of cytokine or cytokine receptor genes with Loa loa. The survival and development of larvae were monitored. Methods BALB/c mice genetically deficient in IL-4R, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-5, IL-5, and IL-4R/IL-5 cytokine or cytokine receptor genes were infected with a human strain of L. loa and necropsies were performed at different time intervals up to 70 days post infection to monitor the survival and development of L. loa larvae. The larvae were teased out of the skin, muscles, peritoneal and pleural cavities, heart and lung tissues. The length and width of the recovered larvae were measured to assess their growth. Results In mice deficient for IL-4R, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-5, IL-5 and IL-4R/IL-5, the larvae survived up to 5, 20, 40, 50 and 70 days respectively. Worms recovered 70 days post infection in IL-4R/IL-5 DKO mice were young adults and measured 10.12 mm in length and 0.1 mm in width. Overall, 47% of larvae were recovered from subcutaneous tissues, 40% from muscles, 6% from the peritoneal cavity and 4% from the pleural cavity, lungs and heart. Conclusion L. loa exhibits a differential survival and development in different strains of cytokine or cytokine receptor gene knockout mice with IL-4R and IL-5 playing critical roles in the host resistance to L. loa infection. The knock out BALB/c mouse therefore represents a useful tool to explore the key effectors of adaptive immunity involved in the killing of the L. loa parasite in a mammal host.
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- 2012
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60. Retarded Onchocerca volvulus L1 to L3 larval development in the Simulium damnosum vector after anti-wolbachial treatment of the human host
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Albers Anna, Esum Mathias, Tendongfor Nicholas, Enyong Peter, Klarmann Ute, Wanji Samuel, Hoerauf Achim, and Pfarr Kenneth
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Onchocerca volvulus ,Wolbachia ,doxycycline ,development ,onchocerciasis ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background The human parasite Onchocerca volvulus harbours Wolbachia endosymbionts essential for worm embryogenesis, larval development and adult survival. In this study, the development of Wolbachia-depleted microfilariae (first stage larvae) to infective third stage larvae (L3) in the insect vector Simulium damnosum was analysed. Methods Infected volunteers in Cameroon were randomly and blindly allocated into doxycycline (200 mg/day for 6 weeks) or placebo treatment groups. After treatment, blackflies were allowed to take a blood meal on the volunteers, captured and dissected for larval counting and DNA extraction for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Results PCR results showed a clear reduction in Wolbachia DNA after doxycycline treatment in microfilariae from human skin biopsies with > 50% reduction at one month post-treatment, eventually reaching a reduction of > 80%. Larval stages recovered from the insect vector had similar levels of reduction of endosymbiotic bacteria. Larval recoveries were analysed longitudinally after treatment to follow the kinetics of larval development. Beginning at three months post-treatment, significantly fewer L3 were seen in the blackflies that had fed on doxycycline treated volunteers. Concomitant with this, the proportion of second stage larvae (L2) was significantly increased in this group. Conclusions Doxycycline treatment and the resulting decline of Wolbachia endobacteria from the microfilaria resulted in retarded development of larvae in the insect vector. Thus, anti-wolbachial treatment could have an additive effect for interrupting transmission by reducing the number of L3 that can be transmitted by blackflies.
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- 2012
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61. Identifying Possible Hepatic Fibrosis of Hepatitis B Origin Using Non-invasive Markers: A Case-control Study in the South West Region of Cameroon
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Tufon, Kukwah Anthony, primary, Meriki, Henry Dilonga, primary, Tebit, Kwenti Emmanuel, primary, Georges, Teuwafeu Denis, primary, Tony, Nyeke James, primary, Tendongfor, Nicholas, primary, Enow-Orock, George, primary, and Anong, Damian Nota, primary
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- 2019
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62. Community-directed delivery of doxycycline for the treatment of onchocerciasis in areas of co-endemicity with loiasis in Cameroon
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Wanji Samuel, Tendongfor Nicholas, Nji Theolbald, Esum Mathias, Che Julious N, Nkwescheu Armand, Alassa Fifen, Kamnang Geremy, Enyong Peter A, Taylor Mark J, Hoerauf Achim, and Taylor David W
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Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Severe side effects following ivermectin treatment of onchocerciasis in areas of co-endemicity with loaisis have been an impediment for the work of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) in forested regions of several countries. Doxycycline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of onchocerciasis and has the added advantages of killing adult Onchocerca volvulus but neither adult Loa loa nor their microfilariae. This drug therefore offers great potential for the treatment of onchocerciasis in areas of co-endemicity with loiasis. The limitation of use of this drug is the duration of treatment that may pose a potential problem with therapeutic coverage and compliance with treatment. To benefit from the advantages that doxycycline offers in the treatment of onchocerciasis, it will be necessary to establish an effective distribution system that can access remote communities. This study assessed the feasibility of a large-scale distribution of doxycycline for the treatment of onchocerciasis in areas of co-endemicity with loiasis using a community-directed approach. Methods The study was carried out in 5 health areas co-endemic for Onchocerca volvulus and Loa loa which had no prior experience of the Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI). The community-directed delivery process was introduced using a cascade mechanism from the central health system that passed through the regional health delegation, health district and the health areas. Community health implementers (CHIs) were trained to deliver doxycycline to community members and, under the supervision of the health system, to monitor and document drug intake and side effects. Results The community members adhered massively to the process. Of the 21355 individuals counted, 17519 were eligible for treatment and 12936 were treated with doxycycline; giving a therapeutic coverage of eligible population of 73.8%. Of the 12936 who started the treatment, 97.5% complied by the end of six weeks. No serious side effect was registered during the six week treatment. Conclusion This study indicates that when empowered the community health implementers can successfully deliver doxycycline for six weeks for the treatment of onchocerciasis in areas of co-endemicity with loiasis. The therapeutic coverage and the compliance treatment rate achieved in this study coupled to the known efficacy of doxycycline on O. volvulus, are indicators that the strategy involving the mass administration of doxycycline can be used to control onchocerciasis in those areas of co-endemicity with loiasis where ivermectin may be contraindicated.
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- 2009
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63. Performance and usefulness of the Hexagon rapid diagnostic test in children with asymptomatic malaria living in the Mount Cameroon region
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Eyong Joan E, Kimbi Helen K, Wanji Samuel, Tendongfor Nicholas, and Ndamukong Judith L
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Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,RC955-962 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Rapid and correct diagnosis of malaria is considered an important strategy in the control of the disease. However, it remains to be determined how well these tests can perform in those who harbour the parasite, but are asymptomatic, so that rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) could be used in rapid mass surveillance in malaria control programmes. Methods Microscopic and immunochromatographic diagnosis of malaria were performed on blood samples from the hyperendemic Mount Cameroon region. Thin and thick blood films were stained with Giemsa and examined under light microscopy for malaria parasites. The RDT was performed on the blood samples for the detection of Plasmodium species. In addition, the performance characteristics of the test were determined using microscopy as gold standard. Results Results revealed 40.32% to be positive for microscopy and 34.41% to be positive for the RDT. Parasites were detected in a greater proportion of samples as the parasite density increase. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant Plasmodium species detected in the study population either by microscopy or by the RDT. Overall, the test recorded a sensitivity and specificity of 85.33% and 95.05% respectively, and an accuracy of 91.40%. The sensitivity and specificity of the RDT increased as parasite densities increased. Conclusion The Hexagon Malaria Combi™ test showed a high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing malaria in asymptomatic subjects and so could be suitable for use in mass surveillance programmes for the management and control of malaria.
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- 2008
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64. Ivermectin treatment of Loa loa hyper-microfilaraemic baboons (Papio anubis): Assessment of microfilarial loads, haematological and biochemical parameters and histopathological changes following treatment
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Wanji, Samuel, Eyong, Ebanga-Echi J, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Ngwa, Che J, Esuka, Elive N, Kengne-Ouafo, Arnaud J, Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice R, Enyong, Peter, Agnew, Dalen, Eversole, Rob R, Hopkins, Adrian, and Mackenzie, Charles
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wc_20 ,wc_880 ,parasitic diseases ,qx_203 - Abstract
Individuals with high intensity of Loa loa are at risk of developing serious adverse events (SAEs) post treatment with ivermectin. These SAEs have remained unclear and a programmatic impediment to the advancement of community directed treatment with ivermectin. The pathogenesis of these SAEs following ivermectin has never been investigated experimentally. The Loa/baboon (Papio anubis) model can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of Loa-associated encephalopathy following ivermectin treatment in humans. 12 baboons with microfilarial loads > 8,000mf/mL of blood were randomised into four groups: Group 1 (control group receiving no drug), Group 2 receiving ivermectin (IVM) alone, Group 3 receiving ivermectin plus aspirin (IVM + ASA), and Group 4 receiving ivermectin plus prednisone (IVM + PSE). Blood samples collected before treatment and at Day 5, 7 or 10 post treatment, were analysed for parasitological, hematological and biochemical parameters using standard techniques. Clinical monitoring of animals for side effects took place every 6 hours post treatment until autopsy. At autopsy free fluids and a large number of standard organs were collected, examined and tissues fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for standard haematoxylin-eosin staining and specific immunocytochemical staining. Mf counts dropped significantly (p0.05). All animals became withdrawn 48 hours after IVM administration. All treated animals recorded clinical manifestations including rashes, itching, diarrhoea, conjunctival haemorrhages, lymph node enlargement, pinkish ears, swollen face and restlessness; one animal died 5 hours after IVM administration. Macroscopic changes in post-mortem tissues observed comprised haemorrhages in the brain, lungs, heart, which seen in all groups given ivermectin but not in the untreated animals. Microscopically, the major cellular changes seen, which were present in all the ivermectin treated animals included microfilariae in varying degrees of degeneration in small vessels. These were frequently associated with fibrin deposition, endothelial changes including damage to the integrity of the blood vessel and the presence of extravascular erythrocytes (haemorrhages). There was an increased presence of eosinophils and other chronic inflammatory types in certain tissues and organs, often in large numbers and associated with microfilarial destruction. Highly vascularized organs like the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys were observed to have more microfilariae in tissue sections. The number of mf seen in the brain and kidneys of animals administered IVM alone tripled that of control animals. Co-administration of IVM + PSE caused a greater increase in mf in the brain and kidneys while the reverse was noticed with the co-administration of IVM + ASA. The treatment of Loa hyper-microfilaraemic individuals with ivermectin produces a clinical spectrum that parallels that seen in Loa hyper-microfilaraemic humans treated with ivermectin. The utilization of this experimental model can contribute to the improved management of the adverse responses in humans.
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- 2017
65. Infertility and associated factors in three hospitals in Douala, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.
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Egbe, Thomas Obinchemti, Mbaki, Charmaine Ngo, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Temfack, Elvis, and Belley-Priso, Eugene
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- 2020
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66. Ivermectin treatment of Loa loa hyper-microfilaraemic baboons (Papio anubis): Assessment of microfilarial load reduction, haematological and biochemical parameters and histopathological changes following treatment
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Wanji, Samuel, primary, Eyong, Ebanga-Echi J., additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Ngwa, Che J., additional, Esuka, Elive N., additional, Kengne-Ouafo, Arnaud J., additional, Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice R., additional, Enyong, Peter, additional, Agnew, Dalen, additional, Eversole, Rob R., additional, Hopkins, Adrian, additional, and Mackenzie, Charles D., additional
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- 2017
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67. Understanding of research, genetics and genetic research in a rapid ethical assessment in north west Cameroon
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Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A., Millard, James D., Nji, Theobald M., Tantoh, William F., Nyoh, Doris N., Tendongfor, Nicholas, Enyong, Peter A., Newport, Melanie J., Davey, Gail, and Wanji, Samuel
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Adult ,Male ,Genetic Research ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,Research ,Original Articles ,Focus Groups ,Middle Aged ,Rapid ethical assessment ,Ethics, Research ,Young Adult ,RA0773 ,Genetics ,Humans ,Female ,Cameroon ,Elephantiasis ,Podoconiosis ,Aged - Abstract
BACKGROUND\ud \ud There is limited assessment of whether research participants in low-income settings are afforded a full understanding of the meaning of medical research. There may also be particular issues with the understanding of genetic research. We used a rapid ethical assessment methodology to explore perceptions surrounding the meaning of research, genetics and genetic research in north west Cameroon.\ud \ud METHODS\ud \ud Eleven focus group discussions (including 107 adults) and 72 in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in two health districts in north west Cameroon between February and April 2012.\ud \ud RESULTS\ud \ud Most participants appreciated the role of research in generating knowledge and identified a difference between research and healthcare but gave varied explanations as to this difference. Most participants' understanding of genetics was limited to concepts of hereditary, with potential benefits limited to the level of the individual or family. Explanations based on supernatural beliefs were identified as a special issue but participants tended not to identify any other special risks with genetic research.\ud \ud CONCLUSION\ud \ud We demonstrated a variable level of understanding of research, genetics and genetic research, with implications for those carrying out genetic research in this and other low resource settings. Our study highlights the utility of rapid ethical assessment prior to complex or sensitive research.
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- 2015
68. Modelling health and socio-demographic indicators of social contacts in the Flranders, Belgium
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Tendongfor, Nicholas, FAES, Christel, and HENS, Niel
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- 2015
69. Parasitological, Hematological and Biochemical Characteristics of a Model of Hyper-microfilariaemic Loiasis (Loa loa) in the Baboon (Papio anubis)
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Wanji, Samuel, primary, Eyong, Ebanga-Echi, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Ngwa, Che, additional, Esuka, Elive, additional, Kengne-Ouafo, Arnaud, additional, Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice, additional, Enyong, Peter, additional, Hopkins, Adrian, additional, and Mackenzie, Charles D., additional
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- 2015
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70. Situation analysis of parasitological and entomological indices of onchocerciasis transmission in three drainage basins of the rain forest of South West Cameroon after a decade of ivermectin treatment
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Wanji, Samuel, primary, Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A, additional, Esum, Mathias E, additional, Chounna, Patrick W N, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Adzemye, Bridget F, additional, Eyong, Joan E E, additional, Jato, Isaac, additional, Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice R, additional, Kah, Elvis, additional, Enyong, Peter, additional, and Taylor, David W, additional
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- 2015
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71. Perceptions of consent, permission structures and approaches to the community: a rapid ethical assessment performed in North West Cameroon
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Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A, primary, Nji, Theobald M, additional, Tantoh, William F, additional, Nyoh, Doris N, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Enyong, Peter A, additional, Newport, Melanie J, additional, Davey, Gail, additional, and Wanji, Samuel, additional
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- 2014
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72. Anopheles species of the mount Cameroon region: biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates
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Caroline Ajonina, Samuel Wanji, Didier Fontenille, Theodore Tanke, Sali Ndindeng Atanga, and Tendongfor Nicholas
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Wet season ,Veterinary medicine ,Fauna ,Anopheles gambiae ,Plasmodium falciparum ,parasitic diseases ,Dry season ,Anopheles ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Cameroon ,Malaria, Falciparum ,biology ,Behavior, Animal ,Ecology ,Altitude ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Insect Bites and Stings ,Feeding Behavior ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Insect Vectors ,Infectious Diseases ,Sporozoites ,Vector (epidemiology) ,Parasitology ,Seasons ,Malaria - Abstract
Summary There is a lack of data on the Anopheles fauna, its biology and the roles played by different vector species in the transmission of malaria in the mount Cameroon region. The biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates of different Anopheles species during the dry and rainy season were investigated. A total of 2165 Anopheles was collected, 805 in the rainy season and 1360 in the dry season. Five Anopheles species were identified: Anopheles gambiae s.l., An. funestus, An. hancocki, An. moucheti and An. nili. An. gambiae, An. funestus and An. hancocki, recorded during both seasons, were the main vectors of malaria in the region. An. gambiae s.s. was the only member of the An. gambiae (Giles) complex. These three species had their peak activity between 1 and 2 am. A human blood index (HBI) of 98.29% was recorded for fed Anopheles. The sporozoite rate, for all vectors together, was significantly higher in the rainy season (9.4%) than in the dry season (4.2%) with all the species infected by Plasmodium falciparum. The average inoculation rate was 0.44 infective bites per man per night, which adds up to 161 infective bites per year in this study area. Analyses of relative abundance and infection rate of malaria vectors at different sites situated along a transect of 20 km during the dry season showed high heterogeneity in biting and sporozoite rates. No malaria vector was caught at 1200 m a.s.l. The mount Cameroon region should be considered an area of high malaria transmission intensity.
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- 2003
73. Dynamics of Onchocerca volvulus Microfilarial Densities after Ivermectin Treatment in an Ivermectin-naïve and a Multiply Treated Population from Cameroon
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Pion, Sébastien D. S., primary, Nana-Djeunga, Hugues C., additional, Kamgno, Joseph, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Wanji, Samuel, additional, Njiokou, Flobert, additional, Prichard, Roger K., additional, and Boussinesq, Michel, additional
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- 2013
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74. Understanding of research, genetics and genetic research in a rapid ethical assessment in north west Cameroon.
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Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A., Millard, James D., Nji, Theobald M., Tantoh, William F., Nyoh, Doris N., Tendongfor, Nicholas, Enyong, Peter A., Newport, Melanie J., Davey, Gail, and Wanji, Samuel
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GENETIC research ,RESEARCH ethics ,BELIEF & doubt ,FOCUS groups - Abstract
Background: There is limited assessment of whether research participants in low-income settings are afforded a full understanding of the meaning of medical research. There may also be particular issues with the understanding of genetic research. We used a rapid ethical assessment methodology to explore perceptions surrounding the meaning of research, genetics and genetic research in north west Cameroon. Methods: Eleven focus group discussions (including 107 adults) and 72 in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in two health districts in north west Cameroon between February and April 2012. Results: Most participants appreciated the role of research in generating knowledge and identified a difference between research and healthcare but gave varied explanations as to this difference. Most participants' understanding of genetics was limited to concepts of hereditary, with potential benefits limited to the level of the individual or family. Explanations based on supernatural beliefs were identified as a special issue but participants tended not to identify any other special risks with genetic research. Conclusion: We demonstrated a variable level of understanding of research, genetics and genetic research, with implications for those carrying out genetic research in this and other low resource settings. Our study highlights the utility of rapid ethical assessment prior to complex or sensitive research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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75. Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-1 Block 2 in Sites of Contrasting Altitudes and Malaria Endemicities in the Mount Cameroon Region
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Wanji, Samuel, primary, Kengne-Ouafo, Arnaud J., additional, Ndamukong-Nyanga, Judith L., additional, Bourguinat, Catherine, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Charvet, Claude L., additional, Nana-Djeunga, Hugues C., additional, Sofeu-Feugaing, David D., additional, Joan Eyong, Ebanga E., additional, and Kimbi, Helen K., additional
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- 2012
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76. Macrofilaricidal Activity after Doxycycline Only Treatment of Onchocerca volvulus in an Area of Loa loa Co-Endemicity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Turner, Joseph D., primary, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, Esum, Mathias, additional, Johnston, Kelly L., additional, Langley, R. Stuart, additional, Ford, Louise, additional, Faragher, Brian, additional, Specht, Sabine, additional, Mand, Sabine, additional, Hoerauf, Achim, additional, Enyong, Peter, additional, Wanji, Samuel, additional, and Taylor, Mark J., additional
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- 2010
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77. Performance and usefulness of the Hexagon rapid diagnostic test in children with asymptomatic malaria living in the Mount Cameroon region
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Wanji, Samuel, primary, Kimbi, Helen K, additional, Eyong, Joan E, additional, Tendongfor, Nicholas, additional, and Ndamukong, Judith L, additional
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- 2008
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78. Combined Utilisation of Rapid Assessment Procedures for Loiasis (RAPLOA) and Onchocerciasis (REA) in Rain forest Villages of Cameroon.
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Wanji, Samuel, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Esum, Mathias, Yundze, Siker S. J., Taylor, Mark J., and Enyong, Peter
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- *
LOAIASIS , *ONCHOCERCIASIS , *FILARIASIS , *FILARIAL worms , *RAIN forests - Abstract
Background: Individuals with high microfilarial loads of Loa loa are at increased risk of neurologic serious adverse (SAE) events following ivermectin treatment against onchocerciasis. RAPLOA (Rapid Assessment Procedure for loiasis), a newly developed rapid assessment procedure for loiasis that relates the prevalence of key clinical manifestation of loiasis (history of eye worm) to the level of endemicity of the infection (prevalence of high intensity), is a very useful tool to identify areas at potential risk of L. loa post ivermectin treatment encephalopathy. In a perspective of treatment decision making in areas of co-endemicity of loiasis/onchocerciasis, it would be advantageous (both in time and cost savings) for national onchocerciasis control programmes to use RAPLOA and the Rapid epidemiologic assessment for onchocerciasis (REA), in combination in given surveys. Since each of the two rapid assessment tools have their own specificities, the workability of combining the two methods needed to be tested. Methods: We worked in 10 communities of a forest area presumed co-endemic for loiasis and onchocerciasis in the North-West Province of Cameroon where the mass-treatment with ivermectin had not been carried out. A four-step approach was used and comprised: (i) generating data on the prevalence and intensity of loiasis and onchocerciasis in an area where such information is scarce; (ii) testing the relationship between the L. loa microfilaraemia prevalence and the RAPLOA prevalence, (iii) testing the relationship between the O. volvulus microfiladermia prevalence and the REA prevalence, (iv) testing the workability of combining RAPLOA/REA by study teams in which a single individual can perform the interview for RAPLOA and the nodule palpation for REA. Results: The microfilaraemia prevalence of loiasis in communities ranged from 3.6% to 14.3%. 6 (0.61%) individuals had L. loa microfilarial loads above 8000 mf/ml but none of them attained 30,000 mf/ml, the threshold value above which the risk of developing neurologic SAE after ivermectin treatment is very high. None of the communities surveyed had RAPLOA prevalence above 40%. All the communities had microfiladermia prevalence above 60%. The microfiladermia results could be confirmed by the rapid epidemiologic method (nodule palpation), with all the 10 communities having REA prevalence above 20%. For the first time, this study has demonstrated that the two rapid assessment procedures for loiasis and onchocerciasis can be carried out simultaneously by a survey team, in which a single individual can administer the questionnaire for RAPLOA and perform the nodule palpation for REA. Conclusion: This study has: (i) Revealed that the Momo valley of the North West province of Cameroon is hyperendemic for onchocerciasis, but is of lower level of endemicity for L. loa. (ii) Confirmed the previous relationships established between RAPLOA and the L. loa microfilaraemia prevalence in one hand and between the REA and the O. volvulus microfiladermia prevalence in another hand (iii) Shown that RAPLOA and REA could be used simultaneously for the evaluation of loiasis and onchocerciasis endemicity in areas targeted by the African Programme for onchocerciasis Control for community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2005
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79. Comparative analysis of IgG and IgG subclasses against Plasmodium falciparum MSP-119 in children from five contrasting bioecological zones of Cameroon.
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Njunda, Longdoh Anna, Kwenti, Tebit Emmanuel, Kukwah, Tufon Anthony, Dilonga, Meriki Henry, Enow-Orock, George, Tendongfor, Nicholas, Kwenti, Tayong Dizzle Bita, Nyassa, Babila Raymond, Anong, Nota Damian, Nkuo-Akenji, Theresa, and Wanji, Samuel
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PLASMODIUM falciparum ,IMMUNE response ,MALARIA ,CHILDREN'S health - Abstract
Background: Studies reporting the natural immune responses against malaria in children from different geographical settings in endemic areas are not readily available. This study was aimed at comparing the immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1
19 antigen in children from five contrasting bioecological zones in Cameroon. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, children between 2 and 15 years, were enrolled from five ecological strata including the south Cameroonian equatorial forest, sudano-sahelian, high inland plateau, high western plateau, and the coastal strata. The children were screened for clinical malaria (defined by malaria parasitaemia ≥ 5000 parasites/µl plus axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C). Their antibody responses were measured against P. falciparum MSP-119 antigen using standard ELISA technique. Results: In all, 415 children comprising 217 (52.3%) males participated. Total IgG and IgG1–IgG4 titres were observed to increase with age in all the strata except in the sudano-sahelian and high inland plateau strata. Total IgG and IgG1–IgG4 titres were significantly higher in the coastal strata and lowest in the high inland plateau (for IgG1 and IgG2) and sudano-sahelian strata (for IgG3 and IgG4). Titres of the cytophilic antibodies (IgG1 and IgG3) were significantly higher than the non-cytophilic antibodies (IgG2 and IgG4) in all the strata except in the sudano-sahelian and high inland plateau strata. Total IgG and IgG subclass titres were significantly higher in children positive for clinical malaria compared to negative children in all study sites except in the high western plateau and coastal (for IgG1 and IgG3), and the sudano-sahelian strata (for all antibodies). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between parasite density and IgG2 or IgG4 titres in all study sites except in the south Cameroonian equatorial forest and sudano-sahelian strata. Conclusions: This study showed that antibody responses against MSP-119 vary considerably in children from the different bioecological strata in Cameroon and could be linked to the differential exposure to malaria in the different strata. Furthermore, the rate of antibody acquisition was not observed to increase in an age-dependent manner in low transmission settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2019
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80. Zoonotic diseases risk perception and infection prevention and control practices among poultry farmers in the Buea Health District, Cameroon: A one health perspective.
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Agbortabot Bissong, Marie Ebob, Nganjo Lyombe, Johnny Castro, Asongalem, Emmanuel, Ngamsha, Robert Bongji, and Tendongfor, Nicholas
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- *
RISK perception , *ZOONOSES , *POULTRY farms , *INFECTION prevention , *INFECTION control , *AGRICULTURAL laborers - Abstract
Background and Aim: Livestock are associated with pathogenic microbes and farm workers play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases (ZDs). Lack of awareness of exposure risk among farmers may influence their farm practices, thereby enhancing the spread of diseases on farms and to the community. This study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge, risk perception, and prevention and control practices of ZDs among poultry farmers to provide baseline data for establishing a “One Health” practical approach to reducing ZD transmission in poultry farms. Materials and Methods: Using the exponential discriminative snowball technique, a community-based cross-sectional study involving poultry farmers was carried out in the Buea Health District from April to July 2021. Six feed-producing mills were used as focal points to identify and recruit farmers who were also referred to other farmers. Questionnaires were used to collect data related to participants’ knowledge, risk perception, and prevention and control practices of ZDs. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables while the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations at 95% confidence level. Results: In all, 183 poultry farms and 207 workers were enrolled in the study. Despite being aware that animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, most participants showed poor knowledge (54.6%), low-risk perception (51.7%), and poor prevention/control practices (54.1%) on ZDs. The majority did not consider coming in contact with birds’ body fluid (blood) or apparently healthy birds to be a risk of infection. More participants with small farms (<500 birds) had low-risk perception of ZDs than those with larger farms (>1000 birds) (p = 0.03). Furthermore, most participants reported practicing hand washing but they neither used protective devices such as gloves and face masks, and >50% would not invite veterinary professionals to their farms. There was a significant association between risk perception and knowledge (p = 0.007; CI = 1.257–4.200) as well as between risk perception and prevention/control practice (p = 0.002; CI = 1.451–4.867). Conclusion: Poultry farm workers in Buea had poor knowledge and perception of ZD risk and this might have contributed to their poor prevention/control practices on the farms. Enhanced informal education of poultry farmers through training workshops and seminars will improve their knowledge and skills on ZD transmission risk and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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81. Burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals in the Fako division, Cameroon: Impact of physical activity and sleep quality.
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Lele ECB, Ndongo JM, Ashu-Akoh AV, Ahmadou, Guyot J, Ngalagou PTM, Bongue B, Tendongfor N, Ayina CNA, Tanga MYL, Mandengue SH, and Ndemba PBA
- Abstract
Objectives: Burnout syndrome (BOS) is an affection mostly resulting from chronic job-related stress. Many studies have identified job-related and non-job-related factors associated with BOS. Our aim of this study was to assess the level of BOS in private and public hospital healthcare providers in Fako division, Cameroon and evaluate the impact of physical activity and sleep quality (SQ)., Methods: The study was carried out in five randomly selected hospitals in Fako Division over a three-month period. Consenting doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians were recruited using consecutive sampling methods. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. BOS was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Sleep quality (SQ) and physical activity (PA) were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) respectively. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and a statistical significance was set for p -value < 0.05., Results: The mean age was 32 ± 6 years and 70.9% female. BOS prevalence was 66.3% with 71.4% in females and 53.9% in males ( p = 0.002). Of the 232 participants with BOS, 65.7%, 52% and 53.7% had moderate to high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased personal accomplishment, respectively. Moderate to high PA as well as poor SQ were not significantly associated with BOS while longer sleep duration (>8 h) was associated with a greater odd of BOS., Conclusions: The prevalence of BOS was high among healthcare professionals. While PA showed no protective effects, high sleep duration could increase its risk., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.)
- Published
- 2023
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82. Prevalence and pregnant women's knowledge of maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain among women attending antenatal care in Fako Division, Cameroon.
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Agwara EO, Tendongfor N, Jaja PT, Choy AM, and Egbe TO
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- Female, Pregnancy, Humans, Prenatal Care, Pregnant Women, Prevalence, Cross-Sectional Studies, Cameroon, Weight Gain, Obesity epidemiology, Parity, Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain, Obesity, Maternal, Pregnancy Complications epidemiology
- Abstract
Introduction: obesity poses significant public health concerns, being a risk factor for most non-communicable diseases and future cardiovascular diseases. Maternal obesity could be associated with adverse maternal-foetal outcomes, and there is a scarcity of data regarding obesity in pregnancy in our setting. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and knowledge of obesity and excessive Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) among pregnant women attending ANC in the Fako Division., Methods: we conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study from January 28 to May 29, 2020, in the Limbe District Hospital (LDH) and Buea Road Integrated Health Centre (BRIHC). We collected data on socio-demographic prevalence, including knowledge of obesity and excessive GWG among pregnant women. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 26., Results: out of the 317 participants included, 58.9% (n=185) were aged 20-29 years, 36% (n=116) unemployed. The mean gestational age was 28.82 ± 7.75 weeks and 33.1% (n=105) were nulliparous. The prevalence of obesity in pregnancy and excessive GWG were 42.3% (n=134) and 41.6% (n=132) respectively. Respondents who consumed alcohol were more likely to be obese (aOR: 2.11, 95% CI 1.19-3.71; p; = 0.01). Those aged <20 (aOR: 0.064, 95% CI 0.007-0.57; p= 0.014) and 20-29 years (aOR: 0.297, 95% CI 0.16-0.56; p<0.001) were less likely to be obese than those 30-39 years. 46.1% (n=147) had poor knowledge of the complications of obesity in pregnancy, while 77.3% (n=245) had moderate knowledge of the safe and effective weight management methods during pregnancy. Late ANC booking was associated with excessive GWG (P=0.002)., Conclusion: maternal obesity and excessive GWG is highly prevalent among ANC clients in the Fako Division, with excessive GWG being associated with late ANC booking. Hence, there is a need to design community-based interventions that could increase rates of early booking visits and consequently increase its benefits., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Ebiambu Ondoh Agwara et al.)
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- 2023
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83. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge of secondary school adolescents in Fako, Cameroon.
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Fubam RM, Tendongfor N, Olayemi O, and Odukogbe AA
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- Adolescent, Cameroon, Cross-Sectional Studies, Ethiopia, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Male, Schools, Sexual Behavior, Reproductive Health education, Students
- Abstract
Introduction: the correct sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescents remains important to empower them for healthy decision-making. The study aimed to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of secondary school adolescents in Fako, Cameroon., Methods: a cross-sectional survey of 1180 adolescents from nine schools in Fako, was conducted using a structured interviewer - guided questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to outline knowledge and to identify predictors of knowledge respectively. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05., Results: more than half (54.0%) of the participants had overall good sexual and reproductive health knowledge. However, 63.1% and 55.3% of the participants had poor knowledge on reproductive system functions and sexually transmissible infections respectively. In addition, 56.0% had overall good contraceptive knowledge, with 51.6% having poor knowledge on condom. Being male (AOR=0.43, 95% CI=0.20, 0.92) and using the internet to search for sexuality related information (AOR=0.46, 95% CI= 0.22, 0.94) were associated with good knowledge. Being in lower secondary school was an independent predictor of poor knowledge (AOR= 3.83, 95% CI= 1.67, 8.81)., Conclusion: although slightly above half of adolescent secondary school students had good sexual and reproductive health knowledge, there existed several gaps in such knowledge. Policymakers especially in the education sector need to evaluate the current state of school-based sexual and reproductive health education in Cameroon, in order to design comprehensive curricula, that will begin from lower secondary school. Internet-based comprehensive sexuality education is also needed., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Rita Muso Fubam et al.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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