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Malaria is a public health concern worldwide, accounting for 31% of hospital consultations, 44% of hospitalisations, and 18% of deaths, and a cause of school absenteeism amongst pupils in Cameroon. The negative cognitive impact of malaria on pupils is a call for concern. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among pupils. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 in eight Nursery and Primary Schools in Bui. A total of 1,152 pupils were systematically screened for malaria using light microscopy. All anaemic and malaria positive cases were administered ferum folate/ferrous sulphate and artemether-lumefantrine for treatment. The prevalence of malaria and anaemia were 12% and 18.4%, respectively; anaemia accounted for 26.1% of all positive diagnostic tests. Malaria infection was significantly higher in adolescents aged 5–12 years (73.9%), as well as amongst males (51.4%). The proportion of pupils with asymptomatic malaria and anaemia was high. Age, sex, school, and community were associated with asymptomatic malaria as well as anaemia. Malaria intervention programmes should target asymptomatic malaria carriers for treatment to minimise transmission. Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria, Bui, Cameroon, Prevalence, School Children.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has and is greatly affecting the global community. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Covid-19 among a convenient sample of the general public in the Bamenda Health District (BHD) of Cameroon. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the BHD, from 1st March to 30th April 2021. Participants were sampled from three Health Areas in Bamenda. Data collection was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The Pearson Chi square (χ2) and regression analysis were used to determine associations between KAP and demographic characteristics. We studied 404 participants with the following demographic characteristics: 237 (58.7%) aged 25 – 49 years, 233 (57.7%) females, and 197 (48.8%) with tertiary level of education. Of the 404 participants, 182 (45.0%) were knowledgeable about Covid-19 (79 males and 103 females), 42.5% had positive attitudes towards Covid-19 (63 males and 109 females), and 122 (30.2%) were adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (48 males and 74 females). Compared to females, males were more adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (OR, 1. 3; 95% CI, 0.8 – 2.1), and had positive attitudes towards directives and guidelines (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 – 2.8). This study shows that public health prevention efforts should be directed to closing the identified gaps in KAP among residents to halt the spread of Covid-19 in the health district as well as the Region.

The ectocervix is the part of the uterus which plunges into the apex of the vagina. A stratified squamous epithelium covers it. The endocervical canal, which establishes communication between the vagina and the endometrial cavity, is paved with a mucous secreting glandular epithelium. Because of the acidity of the vagina, these two epithelia undergo metaplasia. Some oncogenic factors do ignite instead of dysplasia. CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 correspond to the premalignant transformation of 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 of these epithelia from the basal membrane. Invasive Cancer is when the latter is broken, and there is a penetration of the stroma by the malignant cells. Methodology:A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted to establish the prevalence of various cervical malignancies at the Buea regional hospital. The registry of the pathology department was used. The study spanned from the 8th of March 2017 to the 16th of March 2021. Results:The different cervical cancer types found were squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and non-Hodgkin cervical cancer or lymphoma of the cervix. Their respective percentages were 73%, 20.7%, 5.4% and 0.9%. Conclusion:Four different types of cancers were found in this study. Their prevalence was for squamous cell carcinoma (73%), small cell carcinoma (20.7%), adenocarcinoma (5.4%), and non-Hodgkin carcinoma of the cervix (0.9%).

With 2.100.000 cases annually, breast cancer (BC) is the most common gynecological cancer globally; 627.000 of those cases result in death yearly. In the next 20 years, it is anticipated that there will be 14.000.000 cases annually and 8.200.000 fatalities. There are numerous histological subtypes of BC. The various cancers include invasive ductal carcinoma, papilloma, medullary carcinoma, phyllode tumors, ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, and Paget disease. BC is a huge public health concern because of the steadily rising cases in our low-resource environments, thus raising the stakes to develop effective screening and early detection programs to reduce morbidity and mortality. Breast ultrasonography and clinical examination appear to hold promise for screening campaigns. Methodology: On the one hand, a descriptive retrospective analysis was conducted based on the pathology laboratory registry of the regional hospital in Buea, Cameroon. The time frame was from March 4, 2016, through May 25, 2019. On the other hand, we appreciate the rising number of women who attended BC screening programs from 2020 to 2022. BC was screened via clinical breast examination and breast ultrasonography before biopsy for confirmation. Results: In terms of frequency, the following precancerous lesions and cancers were recorded: invasive breast carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, papilloma, inflammatory carcinoma, phyllode tumours, and angiosarcoma. Their respective percentages were; 74.84, 14, 47, 6.92, 1.89, 1.57, and 0.32. The number of women who came for BC screening increased steadily from 123 in 2020 to 266 in 2021 and 552 in 2022. All with positive biopsy results first underwent a clinical examination. In the presence of any suspicious signs, an ultrasound investigation was ordered. A biopsy was requested in case of any image suspicious of BC. Response to the cancer screening campaigns in Buea has increased markedly since the project's initiation. Conclusion: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy made of various histological types. Our study identified the following pathologies in order of frequency: invasive breast carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, papilloma, inflammatory carcinoma, phyllode tumours, and angiosarcoma. As awareness grows as years go by, there is a huge public health challenge. For mass screening, Clinical examination of the breasts and breast ultrasound seems to be the way forward in prevention, as recommended by many clinical trials and WHO. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the frequency of various types of breast cancer and find a good grassroots approach to BC screening in low-resource settings like ours.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a worldwide disease, with 85% of new cases occurring in developing countries in general and Africa south of the Sahara in particular. Aim: The objective of this study was to find possible factors that could affect knowledge about CC and some CC risk factors in our community. Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Buea, Mutengene, and Tiko. Result: Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level of education and the young age of women. Risk factors, although universal, seem to vary according to the geographical area and the socio-cultural environment where one lives. Some risk factors identified are; early onset of sexual intercourse, polygamous marriages, multiple sexual partners, the sexual behavior of the male partner, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Human Deficiency Virus (HIV), and history of genital warts. Conclusion: None enhancement of lifestyle as the voluntary refusal of cervical cancer screening and CC vaccination has also been risky for CC.

6 million sexually active women are at risk of developing cervical cancer in Cameroon. About 2000 cases are reported annually with 55% of them being fatal. The fight against this disease is hampered by both poor material and human resources. Methods of prevention are divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary. Vaccination is one of the primary methods of prevention of cervical cancer. Despite the avoidable nature of this disease, there is a growing hesitancy in society to allow girls to be vaccinated. The objective of this study is to find out the characteristics of parents who allow their daughter(s ) to be vaccinated, despite the negative growing opinion about vaccination. Sensitization on the importance of prevention of cervical cancer by the public authorities, financial empowerment of women, and level of education seem crucial to increase the uptake of vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus.

Hepatotoxicity is historically the 3rd most common reason for drug withdrawal and toxicity-related discontinuation of treatment. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and the onset of hepatotoxicity and at evaluating the relationship of some risk factors for hepatotoxicity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus- (HIV-) positive, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/TB patients on treatment. This was a prospective follow-up study involving 125 participants from the HIV/AIDS and TB treatment centres in three hospitals in Fako Division of Cameroon. These TB and HIV patients were initiated on RHEZ (R = Rifampicin, H = Isoniazid, E = Ethambutol, and P = Pyrazinamide) and TELE (efavirenz/tenofovir/lamivudine), respectively, and followed up for 12 weeks between September 2018 and November 2019. The levels of liver enzymes (transaminases, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and unconjugated/total bilirubin) were measured spectrophotometrically using serum. The Chi-squared (χ2) test was used to assess the association between risk factors and hepatotoxicity, while the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test was used to determine the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in the different groups. We followed the general study population for a total person time of 6580 person-days, with an incidence rate and cumulative incidence of 8 cases per 1000 person-days (53/6580 person-days) and 42.4% (53/125), respectively (95% confidence interval), recorded after 12 weeks of follow-up of all the participants. The onset of hepatotoxicity in the total study population was statistically significant (χ2=9.5334; p=0.022979; CI=95%), with the majority observed at week eight of follow-up. Also, the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity with respect to HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients, respectively, at 95% confidence interval were: 8 cases per 1000 person-days (32/3843 person-days) and 32/76 (42.1%), 6 cases per 1000 person-days (12/1932 person-days) and 12/32 (37.5%), and 11 cases per 1000 person-days (9/805 person-days) and 9/17 (52.9%). This study shows that the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity in HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients on treatment were high in Fako Division, Cameroon. Also, it is very important to check these patients’ liver function especially within the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Introduction: The incidence of hepatotoxicity is life-threatening and can result to an end-stage liver disease in long-term patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Our study sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of cART-induced hepatotoxicity (CIH) among long term users on cART in a rural District hospital. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in the Bali District Hospital. Spectrophotometric method was use for the quantitative measurement of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) levels. Patients with elevations of both ALT and AST were considered CIH. The Chi (I‡2) square test, ANOVA and Kaplan Meier log-ranked/ survival analyses were used to analyses the data. Results: Of the 350 participants enrolled [156 (44.6%) males and 194 (55.4%) females], aged 43.87 ± 0.79 years (range 20 – 84 years) included in this analysis, 26 (4.4%) experienced moderate CIH. We observed 57 (16.3%), 62 (17.7%) and 238 (68%) elevated levels ALT + AST, ALT and AST respectively. Two independent predictive factors of CIH were the male sex and alcoholism during the study period. Conclusion: The prevalence of CIH in HIV-infected patients in Bali was lower than that observed in previous studies. The duration of therapy had no influence on the frequency of CIH. Alcoholism and smoking showed significant differences in the development of CIH.

Introduction. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a public health problem worldwide especially in low-income countries. Soil-transmitted helminths are known to affect both growth and haemoglobin levels. In this study, we determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and explored its association with anaemia in school-aged children (SAC). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst pupils selected from 18 primary schools in four communities of the North West Region. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques, while finger prick was performed for the measurement of haemoglobin with a haemoglobinometer. Results. The results showed significant variation of STHs, intestinal protozoan prevalence, and anaemia between age, sex, and communities. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms was 15.1%, 0.8%, and 2%, respectively, with an overall STH prevalence of 18.3% across the four communities. Soil-transmitted helminths were more prevalent in Mbessa (30.2%) in comparison to Nkor (26.7%), Djottin (17.5%), and Kumbo (9.6%) communities. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was 25.4% and Giardia duodenalis (6.9%), with an overall intestinal protozoa prevalence of 31% across the four communities. The prevalence of anaemia in the study population was 23.1%. Conclusion. Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoan infections, and anaemia are prevalent in the study area. Anaemia was observed to be associated with STH, intestinal protozoa, and the communities under study. This study recommends continuous deworming and health education on personal sanitation and environmental sanitation.

IntroductionThe incidence of hepatotoxicity is life-threatening and can result to an end-stage liver disease in long-term patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Our study sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of cART-induced hepatotoxicity (CIH) among long term users on cART in a rural District hospital.MethodsThis was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in the Bali District Hospital. Spectrophotometric method was use for the quantitative measurement of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) levels. Patients with elevations of both ALT and AST were considered CIH. The Chi (χ2) square test, ANOVA and Kaplan Meier log-ranked/ survival analyses were used to analyse the data.ResultsOf the 350 participants enrolled [156 (44.6%) males and 194 (55.4%) females], aged 43.87 ± 0.79 years (range 20 – 84 years) included in this analysis, 26 (4.4%) experienced moderate CIH. We observed 57 (16.3%), 62 (17.7%) and 238 (68%) elevated levels ALT + AST, ALT and AST respectively. Two independent predictive factors of CIH were, the male sex and alcoholism during the study period.ConclusionThe prevalence of CIH in HIV-infected patients in Bali was lower than that observed in previous studies. The duration of therapy had no influence on the frequency of CIH. Alcoholism and smoking showed significant differences in the development of CIH.

IntroductionHousehold residents in malaria endemic areas are at high risk of multiple malaria episodes per year. This study investigated the annual household malaria episodes (AHMEs) in three health districts in Cameroon.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional household survey using a multi-stage cluster design was conducted 2 – 3 years post campaign to assess long-lasting insecticide net (LLINs) ownership, utilisation, and maintenance as well as demographic characteristics. Multinomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with household LLIN ownership, utilization, and AHME.ResultsHousehold LLINs ownership, de-facto population with universal utilisation, and AHME were respectively, 92.5%, 16.0%, and 83.4%; thus, 4 out of 25 household residents effectively used LLINs the previous night. AHME was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age and gender (OR; 1.6, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 2.3) of household head, health district (OR; 2.8, 95% C.I; 1.1 – 7.2) and tiredness (OR; 2.6, 95% C.I; 1.0 – 6.3). LLINs ownership and insufficiency also significantly contributed to AHME. The overall average cost for the treatment of malaria was 6,399.4±4,892.8Fcfa (11.1±8.5US$).ConclusionsThe proportion of households with at least one LLIN and those with at least one AHME were high. Findings are of concern given that average cost for the treatment of malaria represents a potentially high economic burden. The results outlined in this paper provide an important tool for the examination of the deficiencies in LLINs regular and universal utilisation.

The Bamenda, Santa and Tiko Health Districts are in the highest malaria transmission strata of Cameroon. The purpose of this study was to explore the indicators of ownership and utilisation as well as maintenance of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in three health districts in Cameroon. A cross-sectional household survey involving 1,251 households was conducted in the Bamenda, Santa and Tiko Health Districts in Cameroon. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLINs ownership, utilisation, and maintenance as well as demographic characteristics. The average number of LLINs per household was higher in the Bamenda Health District (BHD) compared to the Tiko Health District (THD) (2.5±1.4 vs 2.4±1.6) as well as the household ownership of at least one LLIN (93.3% vs. 88.9%). The proportion of the de facto population with universal utilisation was higher in BHD compared to THD (13.1% vs 0.2%). In multinomial regression analysis, households in the Santa Health District (SHD) (OR = 0.4, 95% = C.I; 0.2 – 0.8, p = 6.10×10−3), were less likely to own at least one LLIN, while those in the BHD (OR = 1.3, 95% = C.I; 0.8 – 2.1, p = 0.33) were more likely to maintain LLINs compared to those in THD. Ownership of LLINs was low in SHD and THD in comparison to the goal of one LLIN for every two household members. Overall, LLINs coverage and accessibility was still low after the free Mass Distribution Campaigns, making it difficult for all household members to effectively use LLINs.