Profil audiométrique des surdités à Brazzaville / Audiometric pattern of deafness in Brazzaville

Introduction. La surdité est une perturbation auditive correspondant à la diminution ou la suppression de la capacité d'entendre le son. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer le profil audiométrique de la surdité à Brazzaville Méthodologie. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et rétrospective réalisée dans les services d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et chirurgie cervico-facialedu CHU de Brazzaville et de l'hôpital de référence de Talangaï. L'étude s'est déroulée sur une période de 12 moisallant du 01 janvier2021 au 31 décembre 2021 et avait inclus les patients présentant une hypoacousie et /ou vertige périphérique et ayant réalisé une audiométrie tonale liminaire mettant en évidence une surdité. Résultats. Nous avons étudié360 dossiers depatients atteints de surdité. La moyenne d'âge était 24,6 ans avec une prédominance féminine (57%). Les étudiants et les élèves constituaient la classe professionnelle la plus retrouvée (47,2%). Le signe fonctionnel le plus représenté était l'hypoacousie bilatérale avec 88,6%. L'audiométrie tonale liminaire était dominée par la surdité de perception moyenne (41,6%).Conclusion. La surdité estun handicap auditif invalidantdont la prise en charge pourrait être améliorée par l'utilisation de l'audiométrie tonale.

Introduction.Deafness is an auditory disturbance corresponding to the decrease or suppression of the ability to hear sound. The objective of this study was to determine the audiometric profile of deafness in Brazzaville. Methodology. This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery departments of the University Hospital of Brazzaville and the Talangai reference hospital. The study took place over a period of 12 months from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, and included patients with hearing loss and/or peripheral vertigo who underwent a pure-tone audiometry revealing deafness. Results.We studied 360 medical records of patients with deafness. The average age was 24.6 years with a female predominance (57%). Students and pupils constituted the most frequently encountered professional group (47.2%). Bilateral hearing loss was the most represented functional sign, accounting for 88.6%. Pure-tone audiometry was predominantly indicative of moderate sensorineural hearing loss (41.6%). Conclusion. Deafness is a disabling auditory handicap that could benefit from improved management through the use of pure-tone audiometry.

Availability of resources for paediatric hearing care in a South African province

Background: Unavailability of healthcare resources can lead to poor patient outcomes. The latter is true for infants with hearing loss and require early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Aim: To determine the availability and distribution of resources for EHDI in state hospitals in the Eastern Cape (EC) province, South Africa. Setting: Sixteen state hospitals (nine district, four regional and three tertiary hospitals). Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey completed between July 2022 and October 2022. Results: Thirteen hospitals had audiologists (n = 4) or speech therapists and audiologists (n = 9). Specific to equipment, 10 hospitals had a screening otoacoustic emissions or automated auditory brainstem response, 8 hospitals had diagnostic middle ear analysers and only 3 hospitals had diagnostic auditory brainstem response and/or auditory steady state response. Twelve hospitals did not have visual response audiometry (VRA) and 94% had no hearing aid verification systems. Budget allocations were uneven, with only 10 hospitals, i.e., 4 districts, all regional and 2 tertiary hospitals being allocated varying amounts. Subsequently, only 50% provided newborn hearing screening, 56% provided diagnostic evaluations and 14 hospitals fitted hearing aids. Conclusion: Results revealed a limited and uneven distribution of resources, which negatively impacted the provision of EHDI. Even distribution of healthcare resources and further research aimed at strengthening hearing health services is recommended as these could potentially improve equitable access to EHDI and the overall quality of healthcare provided. Contribution: This study highlights the need for even distribution of resources and strengthening of health systems, especially in the dawn of the National Health Insurance.

Third party disability of family members of adults with dysphagia

Background: Third-party disability (TPD) has been studied in multiple patients including those with aphasia and hearing loss. Only one study has been done in relation to caregivers of adults with dysphagia. Third-party disability has been analysed using the International Classification of Function and Disability (ICF) framework. This study, therefore, used the ICF model to explore TPD of caregivers of adults with dysphagia for the context of Johannesburg in South Africa. Objectives: To describe how caregivers experience TPD when caring for adults with a dysphagia in Johannesburg. Methods: Data were collected from five primary adult caregivers, who were all family members, from government clinics in Johannesburg. This article reports the findings from the interviews that were analysed thematically using a top-down analysis approach. Results: Caregivers experienced challenges related to TPD mostly related to difficulties of being able to do activities of daily living for themselves, their household chores and attending social engagements. The use of body structure and function from the ICF model was not overtly applicable to the caregiver population. A new visual representation has been suggested to highlight the key themes to augment the social and psychological changes as seen on the ICF framework and demonstrated the specific interaction that these factors had on one another. Conclusion: Third-party disability is present in caregivers of patients with dysphagia. Healthcare workers need to be aware of the impact that this can have when preparing home management strategies. This newly devised representation can assist in creating a locally relevant patient-centred care approach but requires future input.

Prevalence of middle ear effusion among children with adenoid hypertrophy at a national referral hospital in Tanzania

Introduction: Middle ear effusion (MEE) is a common childhood disorder that causes hearing impairment due to the presence of fluid in the middle ear which reduces the middle ear's ability to conduct sound. Temporary or persistent hearing loss as a result of MEE causes speech, language and learning delays in children. There are few studies on MEE in Tanzania despite the huge burden of hearing loss among children with adenoid hypertrophy which is a known risk factor for MEE. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 children aged nine years and below having adenoid hypertrophy with or without MEE. The diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy was confirmed with a lateral view x-ray of the nasopharynx and tympanometry for cases with MEE. The primary objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of MEE among children with adenoid hypertrophy. Results: The prevalence of MEE among children with adenoid hypertrophy was 61.7%, with 218 (51.9%) males and 202 (48.1%) females. The most affected age group was 2-4 years with an incidence 193 (46%) and in this age group, males (53.9%) were more affected than females (46.1%). Generally, males, 134 (51.7%) were more affected by MEE than females, 125 (48.3%) of all 259 children with MEE. In terms of age group predominance by MEE, children aged 3-4 years, 107(41.3%) were more affected than all other age groups. Additionally, 4 (1.5%) children with MEE presented with hearing loss. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of MEE among children with adenoid hypertrophy but no significant association with hearing loss.

Clinical characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study of cases attended at three centers specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Context and objective. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to describe the socio demographic and clinical characteristics of children with autism and to identify associated factors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of children with ASD attended at three specialized centers in Kinshasa. We confirmed a ASD diagnosis through clinical observation using Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders four Text Revision (DSM-VI-TR) criteria and standardized autism diagnostic tools. We analyzed socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and main comorbidities of ASD. The comparison of proportions was done using Pearson's chi-square test. One-way ANOVAs were calculated to test differences in averages. Results. A total of 120 children (72.5 % male) were examined. Their mean age at diagnosis was 7.83 ± 3.4 years, while parents were alerted at 1.8 ±0.78 years. Language delays were the main alert sign (54%) and the main symptom (62%). Social interaction disorders (11.7 %) were underreported by parents. The core signs of ASD were disorders of social interaction (90.5%), behavior (80%) and language (62.5%). The main ASD symptoms were associated with epilepsy(p=0.027), cerebral palsy (p=0.026) and hearing impairment (p=0.045). Conclusion. The diagnostic and language delay co-occurring with epilepsy and hearing impairment are the main clinical features of autism in the DRC. This study suggests that screening children for autism and its main comorbidities using a multidisciplinary approach should be a priority in Kinshasa.

Characteristics of hearing loss in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Introduction: Hearing loss is a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the causes and patterns of hearing loss at a private hospital that serves the largest number of patients with ear, nose and throat diseases in Tanzania's largest city. Method: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted at a private hospital in Dar es Salaam. Data were collected from January to June 2021 and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. P-value Results: Of the 250 patients recruited with hearing loss, there were 115 (46%) males and 135 (54%) females (F:M ratio of 1.2:1). The commonest cause of hearing loss was presbyacusis 132 (52.8%) followed by ototoxicity 26 (10.4%) and chronic suppurative otitis media 26(10.4%). Based on laterality, 73.2% of the patients had unilateral hearing loss whereas 26.8% had bilateral hearing loss. Regarding the type of hearing loss, 85.6% of the patients had sensorineural hearing loss followed by conductive type (13.2%) and mixed hearing loss (1.2%). Based on severity, 40.8% of the patients had moderate hearing loss followed by both moderately severe and severe hearing loss each accounting for 18% of cases Conclusion: Sensorineural hearing loss was the commonest type of hearing loss in this study. Both unilateral hearing loss according to laterality and moderate hearing loss upon classifying by severity predominated. Age related hearing loss was the most common cause of hearing loss followed by ototoxicity and chronic suppurative otitis media.

Barriers to utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young deaf persons in Ghana

Despite significant progress made to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the general populace in Ghana, information on the accessibility of such services to deaf persons is limited. This study investigated access to and utilization of SRH services among young female deaf persons in Ghana. Sixty deaf persons were interviewed from six metropolis/municipalities/districts in three regions of Ghana. The data were collected using focus group discussion and one-on-one interviews. The data were subjected to content analysis, leading to the identification of two broad themes. The study identified barriers at two levels: point of service delivery and barriers at the individual level. For instance, at the point of service delivery, they were claims that deaf women were victims of negative attitudes from health workers. The study concludes on the need for health policymakers to consider collaborating with the Ghana National Association of the Deaf in an effort towards designing inclusive SRH programmes.

Juvenile otosclerosis: radio-clinical features and outcomes of surgical treatment

Purpose: To review the radio-clinical features and to evaluate the outcomes of surgery approaches for the treatment of otosclerosis in pediatric population. Methods: It's a retrospective study including 12 patients under 18 years of age, diagnosed with otosclerosis and using data over a 24 ­ year ­period (1996-2020). A clinical examination, an audiometric assessment and a computed tomography of the temporal bone (CT-Scan) prior to surgery had been performed in all cases. All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Follow ­up was essentially clinical and audiometric with a mean period of 4years. Results: Mean age of our patients was 15.3 with a ratio of 0.5. Only three of them had a family history of otosclerosis. Major functional sign was hearing loss; tinnitus was noted in only 5 cases. CT-Scan had shown typical radiographic evidence of otosclerosis grade Ia (Veillon classification) in 9 cases, grade Ib in 1 case and no abnormalities in 2 cases. Surgery was performed in all cases: 8 patients underwent stapedotomy and 4 had stapedectomy. The audiometric results were good, air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB was achieved in 84% of cases (10 cases) and to within 20dB in 100% of cases at last follow-up. Conclusion: Audiometric and radiological assessments are essential to guide the diagnosis and the treatment of juvenile otosclerosis. Stapes surgery is a good option for closing the air-bone gap in children with bilateral juvenile otosclerosis

Les surdites brusques idiopathiques facteurs pronostiques / Sudden idiopathic deafness prognostic factors

Les surdités brusques idiopathiques (SBI) constituent l'un des sujets les plus débattus en otologie. Plusieurs problèmes d'ordre physiopathologiques, thérapeutiques et pronostiques restent non résolus. But : Identifier les facteurs pronostiques, cliniques et audiométriques de récupération auditive après traitement d'une SBI. Malades : Etude rétrospective portée sur 27 malades (29 cas de SBI) traités dans le service d'ORL et chirurgie cervicofaciale du CHU Habib Bourguiba Sfax durant la période comprise entre les années 1990 et 2005. Méthodes : C'est une étude statistique recherchant une corrélation significative entre certains facteurs cliniques et audiométriques et la récupération auditive. Les facteurs étudiés étaient : l'âge, l'aspect de la courbe audiométrique, la perte auditive initiale et le délai de prise en charge thérapeutique. Résultats : L'âge inférieur à 50 ans, la courbe ascendante et la perte auditive inférieure à 70 dB étaient les facteurs de meilleur pronostic. Le délai de prise en charge thérapeutique semble avoir peu de rôle dans la récupération auditive. Discussion : La majorité des auteurs ont signalé que l'âge jeune, les surdités légères ou moyennes, la courbe ascendante et la précocité de la prise en charge sont associés à un meilleur pronostic. Nos résultats rejoignent ceux de Tran Ba Huy qui ne trouve pas de corrélation entre le délai de prise en charge thérapeutique et le pronostic de récupération auditive.

Profil clinique de la surdité de l'enfant à Yaoundé / Clinical profile of child deafness in Yaounde

In Cameroon, the prevalence of deafness in children is 3.6%. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile of these hearing impaired children at the time of diagnosis. Patients and methods.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place between November 2020 and June 2021 and involved 127 hearing impaired children. Results.The mean age of these children was 9.2 ± 3.9 years, with extreme values of 1 and 15 years. The sex ratio was 1.3. The average number of children in the siblings was 3.5 ± 1.8 children and 30.7% occupied the 1st rank in their siblings. The average birth weight was 3269 ± 0.685g. The neonatal history was found in 11.81% of the cases while the postnatal history related to 32.28% of the cases. Maternal alcoholism and parental genital infections were found during pregnancy. Familial deafness was found in one of the mothers (0.4%) and in the siblings in 3.1% (n=4). At the time of diagnosis, the median age was between 0 and 24 months, the mode of onset was old and 96.9% of children had bilateral deafness. The absence of reaction to noise and the delay of language were the most found modes of revelation. Moderate and severe deafness were the most represented and were mostly sensory or mixed. Among these deaf children, 4%presented a handicap or an associated pathology. Conclusion.The causes of child deafness in Yaoundé are acquired in perinatal period. This deafness is diagnosed in the perilingual period and remains dominated by bilateral deafness, whether severe or profound

Juvenile otosclerosis: radio-clinical features and outcomes of surgical treatment

Purpose: To review the radio-clinical features and to evaluate the outcomes of surgery approaches for the treatment of otosclerosis in pediatric population. Methods: It's a retrospective study including 12 patients under 18 years of age, diagnosed with otosclerosis and using data over a 24 ­ year ­period (1996-2020). A clinical examination, an audiometric assessment and a computed tomography of the temporal bone (CT-Scan) prior to surgery had been performed in all cases. All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Follow ­up was essentially clinical and audiometric with a mean period of 4years. Results: Mean age of our patients was 15.3 with a ratio of 0.5. Only three of them had a family history of otosclerosis. Major functional sign was hearing loss; tinnitus was noted in only 5 cases. CT-Scan had shown typical radiographic evidence of otosclerosis grade Ia (Veillon classification) in 9 cases, grade Ib in 1 case and no abnormalities in 2 cases. Surgery was performed in all cases: 8 patients underwent stapedotomy and 4 had stapedectomy. The audiometric results were good, air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB was achieved in 84% of cases (10 cases) and to within 20dB in 100% of cases at last follow-up. Conclusion: Audiometric and radiological assessments are essential to guide the diagnosis and the treatment of juvenile otosclerosis. Stapes surgery is a good option for closing the air-bone gap in children with bilateral juvenile otosclerosis

Facteurs prédictifs de la surdité professionnelle induite par le bruit chez les travailleurs des centrales électriques / Predictive factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in power plant workers

Analyser le lien entre la surdité professionnelle induite par le bruit et les caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles des travailleurs. Méthodes: C'était une étude prospective et analytique, par enquête avec évaluation audiométrique du 1er août au 30 septembre 2020, concernant 92 travailleurs des deux centrales de la Société Nationale d'Electricité de N'Djamena.Les tests de khi2et de corrélation de Pearson étaient utilisés à la recherche d'un lien entre la surdité due au bruit et les facteurs socioprofessionnels; une différence était dite statistiquement significative si p <0,05. Résultats: L'échantillon était constitué de 96% d'hommes. L'âge variait de 23 à 64 ans avec une moyenne de 38,7 ± 9,0 ans. Quarante-sept (51%) employés étaient formés sur la sécurité en milieu professionnel. Les agents de quarts représentaient 45% des cas (n=41). La durée d'exposition moyenne au bruit était de 10,8 ± 8,5 ans. Le port des équipements de protection individuelle était régulier dans 86% des cas (n =79). La surdité professionnelle a été observée dans 55% des cas (n=51). L'âge (p <10-3) et la durée d'exposition au bruit (p=0,002) étaient les facteurs associés significativement à la surdité. Conclusion: L'âge et l'ancienneté sont les facteurs prédictifs de la surdité chez les travailleurs exposés aux bruits des centrales électriques de N'Djamena.

La surdité brusque résultats thérapeutique et facteurs pronostiques / Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: therapeutic outcome and prognostic factors

Objectifs: évaluer les résultats thérapeutiques et étudier les facteurs pronostiques de la surdité brusque.Patients et méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à propos de 61 patients (39 hommes et 22 femmes) pris en charge pour surdité brusque dans le service d'Otorhinolaryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale de l'hôpital Bourguiba de Monastir durant une période de 16 ans (2001-2016). Une analyse statistique a été réalisée afin d'identifier les facteurs influençant le pronostic de la surdité brusque. Le seuil de significativité retenu était de 5%. Résultats:L'âge moyen était de 43 ans [16-80 ans]. Le taux global de récupération auditive était de 45%. Les facteurs pronostiques selon l'analyse uni variée étaient: un antécédent d'hypoacousie controlatérale, la présence d'un vertige associé, la sévérité de la perte auditive initiale, une courbe audiométrique de type E, l'absence du réflexe stapédien et le recours à l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB). En analyse multivariée, les seuls facteurs retenus étaient une perte auditive initiale supérieure ou égale à 70 dB, la présence d'un vertige et l'absence d'un épisode infectieux précédant la survenue de la surdité. Conclusion: Notre étude a permis de retenir comme facteurs de mauvais pronostic indépendants la perte auditive initiale supérieure ou égale à 70 dB, la présence d'un vertige et l'absence d'un épisode infectieux précédant la survenue de la surdité. Ceci nous incite à une réflexion quant au protocole thérapeutique adopté dans notre service et à indiquer l'OHB, qui est normalement prescrite en cas de non réponse, en première intention, afin d'optimiser la récupération auditive.

Determinants of contraceptive use in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, contraceptive prevalence is low (21%). The search for determinants of contraceptive use could make it possible to redirect existing strategies. The objective is to identify the determinants of the use of contraception among women in Abidjan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2018 in the Dallas neighborhood of Adjamé municipal (Abidjan). Women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) were selected there. Sociodemographic, gyneco-obstetrical characteristics, educational level, attitudes and practices of women on contraception were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. A total of 301 women aged 29.34±8.98 years were selected. The proportion of women using modern contraception was 27.24%. In univariate analysis, the factors associated with use were: level of education (p=0.005), unwanted pregnancies (p=0.017), abortions (p<0.001), consultation of the gynecologist (p=0.003) or a family planning service (p=0.001). Hearing about contraception (p=0.043), knowing (p<0.001) and talking about it with their partner (p=0.027) was significantly associated with its use. In the multivariate analyses, the women who consulted a gynecologist and those who knew the contraceptive methods used them respectively 2 times more (OR= 2.16 [1.14-4.15], p=0.019) and 22 times more (OR= 22.38 [8.42-78.56], p<0.001). Women with primary school education used them significantly less (OR=0.15 [0.05-0.41], p<0.001). Awareness, the gynecologist's consultation, and the level of education were the main determinants of contraceptive use. Also, it is necessary to adapt awareness messages to the characteristics of women.

The effects of cognitive effort on academic performance of learners with cochlear implants in a private mainstream school in Gauteng

This research investigated the phenomenon of learners with cochlear implants and their challenges with cognitive effort in private mainstream schools in Gauteng. Many learners with cochlear implants encounter academic and social challenges at school, despite the advanced technology. Objectives: This study aimed to explore how learners with cochlear implants experience cognitive effort and whether it impacts their academic potential. Methods: Research was conducted using a phenomenological design. Phenomenography was used as theoretical framework to perceive, interpret and understand experiences of the cochlear implant recipients. The six former learners who were recipients of cochlear implants were selected using purposive sampling. Semi structured interviews were utilised to gather information, which was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from the analysis, namely auditory challenges, cognitive functioning, peer interactions, emotional health and concealed disability. This article only presents the first theme of cognitive functioning and highlights three subthemes related to cognitive effort. Findings show that many learners struggled with their concentration span and fatigue, as a result of their cognitive effort difficulties. Conclusion: This study demonstrated how learners with cochlear implants face challenges with cognitive effort at their mainstream schools. It indicates the need for awareness of and training on educating learners with cochlear implants to help them reach their academic potential. Contribution: This study contributes a unique focus on learners with cochlear implants in mainstream schools in South Africa. The study highlights that cognitive effort of learners with cochlear implants influenced their capabilities to multitask and retain information, despite the effort they have to put into listening. Further research should be conducted to develop interventions that could lesson cognitive effort while increasing learner productivity. The article responds to disability studies and inclusive education

Implementation of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in public and private schools in three districts of Uganda

The study was grounded in the recent developments of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in schools in Uganda, leading to a renewed interest in the questionings about inclusive education. Objectives: The inclusive approach was evaluated in terms of: (1) how public or private schools in Uganda understand inclusive education; (2) how schools implement inclusive education under the influence of the UN Convention; and (3) what determines the course of action and school routine of private and state schools. Methods: This exploratory qualitative research included interviews with six schools purposively selected in Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala districts of Central Uganda. The selected schools comprised three private and three state schools (i.e. representing primary and secondary schools and a vocational training institute). Results: The research demonstrated that 'inclusive education practice' that was upheld by all the schools, was ironically stained with exclusion, for example, by non-admission of students with visual and hearing impairment, inaccessible physical environment, inadequate funding and separation of students according to abilities. However, whilst all schools followed the regular curriculum, some schools developed their own ways of teaching learners with diverse learning needs. Conclusion: Some schools in Uganda have developed meaningful approaches of including students with disabilities but there are still many challenges for many. Enforcing Uganda's disability policies adapted from the CRPDs could enable learners with disabilities to enjoy their legal rights. Contribution: Since the intention of inclusion of students with disabilities stands in contrast to the reality of practice found in many schools, there seems to be a need to carry out regular assessments and measures of support for a sustainable inclusive school development

Noise exposure abatement: a perspective from industry occupational health risk assessment reports

Background: Occupational health risk assessments are building blocks for occupational health programmes, allowing for the rating of identified risks and the continuous re-evaluation of the effectiveness of abatement measures. In South African industry, occupational health risk assessments are formally documented in reports, which can be presented as demonstration of legal compliance with legislation. Objective: To identify noise abatement measures recorded in noise risk assessment reports of four manufacturing companies and to rate their effectiveness. Methods: We analysed the occupational health risk assessment reports from 21 operational facilities in four South African companies from the manufacturing and utilities sectors to evaluate, through document analysis, the recorded noise abatement measures. Noise abatement measure effectiveness was rated using a preassigned effectiveness percentage scale. Results: Administrative controls and hearing protection devices were the most commonly used noise exposure abatement measures, but hearing conservation programmes were generally poorly formulated. There were inter- and intra-company differences in the qualitative risk assessment approaches used for rating or ranking the noise risk, which led to different risk conclusions and prioritisation outcomes. The calculated control effectiveness of the abatement measures showed that noise exposure remained largely unacceptable: 16 of the 21 operational units had unacceptable noise exposures, four had tolerable exposures, and one had broadly acceptable exposures. Conclusion: The four companies' common noise abatement measures, as elements of formalised hearing conservation programmes, which included administrative controls and hearing protection devices, were not effective in reducing noise exposure to the broadly acceptable level, reflective of limited use of engineering controls.

Pathologies ORL de l'enfant: aspects épidémio-cliniques et prévention primaire / Children ent pathologies: epidemio-clinical profiles and primary prevention

Introduction : les pathologies ORL de l'enfant sont multiples et diversifiées. Le cout élevé de leur prise en charge ainsi que l'accessibilité limitée aux soins démontrent la nécessité de renforcer la prévention. Le but de travail était de recenser les aspects épidémio-cliniques des affections ORL de l'enfant et d'en analyser les mesures de prévention primaire. Méthode : l'étude s'est déroulée dans le service d'ORL-CCF du CNHU de Cotonou. Elle a été descriptive avec un recrutement prospectif du 1er Janvier au 30 Juin 2018. Ont été inclus les enfants de 0 à 18 ans reçus en consultation ORL. Les données cliniques ont été analysées. Résultats : les enfants ont représenté 25,79 % des consultants (311 enfants sur 1206 patients). L'âge moyen était de 7,20 ± 5,36 ans et 164 parmi eux (52,73 %) étaient de sexe masculin. Les pathologies observées étaient : infectieuses/inflammatoires 181 cas (58,20 %), traumatiques 56 cas (18 %), fonctionnelles 26 cas (8,36 %), tumorales 20 cas (6,43 %), malformatives 17 cas (5,47 %) et vasculaires 11 cas (3,54 %). Les dix principales pathologies ORL infantiles étaient : otites moyennes aiguës 60 cas (19,29 %), corps étrangers ORL 47 cas (15,11 %), hypertrophies amygdaliennes 36 cas (11,58 %), rhinopharyngites 21 cas (06,75 %), amygdalites 19 cas (6,11 %), hypoacousies isolées 18 cas (5,79 %), rhinites 17 cas (5,47 %), freins de langue 9 cas (2,89 %), adénopathies cervicales 7 cas (2,25 %) et otite externe 5 cas (1,61 %). Conclusion : Les pathologies ORL de l'enfant sont fréquentes en consultation. Elles sont dominées par les infections et les traumatismes. Le suivi rigoureux du calendrier vaccinal et les sensibilisations sur les règles d'hygiène de vie des enfants pourraient contribuer à la réduction de leurs incidences

ENT pathologies in children are multiple and diverse. The high cost of their care and the limited accessibility to care demonstrate the need to strengthen prevention. The aim of the work was to identify the epidemiological and clinical aspects of ENT disorders in children and to analyze their primary prevention measures. Method: The study was conducted in the Department of Ear-Nose-Throat Head and Neck Surgery (ENT HNS-CFS) of the National University Hospital Center of Cotonou. It was a descriptive study realized through a prospective enrollment. We included in this study, children aged from 0 to 18 years that were received in the ENT's consultation during the period from January 1st to June 30th, 2018. Socio-demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Results: Children represented 25.79% of the consultants (311 children among 1206 patients). The mean age was 7.20 ± 5.36 years and 164 among them (52.73%) were male. The pathologies identified were: the infectious / inflammatory pathologies with 181 cases (58.20%), the traumatic ones with 56 cases (18%), functional with 26 cases (8.36%), tumoral with 20 cases (6,43%), malformations with 17 cases (5.47%), and vascular pathologies with 11 cases (3.54%). The ten most common childhood ENT diseases were: acute otitis media with 60 cases (19.29%), ENT foreign bodies with 47 cases (15.11%), tonsil hypertrophies with 36 cases (11.58%), Rhinopharyngitis with 21 cases (06.75%), tonsillitis with 19 cases (6.11%), isolated hearing loss with 18 cases (5.79%), rhinitis with 17 cases (5.47%), tongue brakes with 9 cases (2.89%), cervical lymphadenopathies with 7 cases (2.25%) and external otitis with 5 cases (1.61%). Conclusion: The ENT pathologies of the child are frequent in consultation. They are dominated by infections and trauma. Rigorous monitoring of the immunization schedule and raising awareness of healthy lifestyle rules for children could help reduce their impacT

Child functioning and disability in children living with human immunodeficiency virus in a semi-rural healthcare setting in South Africa

Background: Children living with HIV (CLHIV) often experience HIV-related impairment and disability. Aim: The study sought to understand the level of child functioning and access to rehabilitative care in the context of South African healthcare in order to inform an integrated rehabilitative framework. Setting: District level semi-rural healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: The Washington Group/United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund Module on Child Functioning, was administered to carers of CLHIV aged between 5 and 10 years, and accessing care at the study setting. Results: Forty-four caregivers of children receiving treatment from June 2018 to March 2019, at the facility, participated. Four (9.1%) children had difficulty with seeing, 13 (29.5%) children had difficulty with hearing and 10 (22.7%) children had difficulty with walking. In the cognitive and behavioural domains, 17 (38.6%) children reported difficulties in communication and concentration, with 16 (36.4%) children experiencing difficulties in learning and remembering. Difficulties reported in accepting change and controlling behaviour were both experienced by 23 (52.3%) children. Although many children experiencing impairments were referred for rehabilitation, many caregivers did not follow-up after the initial assessment, because of financial constraints, lack of time and transport restrictions. Conclusion: Functional difficulties were frequently experienced by children living with HIV. Disability screening would be beneficial at various points of care to promote early identification and timely referral to healthcare professionals. Decentralising rehabilitative care to homes and communities could offer a solution to some of the reported barriers to accessing care