The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the ECOWAS region

Objective: to analyse the pandemic after one year in terms of the evolution of morbidity and mortality and factors that may contribute to this evolution Design: This is a secondary analysis of data gathered to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of cases, incidence rate, cumulative incidence rate, number of deaths, case fatality rate and their trends were analysed during the first year of the pandemic. Testing and other public health measures were also described according to the information available. Settings: The 15 States members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were considered. Results: As of 31st March 2021, the ECOWAS region reported 429,760 COVID-19 cases and 5,620 deaths. In the first year, 1,110.75 persons were infected per million, while 1.31% of the confirmed patients died. The ECOWAS region represents 30% of the African population. One year after the start of COVID-19 in ECOWAS, this region reported 10% of the cases and 10% of the deaths in the continent. Cumulatively, the region has had two major epidemic waves; however, countries show different patterns. The case fatality rate presented a fast growth in the first months and then decreased to a plateau. Conclusion: We learn that the context of COVID-19 is specific to each country. This analysis shows the importance of better understanding each country's response. During this first year of the pandemic, the problem of variants of concern and the vaccination were not posed.

Hypertension in the Adult Population of Kaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Burkina Faso: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Background: Recent scientific reports have shown that high blood pressure is a major public health problem in urban populations of sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, information on this morbidity in the rural areas is limited. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to identify associated factors in rural and semi-urban populations in Burkina Faso. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted between September and December 2012 among residents of Kaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). A stratified sample of 1481 residents, at least 18 years of age, was randomly selected and interviewed. Anthropometric measurements were carried out. Two blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken after sitting at rest for about 25 to 30 minutes. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic BP of at least 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of at least 90mmHg. Those taking hypertensive medication were also considered hypertensive. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors independently associated with hypertension. Results: The study sample comprised 726 rural residents and 755 semi-urban residents. The weighted overall prevalence of hypertension was 9.4% (95% CI: 7.3%-11.4%); 5.5% (95% CI: 3.8%-7.1%) in the rural areas; and 11.0% (95% CI: 8.8%-13.2%) in the semi-urban areas. In rural areas, older age and higher body mass index were associated with hypertension. In semi-urban areas, older age, not being married, familial history of hypertension, physical inactivity, psychological distress, presence of chronic conditions and poor self-assessment of health, were associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence was higher in semi-urban than in rural areas of Kaya HDSS, but was overall relatively low. However, it may be possible to further reduce its prevalence and prevent increasing prevalence by acting on the identified risk factors. Encouragement to maintain low body weight through traditional diets and to increase physical activity could be beneficial.