Sodium, potassium food intake and global cardiovascular risks in Togo

Objectives. To assess urinary sodium/potassium intake and identify its links with global cardiovascular risk (RCVG) according to the WHOPEN approach to WHO/ISH (International High Blood Pressure Society). Methods. It was a cross-sectional and analytical study that took place from July 6, 2020, to September 17, 2021, in Togo, in the Aneho, Notse and Dapaong localities. It focused on 400 adults selected by sampling. The analysis of two urine samples was done. Cardiovascular risk scores were determined from specific graphs that take into account age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diabetes status and smoking behavior. Results. Among the 400 respondents, 49% lived in rural areas. The average age was 41 (30; 51) years. The average sodium and potassium intakes were respectively 3.2 g (1.04-5.99) or 7.95 g of salt and 1.4 g (1.89-5.62) per day. The risk of excessive sodium intake was 2.39 times higher in urban areas than in rural ones (p=0.049). Residing in rural areas was associated with high potassium intakes compared to urban ones (OR=3,2 IC [1.89-5.62]). Thirteen percent (13%) of respondents were likely to develop at least a deadly or non-deadly cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years 'time, of whom 5% present a high risk. Excessive sodium intake increases by 2.10 times the risk of a deadly cardiovascular disease occurrence. Conclusions. Sodium intakes are high while potassium intakes are low with a subsequent global cardiovascular risk (GCVR) in the three cities. Sodium intakes were associated with VCVR. It is necessary to take steps to reduce excessive sodium intake and improve potassium intake.

Standards and regimentations of biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo, 2021

Legal instruments are necessary for the regulation of programs such as the biosafety and biosecurity (BSS) system in a country, yet little information is available in this sector in Togo. The study conducted aimed to take an analytical look at the normative and regulatory environment of biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo. A documentary review was carried out on the web, in the Official Journal, and on governmental sites between January and June 2021. A total of 76 documents were initially identified and then 14 were included in the synthesis. Of the 14 texts regulating the biosafety and biosecurity sector worldwide, 10 have been ratified or are being used in Togo. In total, 05 laws and 02 decrees are in force in the area of BSS in Togo on June 30, 2021. Our study has also allowed us to highlight several activities to be regulated. The approach adopted has revealed a current deficit in terms of regulations in the area of biohazard management in Togo in a multisectoral framework. It is necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory texts by taking into account the areas required internationally.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Adult Patients Healed from Buruli Ulcer in Benin.

Background: The implementation of the antimicrobial therapy greatly improved Buruli Ulcer (BU) care. Nevertheless, the disease still imposes significant burden. In rural endemic areas, many patients are being healed from the disease with disabling sequels. They are living without social assistance in a context of poverty. Various researches have evaluated the therapeutic modalities that are used to control the BU disease, but any study on the quality of life (QOL) of the patients healed from BU has been reported. Methodology/Principal Findings: A total of 105 patients healed from Buruli ulcer and, 105 control subjects without Buruli ulcer history are enrolled in the study after giving well-informed consent. The Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36) is administrated to access their QOL. The study is approved by the Ethical committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC). All the patients have a weak QOL than control subjects. The deterioration affects their physical functioning, their physical role, their emotional role and their mental health (p<0.05). However, in spite of their low QOL, subjects aged from 40 years old and over (p = 0.003), and subjects married, divorced or widowed (p = 0.01) work physically better than the other subgroups, even if they are mentally weaker. In a Spearman correlation test, we have observed significant relationships of socio-economic variable with the decrease of SF-36 subscale values. Conclusion/Significance: BU patients are healed in a long-term physically and psychologically marked by the sequels induced by the disease. The results of the present study suggest that interventions and supports are needed to improve the QOL of these patients.