RESUMEN
Background:Family caregivers who are the primary care providersto the elderly in communities in Cameroon, specifically in the Buea health district, are not aware of available resources and lack adequate knowledge and skills on the care of the elderly. As a result, the elderly are not receiving adequate care and support which might also affect their quality of life. In line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategic proposed objectives of promoting healthy aging, the aim of this study was to develop a training program for family caregivers of the elderly. Methods:An exploratory, cross-sectional study research design was employed, with the use of qualitative methods for data collection. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 key informants including nurses, social workers, community relay persons, personnel from the ministries (Public Health and Social Affairs), director of a geriatric nurse training school and directors of Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs) concerned with age-care who were purposively recruited. Information on the scope of practice and available resources was obtained. The sample size was determined based on data saturation. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis.Results:Two major themes emerged from data analysis; ‘Recognise the boundary’ for the scope of practice of family caregivers which was further divided into two categories (bridge the gap and shared responsibilities)’ and ‘Health and wellbeing’ as all available resources were aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the elderly.Conclusion:The training program should include a pyscho-educational intervention with information on available resourcessuch as:Geriatric nurses and social centers,thescope of practice for family caregivers which includes:Assistance with Activities of Daily Living & Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Psychosocial care, strategies to involve elderly persons in various activities and the creation ofage-friendly environments
RESUMEN
Background:Gonorrhoea and Syphilis are common STIs,particularly among the reproductive age group in most developing countries. Their control is important considering the high incidence of acute infections, complications and their socioeconomic impact and a means of effecting control measures against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Knowledge of the prevalence and risk factors of these infections in a student residential area will enable development of better strategies for STI control.Methods:A health facility based historical study design was conducted where laboratory records of patients screened for Syphilis and/or Gonorrhea and HIV in selected Primary Health Care (PHC)Original Research Article facilities in Buea Health District (BHD) between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Data analysis was done using EPI Info version 3.5.4. with a level of error set at 5%.Results:A total of 1106 records were reviewed. Majority 472(42.7%) were between 21-30 years old, while 923(83.4%) were females. A significant proportion 78 (8.1%) were HIV positive. The prevalence of the both STIs was highest in 2015. The prevalence of gonorrhoea was 12.9% and that of syphilis was 16.9%. The odds of testing positive for syphilis for female compared to males was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18-0.62); p-value of 0.001, while that for gonorrhoea was 0.22 (95%CI: 0.11, 0.44); p-value of 0.0001. Patients between 21 and 30 years were 2.46 times as likely to be syphilis positive compared to those below 21. Compared to those tested positive, patients who were negative for were 3.33 (95%CI 1.66-6.69) times as likely to test negative for HIV (p value of 0.001).Conclusion:The study revealed a high prevalence of gonorrhoeaand syphilis. Although these infections have similar risk factors, there are distributed differently in the sexually active student residential area. This thus calls for the implementation of targeted screening and to revise control measures for STIs in the population