Functional availability of medical oxygen for the management of hypoxaemia in Cameroon: A nationwide facility-based cross-sectional survey.

Background: Medical oxygen is essential for managing hypoxaemia, which has a multifactorial origin, including acute and chronic lung diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, and severe malaria. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed substantial gaps in the availability and accessibility of safe medical oxygen, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to assess the availability and sources, as well as the barriers to the availability of functional medical oxygen in hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: This was a nationwide cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from 26 March to 1 June 2021. Using a convenient sampling technique, we sampled accredited public and private COVID-19 treatment centres in all ten regions in Cameroon. Representatives from the selected hospitals were provided with a pre-designed questionnaire assessing the availability, type, and state of medical oxygen in their facilities. All analyses were performed using R. Results: In total, 114 hospitals were included in this study, with functional medical oxygen available in 65% (74/114) of the hospitals. About 85% (23/27) of the reference hospitals and only 59% (51/87) of the district hospitals had available functional medical oxygen. Compared to district hospitals, reference hospitals were more likely to have central oxygen units (reference vs. district: 10 vs. 0%), oxygen cylinders (74 vs. 42%), and oxygen concentrators (79 vs. 51%). The most common barriers to the availability of medical oxygen were inadequate oxygen supply to meet needs (district vs. reference hospitals: 55 vs. 30%), long delays in oxygen bottle refills (51 vs. 49%), and long distances from oxygen suppliers (57 vs. 49%). Conclusions: The availability of medical oxygen in hospitals in Cameroon is suboptimal and more limited in districts compared to reference hospitals. The cost of medical oxygen, delays related to refills and supplies, and long distances from medical sources were the most common barriers to availability in Cameroon.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Cameroon: Prevalence and Predictors-A Multisetting Community-Based Study.

Objective: Little is known concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the disease remains underdiagnosed. We aimed to estimate its prevalence in Cameroon and look for its predictors. Methods: Adults aged 19 years and older were randomly selected in 4 regions of Cameroon to participate in a cross-sectional community-based study. Data were collected in the participant's home or place of work. Spirometry was performed on selected participants. COPD was defined as the postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) < lower limit of normal, using the global lung initiative (GLI) equations for Black people. Binomial logistic regression was used to seek COPD-associated factors. The strength of the association was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Results: A total of 5055 participants (median age (25th-75th percentile) = 43 (30-56) years, 54.9% of women) were enrolled. COPD prevalence (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) was 2.9% (2.4, 3.3)%. Independent predictors of COPD (aOR (95% CI)) were a high educational level (4.7 (2.0, 11.1)), living in semiurban or rural locality (1.7 (1.4, 3.0)), tobacco smoking (1.7 (1.1, 2.5)), biomass fuel exposure (1.9 (1.1, 3.3)), experience of dyspnea (2.2 (1.4, 3.5)), history of tuberculosis (3.6 (1.9, 6.7)), and history of asthma (6.3 (3.4, 11.6)). Obesity was protective factor (aOR (95%CI) = 0.3 (0.2, 0.5)). Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD was relatively low. Alternative risk factors such as biomass fuel exposure, history of tuberculosis, and asthma were confirmed as predictors.

Prevalence of tuberculosis/COVID-19 co-infection and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pulmonary tuberculosis patients at a respiratory diseases center: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: currently, tuberculosis (TB) is the second cause of infectious disease-related deaths before COVID-19. These two infections have several similarities but little data is available on TB/COVID-19 co-infection, hence, we sought to investigate the prevalence of this co-infection and the factors associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in tuberculosis patients in a tuberculosis-endemic area. Methods: we conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from January to June 2022 at Respiratory Diseases Center in Douala, Cameroon by enrolling all consenting pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) and gamma-interferon levels were laboratory analyzed using the Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, respectively. The factors associated with COVID-19 carriage in pulmonary tuberculosis patients were analyzed by logistic regressions. Results: overall, we enrolled 185 patients; 57.8% were males (sex ratio of 1.36) and their mean age was 43.70 ± 17.89 years. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in pulmonary TB patients was 24.3%. Asthma and sore throat were the factors favoring carriage (OR=3.74; 95% CI=1.271-11.017; p=0.017 and OR=4.05; 95%CI=1.204-13.600; p=0.024) and cough was a protective factor (OR=0.15; 95% CI = 0.034-0.690; p=0.015). Conclusion: the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 carriage in tuberculosis patients is high and greater than the national prevalence. Asthma and sore throat would be associated factors.

Spirometric reference equations for Cameroonians aged 4 to 89 years derived using lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method.

BACKGROUND: Spirometric reference values are well known in several ethnic groups but the normative spirometric values of blacks living in Africa have been less studied. The purpose of this study is to establish normative spirometric equations from a representative population of Cameroonian children and adults and compare these equations with those developed by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) and in Nigerians. METHODS: Spirometric data from healthy Cameroonians aged 4-89 years randomly collected between 2014 and 2018 were used to derive reference equations using generalized additive model for location (mu), shape (lambda) and scale (sigma). RESULTS: A total of 625 children and adolescents (290 males and 335 females) and 1152 adults (552 males and 600 females) were included in the study. The prediction equation for spirometric index was written as: M = Exp[a0 + a1*ln (Height) + a2*ln (Age) + Mspline, Mspline was age related spline contribution]. Applying the GLI standards for African Americans resulted in overall values greater than those found in our study for forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). These values were very close in children and adolescents while the values obtained with the GLI equations for African Americans were significantly higher in adults. FEV1/FVC ratio in our study was similar for adult males but lower in adult females (88% vs 85%, difference = + 3.5%) when applying Nigerian standards. CONCLUSIONS: FEV1 and FVC of the Cameroonian infant and adolescent population are very close to those of black Americans. However, FEV1 and FVC of Cameroonian adults are significantly lower than those of black American adults. These equations should allow a more suitable interpretation of spirometry in the Cameroonian population.

Incidence and factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcome among patients with rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: in Cameroon patients with multidrug/rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR/RR-PTB) are treated with a 9-11 month standardised shorter treatment regimen. Despite its effectiveness, factors associated with the occurrence of an unfavourable treatment outcome in this group of patients are not known. Determine the incidence and identify factors associated with an unfavourable treatment outcome among patients with rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (RR-PTB) in Yaoundé. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective record review of all consecutive patients with bacteriologically confirmed RR-PTB followed up at the specialised MDR/RR-TB treatment centre of the Jamot Hospital in Yaoundé (JHY) from January 2013 to November 2019. A patient was classified as having an unfavourable outcome if he/she had treatment failure, died or was lost to follow-up during the course of treatment. RESULTS: a total of 242 RR-PTB patients with a mean age of 35.59 ± 12.02 years including 144 (59.5%) males were registered. Forty-nine (49) of the 242 patients had an unfavourable treatment outcome giving a cumulative incidence of 20.20% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 15.40-25.90%). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients with an unfavourable outcome were more likely to be males (odds ratio (OR): 2.94; 95% CI: 1.24-7.00, p= 0.015), HIV infected (OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.17-6.06, p = 0.019), and have a baseline haemoglobin level ≤ 10g/dl (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.25-6.58, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: the rate of an unfavourable treatment outcome among patients with RR-PTB at the specialised MDR/RR-TB treatment centre of the JHY is relatively high. The male sex, HIV infection and moderate to severe anaemia are independent factors associated with an unfavourable treatment outcome.

Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease in urban adults' populations of northern Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem with growing prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. AIM: Assess the prevalence and determinants of CKD in Garoua and Figuil cities of the North region of Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2018 in the two cities, using a multi-level cluster sampling. All adults with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and/or albuminuria (≥ 30 mg/g) were reviewed three months later. Logistic regression models (accounting for the sampling strategy) were used to investigate the predictors of the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 433 participants were included, with a mean age (95%CI) of 45.0 (43.4-46.6) years, 212 (48.7%) men, 294 (67.9%) from Garoua and 218 (45.6%) with no formal education. Risk factors for chronic nephropathy were highly prevalent including longstanding use of street medications (52.8%), herbal medicines (50.2%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (50%), alcohol consumption (34.4%), hypertension (33.9%), overweight/obesity (33.6%), hyperuricemia (16.8%), smoking (11.3%) and hyperglycemia (6.5%). The prevalence of CKD was 11.7% overall, 10.7% in Garoua and 13% in Figuil participants. Equivalents figures for CKD G3-5 and albuminuria were 2.8%, 2.0% and 4.5%; and 9.1%, 9.3% and 8.5%, respectively. History of diabetes, increase systolic blood pressure, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia were predictors of CKD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CKD is as high in these northern cities as previously reported in southern cities of Cameroon, driven mostly by known modifiable risk factors of chronic nephropathy.

The STOPBANG score is effective for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome screening and correlates with its features, in a sub-Saharan African population.

INTRODUCTION: the STOPBANG score is an easy-to-use screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has not been validated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We sought to evaluate its diagnostic performance in Cameroun. METHODS: this community-based study took place in a sub-urban area, from November 2015 to April 2016. Adults aged ≥19 years underwent a clinical assessment, including the STOPBANG and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) questionnaires. A respiratory polygraph (RP) was performed on a randomly selected sample. Diagnosis performance included sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). An association was sought between STOPBANG and OSA features. RESULTS: a total of 3033 were interviewed, of whom 102 had a RP. Their mean age was 49.1±17.9 years, the sex ratio was 1 and the mean body mass index 29.1±6.1 kg/m2. For OSA screening (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5), the STOPBANG score at threshold 3 obtained: Se=82.9%, Sp=34.4%, PPV=45.9% and NPV=75.0%. For moderate-to-severe OSA (IAH ≥15), these values were 93.3%, 31.1%, 18.9% and 96.4% respectively. Furthermore, STOPBANG-based high risk of OSA correlated with AHI (9.1±10.7/hr vs 3.8±3.5/hr, p=0.0003) and oxygen desaturation index (6.4±7.9/hr vs 2.6±2.1/hr, p=0.0004). There was a non-significant association with ESS (6.3±5.3 vs 4.5±3.5, p=0.06). CONCLUSION: in this Cameroonian population, the STOPBANG diagnostic performance did not differ from the original Caucasian one. It could therefore be proposed on a larger scale, since obesity and other OSA risk factors are increasing in SSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome in patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is poorly documented in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to determine its prevalence and to investigate the associated factors in patients admitted in a tertiary referral hospital in Cameroon. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology departments of the Yaounde Central Hospital; all patients aged 21 and older were included consecutively. A sample of randomly selected patients was recorded using a portable sleep monitoring device (PMD). OSAHS was defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/hour (with > 50% of events being obstructive) and moderate to severe OSAHS as an AHI > 15/hour. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to OSAHS. RESULTS: Of the 359 patients included, 202 (56.3%) patients were women. The mean age (standard deviation) was 58 (16) years. The prevalence of OSAHS assessed by PMD (95% CI) was 57.7% (48.5-66.9%), 53.8% in men and 62.7% in women (p = 0.44). The median (25th-75th percentiles) AHI, body mass index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of OSAHS patients were 17 (10.6-26.9)/hour, 27.4 (24.7-31.6) kg/m2 and 7 (5-9) respectively. The only factor associated to moderate to severe OSAHS was hypertension [odds ratio (95% CI)]: 3.24 (1.08-9.72), p = 0.036. CONCLUSION: OSAHS is a common condition in patients in this health care centre of Cameroon. In the hospital setting, screening for OSAHS in patients with hypertension is recommended.

Development and validation of a prognostic score during tuberculosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Death under care is a major challenge for tuberculosis (TB) treatment programs. We derived and validated a simple score to predict mortality during tuberculosis treatment in high endemicity areas. METHODS: We used data for patients aged ≥15 years, diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis at the Yaounde Jamot Hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. Baseline characteristics associated with mortality were investigated using logistic regressions. A simple prognosis score (CABI) was constructed with regression coefficients for predictors in the final model. Internal validation used bootstrap resampling procedures. Models discrimination was assessed using c-statistics and calibration assessed via calibration plots and the Hosmer and Lemeshwow (H-L) statistics. The optimal score was based on the Youden's index. RESULTS: A total of 2250 patients (men 57.2%) with a mean age of 35.8 years were included; among whom 213 deaths (cumulative incidence 9.5%) were recorded. Clinical form of tuberculosis (C), age (A, years), adjusted body mass index (B, BMI, kg/m2) and status for HIV (Human immunodefiency virus) infection (I) were significant predictors in the final model (p < 0.0001) which was of the form Death risk = 1/(1 + e - (-1.3120 + 0.0474 ∗ age - 0.1866 ∗ BMI + 1.1637 (if smear negative TB) + 0.5418(if extra - pulmonary TB) + 1.3820(if HIV+))). The c-statistic was 0.812 in the derivation sample and 0.808 after correction for optimism. The calibration was good [H-Lχ2 = 6.44 (p = 0.60)]. The optimal absolute risk threshold was 4.8%, corresponding to a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 67%. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary promising findings from this study require confirmation through independent external validation studies. If confirmed, the model derived could facilitate the stratification of TB patients for mortality risk and implementation of additional monitoring and management measures in vulnerable patients.

Complex sleep apnea at auto-titrating CPAP initiation: prevalence, significance and predictive factors.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients may develop central respiratory events under continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), referred to as complex sleep apnea (CompSA). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess prevalence and predictive factors of complex apnea and to evaluate treatment response to CPAP. METHODS: Within a retrospective cohort study, we assessed clinical data of OSA patients, attending the sleep lab during a 15-months period. Included participants underwent two consecutive polysomnographies; baseline diagnosis and treatment trial. Complex apnea patients, defined by a central apnea index ≥ 5 per hour during pressure auto-titration, were compared to remainders. RESULTS: Among 263 included patients, the prevalence of complex apnea was 9.1%. The mean apnea hypopnea index only dropped from 52.7 to 39.9 per hour in CompSA patients, while it improved from 40.9 to 7.3 in patients without CompSA. Although a decreased sleep-fragmentation under CPAP was observable in both groups, the enhancement of Non-REM sleep was superior in patients without CompSA. The CompSA patients showed higher median apnea-hypopnea, mixed apnea and central apnea indices at baseline and displayed higher rates of comorbid heart failure and obstructive pulmonary disease, but no higher severity of associated daytime fatigue and sleepiness symptoms. CONCLUSION: Despite evidenced partial improvement of obstructive events, nocturnal hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation, the occurrence of complex apnea presented here as a clear therapeutic failure of auto-titrating CPAP and was associated with heart failure, COPD and higher central and mixed apnea indices at baseline.

Prevalence of obstructive lung disease in an African country using definitions from different international guidelines: a community based cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive lung disease (OLD), a major global public health problem, has been less investigated in African countries. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of OLD in Yaounde (the capital city of Cameroon), using internationally agreed definitions. METHODS: Participants were adults (age >19 years) screened during a community-based survey between December 2013 and April 2014. Air flow limitation (AFL) was based on a pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) below the lower limit of normal (LLN, AFL-LLN). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was based on post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < LLN (COPD-LLN). RESULTS: Of the 1287 subjects included, 51.9% were female, 9.3% were current smokers and their mean age was 34.4 ± 12.8 years. Forty-nine (3.8%, 95% CI 2.8-4.9%) participants had AFL-LLN. Thirty-one subjects had COPD-LLN; giving a prevalence of COPD-LLN of (2.4%, 95% CI 1.6-3.3%). In multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.12-5.20) and lifetime wheezing (AOR 2.88; 95% CI 1.06-7.81) were the determinants of COPD-LLN. Otherwise, male sex (AOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.00-3.73), age 40-59 years (AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.04-3.81) and lifetime wheezing (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.13-6.20) remained as independent determinants of AFL-LLN. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive lung disease based on more accurate definitions was relatively infrequent in this population. It is important to sensitize the medical staff and the general public about this condition which should be actively investigated in individuals aged 40 years and above.

Determinants of Restrictive Spirometric Pattern in a Sub-Saharan Urban Setting: A Cross-sectional Population-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Restrictive spirometric pattern is a risk factor for all-cause and cause-specific mortality. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the prevalence of restrictive pattern and investigated its determinants in a major sub-Saharan Africa city. METHODS: Participants were adults (≥ 19 years) who took part in a population-based survey in Yaounde (Cameroon) between December 2013 and April 2014. Restrictive pattern was based on a FVC below the lower limit of the normal (LLN) and a ratio forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC ≥ LLN (LLN-based restrictive pattern) or a FVC <80% and FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN (fixed cut-off based restrictive pattern). Determinants were investigated by logistic regressions. RESULTS: In all, 1003 participants [514 (51.2%) women] with a mean age of 33.7 years were included. The prevalence of restrictive pattern was 18.8% (95%CI: 16.6-21.2) based on LLN and 15.0% (13.0-17.2) based on fixed cut-off. LLN-based restrictive pattern was mild in 148 (78.3%) subjects, moderate in 35 (18.5%) and severe in 6 (3.2%). Determinants of LLN-based restrictive pattern were age ≥ 60 years [adjusted odds ratio 2.90 (95%CI 1.46-5.77), p=0.002), history of pulmonary tuberculosis [3.81(1.42-10.20), p=0.008], prevalent heart diseases [3.81 (1.20-12.12), p=0.024] and underweight [5.15(1.30-20.39), p=0.020]. Determinants were largely similar with slightly different effect sizes for fixed cut-off based restrictive pattern. CONCLUSION: Restrictive pattern was very frequent in this city. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results enhance the needs to increase the efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases and underweight in this setting.

Planned Health Care Non-Attendance and Asthma Control among Asthma Patients in Real Life Setting in an African Country: a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Compliance with scheduled medical visit is an indirect indicator of the adherence to treatment.The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of non-compliance with scheduled medical visits and investigate the predictors and relationship with disease control among patient with asthma in the sub-Saharan African setting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study between January 2012 and August 2013. All patients with asthma receiving care at the Yaounde Jamot Hospital and CEDIMER medical practice were included. Planned medical visit occurred at month one; three; six and twelve following baseline evaluation. Regression models were employed to investigate the predictors of non-compliance. RESULTS: 186 patients [121 (65.1%) being female] were included. Their median age (25th-75th percentiles) was 35.5 (20.0-52.3) years. A total of 67 (36%) failed to attend at least one of the scheduled visits. The proportion of patients who failed to comply with scheduled visits was 48.4%; 68.8%; 73.5% and 79.5% at month one; three; six and twelve respectively. The accompanying rates of unacceptable asthma control were 17.2%; 24.4% and 20.8% respectively at three; six and twelve months of follow-up. Inadequate asthma control at baseline was the main predictor of non-compliance with medical visits; with adjusted odds ratio ranging from 2.00 to 4.67. Furthermore; non-sensitisation to non-pollinic aeroallergens was associated with 2.79 (95%CI 1.58-6.07) risk of non-compliance at one month of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Targeting education of patients with poorly controlled disease at baseline can potentially improve adherence to medical visit and anti-asthmatic treatments and outcomes of care

Prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults in Yaounde, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Population-based estimates of asthma and allergic rhinitis in sub-Saharan African adults are lacking. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of asthma and allergic rhinitis in urban adult Cameroonians. METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted from December 2013 to April 2014 among adults aged 19 years and above (N = 2,304, 57.3% women), selected through multilevel stratified random sampling across all districts of Yaounde (Capital city). Internationally validated questionnaires were used to investigate the presence of allergic diseases. Logistic regressions were employed to investigate the determinants of allergic conditions. RESULTS: Prevalence rates were 2.7% (95% CI: 2.1-3.4) for asthma-ever, 6.9% (5.9-7.9) for lifetime wheezing, 2.9% (92.2-3.6) for current wheezing and 11.4% (10.1-12.7) for self-reported lifetime allergic rhinitis; while 240 (10.4%) participants reported current symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and 125 (5.4%) had allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. The prevalence of current asthma medication use and self-reported asthma attack was 0.8 (0.4-1.2) and 1 (0.6-1.4) respectively. Multivariable adjusted determinants of current wheezing were signs of atopic eczema [2.91 (1.09-7.74)] and signs of allergic rhinitis [3.24 (1.83-5.71)]. Age group 31-40 years [0.27(0.09-0.78), p = 0.016] was an independent protective factor for wheezing. Determinants of current rhinitis symptoms were active smoking [2.20 (1.37-3.54), p<0.001], signs of atopic eczema [2.84 (1.48-5.46)] and current wheezing [3.02 (1.70-5.39)]. CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates for asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults in this population were at the lower tails of those reported in other regions of the world. Beside the classical interrelation between allergic diseases found in this study, active smoking was an independent determinant of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Nationwide surveys are needed to investigate regional variations.

Perennial aeroallergens sensitisation and risk of asthma in African children and adolescents: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The distribution and impact of various aeroallergens on asthma occurrence vary across regions. We investigated the association between sensitisation to perennial aeroallergens and asthma risk in children and adolescents in Yaounde, Cameroon. METHODS: This was a case-control study involving children and adolescents with asthma (cases) vs. non-allergic counterparts (controls). Children/adolescents with doctor-diagnosed asthma were included over a period of 30 months, and controls were selected from the community through random sampling. Logistic regression models were used to relate perennial aeroallergens sensitisation with asthma. RESULTS: The asthma and control groups included, respectively, 151 and 372 participants, with no sex ratio difference. The mean age (standard deviation) was 11.9 (4.4) years in cases and 11.3 (3.7) years in controls. The prevalence of sensitisation to any aeroallergen (cases vs. controls) was 76.8% (116/151) and 32.3% (120/372), p < 0.001. Sensitisation to mites was found in 104 (68.9%) cases vs. 56 (15.1%) controls, p < 0.001. In multivariable analysis, sensitisation to Alternaria alternata, Blattella germanica and dander (cat and dog) was not associated with asthma. However, sensitisation to mites was significantly associated with asthma. Odds ratios (95% CI) for sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis in relation with asthma were 7.28 (3.75-14.15), 2.65 (1.27-5.45) and 3.23 (1.68-6.21), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitisation to mites was the main perennial allergenic factor associated with asthma in children and adolescents in this setting. This has application for the selection of patients with asthma who could benefit from the control of exposure to mites and specific immunotherapy.

Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Yaounde: prevalence, determinants and the concordance of two screening criteria.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and determinants of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as well as the concordance of two screening criteria in a major center for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment in Yaounde, Cameroon. METHODS: In 2011, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 889 adults (age > 18 years, 67.9% women) infected with HIV who were receiving chronic care at the Yaounde Jamot Hospital. Adherence was assessed via self-administered questionnaires using the Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA) index and the Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) index. RESULTS: The prevalence of non-adherence to ART was 22.5% based on the CPCRA index and 34.9% based on the CASE index, with a low agreement between the two indexes [kappa = 0.37 (95% confidence interval 0.31-0.44)]. Independent determinants of CPCRA-diagnosed non-adherence were as follows: being a remunerated employee [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.61 (1.14-2.28)], Pentecostal Christianity [2.18 (1.25-3.80)], alcohol consumption [1.65 (1.16-2.34)] and non-adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis [5.73 (3.92-8.38)]. The equivalents for CASE-diagnosed non-adherence were [1.59 (1.19-2.12)], [1.83 (1.36-2.47)], [1.70 (1.27-2.28)], respectively, in addition to association with changes to the ART regimen [1.61 (1.17-2.20)]. CONCLUSIONS: Non-adherence to ART remains high in this population. The careful evaluation of patients for the presence of determinants of non-adherence identified in this study may aid ART optimization.

Influence of HIV infection on the clinical presentation and outcome of adults with acute community-acquired pneumonia in Yaounde, Cameroon: a retrospective hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of HIV infection on the evolution of acute community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate possible differences in the clinical presentation and in-hospital outcomes of patients with CAP with and without HIV infection in a specialised service in Yaounde. METHODS: Medical files of 106 patients (51 men) aged 15 years and above, admitted to the Pneumology service of the Yaounde Jamot Hospital between January 2008 and May 2012, were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: Sixty-two (58.5%) patients were HIV infected. The median age of all patients was 40 years (interquartile range: 31.75-53) and there was no difference in the clinical and radiological profile of patients with and without HIV infection. The median leukocyte count (interquartile range) was 14,600/mm3 (10,900-20,600) and 10,450/mm3 (6,400-16,850) respectively in HIV negative and HIV positive patients (p = 0.002). Median haemoglobin level (interquartile range) was 10.8 g/dl (8.9-12) in HIV negative and 9.7 g/dl (8-11.6) in HIV positive patients (p = 0.025). In-hospital treatment failure on third day (39.5% vs. 25.5.1%, p = 0.137) and mortality rates (9% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.401) were similar between HIV negative and HIV positive patients. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological features as well as response to treatment and in hospital fatal outcomes are similar in adult patients hospitalised with acute community-acquired pneumonia in Yaounde. In contrast, HIV infected patients tend to be more anaemic and have lower white cell counts than HIV negative patients. Larger prospective studies are needed to consolidate these findings.