Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners on peripheral neuropathies in Benin in 2021.

PURPOSE: First healthcare actors in neurological diseases management, General Practitioners (GPs) still limited in the assessment of Peripheral Neuropathies (PN). This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of GPs on PN in Benin in 2021 and identifying associated factors to low KAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 20 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 which included GPs registered in the National Order of Physicians in Benin and interns in last year of medical studies (MS). An overall KAP score of 24 points was derived. KAP levels were low (score < 17), medium (17 to 19) and high (score ≥ 20). Multivariable regression models were performed to identify factors associated with low KAP. RESULTS: 645/1,066 participants (60.5%) were included in the study with median age 28 years [Interquartile range IQR: 26-30 years], and 442 (68.5%) were male. The KAP level was low in 70.1%. 16.7% had a low knowledge of polyneuropathy manifestations, 35% perceived PN as an incurable disease. Lack of knowledge on PN before MS (adjusted Odds-ratio aOR = 1.6 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.1-2.3]), and no postgraduate training on PN (aOR = 1.8 [95% CI: 1.--3.0]) were associated with low overall KAP level. Working in rural area (aOR = 0.4 [95%CI: 0.2-0.7]), and being an intern (aOR = 0.6 [95%CI: 0.4-0.9]) were associated with better overall KAP level. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for better training with strong emphasis on PN during the MS and the organization of postgraduate training for GPs; the cornerstone for improving the management of PN in Benin.

Prevalence and associated factors with peripheral neuropathies in the general population in the rural area of Adjohoun in Benin.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathies (PN) are a group of neurological conditions related to damage to the peripheral nervous system. Due to their wide diversity, few studies in sub-Saharan Africa have explored their epidemiology in general population. Our objective was to study the prevalence and associated factors with PN in general population in Adjohoun in Benin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study has been conducted from February to March 2019 and included people aged ≥ 18 years old living in Adjohoun, Benin. Following a screening phase for PN (using World Health Organization questionnaire for major neurological diseases), a neurologist made a diagnosis after in-depth clinical examinations completed in some cases by electroneuromyography. The EFNS (European Federation of Neurological Societies) 2010 criteria was used for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy diagnosis. Data such as age, occupation, consanguinity, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension were collected. Association between independent variables and PN were investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: In total, 1 655 participants were included, mean age 41.4 ± 16.7 years; 64.8 % are female. The overall prevalence of PN was 6.9 % (95 %CI: 5.7 %-8.2 %). The main types of PN were: polyneuropathies 4.8 % (95 %CI: 3.8 %-5.9 %); polyradiculoneuropathies 1.6 % (95 %CI: 1.0 %-2.2 %). Factors independently associated with PN were age ≥ 40 years (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 19.6; 95 %CI: 8.2-46.3), diabetes (aOR = 1.8; 95 %CI: 1.08-2.99) and hypertension (aOR = 1.6; 95 %CI: 1.02-2.5). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PN was high in the rural commune of Adjohoun in Benin. Actions on its modifiable associated factors such as diabetes and hypertension could help reduce the proportion of PN and their potential harmful consequences.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Signs in Parakou, a Northern City of Benin in West Africa.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine knowledge of stroke risk factors and signs in an urban population of northern Benin. METHODS: A door-to-door purposeful sampling survey was conducted in resident population (age ≥15 years) of the district of Titirou in the city of Parakou (N = 255,478) in Benin between March 15 and July 15, 2016. In-person interviews were conducted with data collection on structured questionnaires with close and open questions, according to standard definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of good knowledge, defined by provision of a correct response in pre-defined set of questions on stroke risk factors and warning signs. RESULTS: Of 4,671 participants (mean age 27.7 ± 12.9 years; females 50.6%), only 404 (8.6%) knew at least 1 stroke risk factor. Knowledge level of stroke risk factors (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) was related to age (1.37, 1.27-1.48), level of education (2.54, 1.73-3.72), and family history of stroke (3.01, 2.08-4.26). Only 230 (4.9%) were able to cite at least 1 stroke symptom, and this knowledge was great with increasing age (1.04, 1.02-1.06), family (3.63, 2.41-5.49) and personal history of stroke (3.71, 1.86-7.42), and high level of education (4.35, 2.68-7.07). CONCLUSION: Knowledge of stroke risk factors and signs is low in northern Benin. Greater public education and awareness campaigns are required to address the burden of stroke.