Intimate partner violence and depression among pregnant women in the North west region of Cameroon: a research proposal.

OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a major public health concern due to its harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn foetus. In this study, we aim to assess the prevalence and correlates of both IPV and depression in pregnant women in the northwest region of Cameroon. Specifically: (1) To determine the prevalence of IPV in a group of pregnant women in the northwest region of Cameroon. (2) To determine the prevalence of depression amongst these women. (3) To assess the various sociodemographic determinants of IPV in these women. (4) To determine if IPV is associated with depression and to assess other sociodemographic and clinical correlates of depression. RESULTS: This cross-sectional study will include a minimum of 369 pregnant women recruited by convenience sampling from primary and secondary healthcare facilities in the northwest region of the country. Data be collected via a printed questionnaire administered by a trained healthcare professional. IPV will be assessed using the World Health Organisation Violence Against Women Instrument and depression will be assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multivariable logistic regression will be used to identify independent predictors of IPV and depression.

Bladder outlet obstruction; a rare complication of the neglected schistosome, Schistosoma haematobium: two case reports and public health challenges.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a severe parasitic infestation with debilitating complications and is the third most devastating tropical disease in the world. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a high disease-burden. We present two rare cases of bladder outlet obstruction: one which led to a chronic kidney disease and ultimately death and a second which recovered after treatment with praziquantel. CASE PRESENTATIONS: A 72 year old male presented with lower urinary tract symptoms which culminated in an episode of acute urinary retention. The patient had never received preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel. After suprapubic aspiration, the cause of the obstructive uropathy was found to be several mature live worms of Schistosoma haematobium. Despite treatment with praziquantel and haemodialysis; we lost the patient due to sepsis from a urinary tract infection. In the second case, a 15 year old male presented with LUTS for a 1 year duration and was diagnosed to have schistosomiasis after eggs of Schistosoma haematobium were found in his urine. He was treated with praziquantel. CONCLUSION: There are several gaps in the public health policies in place to control this NTD in Cameroon as annual distribution of preventive chemotherapy is inadequate due to inaccessibility of some high-endemic zones and is based on data obtained two decades ago. Population education is insufficient leading to poor health-seeking behaviour. These gaps in public health policies need to be addressed to aid in the overall achievement of the sustainable development goals.