Epidemiological profile of occupational risks associated with artisanal burning of plastic materials in Parakou / Profil épidémiologique des risques professionnels associés au brûlage artisanal de matières plastiques à Parakou

Introduction: Burning plastic releases toxic fumes and gases. More and more people engage in the professional activity of welding plastic parts by fusion in Benin. Hence the need for this study. Purpose of research: To assess the frequency of the various occupational risks associated with the welding of plastic materials by burning in Parakou. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study focused on plastic welders in Parakou. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The variables studied were accidents at work, occupational diseases, and socio-professional characteristics. The data was analyzed by Epi info version 7.2.1.0. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 137 subjects were surveyed. They were all male. Almost all of them were victims of accidents at work. The lesions were mainly on the fingers (99%) and feet (99%). The most expressed morbid manifestations were musculoskeletal disorders (98%), rhinitis (87%), cough (79%), tearing (98%) and conjunctival hyperemia (93%). Conclusions: Plastic welding in Parakou is a high health risk activity for craftsmen. It is urgent to take protective measures for these craftsmen.

Introduction: La combustion du plastique dégage des fumées et des gaz toxiques. De plus en plus de personnes se livrent à l'activité professionnelle de soudage de pièces en plastique par fusion au Bénin, d'où la nécessité de cette étude. But de l'étude: Évaluer la fréquence des différents risques professionnels associés au soudage de matières plastiques par brûlage à Parakou. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale, descriptive et à visée analytique qui a porté sur les soudeurs de plastiques à Parakou. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire. Les variables étudiées étaient l'accident du travail, les maladies professionnelles et les caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles. Les données ont été analysées par Épi info version 7.2.1.0. Le seuil de signification a été fixé à p < 0,05. Résultats: Au total 137 sujets ont été enquêtés. Ils étaient tous de sexe masculin. La quasi-totalité d'entre eux était victime d'accidents du travail. Les lésions siégeaient surtout aux doigts (99 %) et aux pieds (99 %). Les manifestations morbides les plus exprimées étaient les troubles musculo-squelettiques (98 %), la rhinite (87 %), la toux (79 %), le larmoiement (98 %) et l'hyperhémie conjonctivale (94 %). Conclusions: Le soudage de plastique à Parakou est une activité à risque sanitaire élevé pour les artisans. La prise de mesures protectrices pour ces artisans est urgente.

Socio-cultural beliefs influence feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a major public health problem. It contributes to the high death rate among children in developing countries despite the various advocacies of institutions such as WHO and FAO and many other organisations. More research needs to be done in order to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this study was to explore socio-cultural practices and their influence on feeding practices of mothers and their children in Grand Popo, Benin. METHODS: A qualitative research methodology was used with an inductive approach. A pretested discussion guide was used to conduct focus group discussions with participants in their local language. Four focus group discussions were held in 4 villages located in both the rural and the semi-urban areas with each focus group comprising seven to eight participants. The study protocol was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of Stellenbosch University. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed and translated to English. The data was analysed following the Creswell data analysis steps. RESULTS: All the children were breastfed, and 56.1% of children under 6 months received breast milk exclusively. Children were introduced to family foods at 5 months with very low consumption of animal protein and fruits. Mothers and children had monotonous diets with high consumption of vegetables and maize-based meals. Food taboos, particularly during pregnancy, were revealed. Those cultural beliefs were still followed by some mothers, and food rich in nutrients were pushed aside. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for educational interventions to raise awareness of the negative impacts of some socio-cultural practices on the health of the mother and child.

The presence of the double burden of malnutrition in children and their mothers in Grand-Popo, Benin.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a public health problem, with 45% of child deaths attributed to undernutrition. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the double burden of malnutrition in children-mother pairs in Benin. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional approach was used to collect data from 408 randomly selected children aged 0-59 months and their mothers. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic and socioeconomic status, and anthropometric measurements were used to estimate the nutritional status of children and body mass indexes of the mothers. The World Health Organization Anthro software was used to estimate Z-scores whereas SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive and regression analysis were carried out on the data. RESULTS: The mean age of children was 24.45 ± 14.9 months and 53.2% were girls. The mean age of mothers was 27.99 ± 6.99, 93.1% were married and approximately 91.7% of households had a monthly income of US$60. Prevalence of wasting in children was 9.8% and stunting was 29.7%. The mean waist circumference of mothers was 79.95 ± 10.35 cm and 19.3% were classified as high metabolic risk. Body mass index measurements showed that 16.9% of mothers were overweight and 7.4% obese. CONCLUSIONS: Stunting and wasting were highly prevalent. There is a coexistence of underweight and overweight in Grand-Popo, Benin. The results drew attention to the need for coordination of preventive interventions to focus on the household food distribution.

Facteurs associés à la lombalgie chez les chauffeurs de transport en commun de la ville de Parakou / NA

Objectif : Déterminer la prévalence et les facteurs de risque de lombalgie chez les chauffeurs de transport en commun de la ville de Parakou. Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive et à visé analytique qui a porté sur les chauffeurs de transport en commun de Parakou, librement consentants. Un questionnaire, une toise, un mètre ruban et un pèse-personne, ont permis la collecte des données en lien avec la lombalgie. Elles ont été traitées et analysées avec Épi info 7.1.5.0. Le test statistique de chi2 a été utilisé pour comparer la prévalence de la lombalgie avec les facteurs de risque. Résultats : 272 chauffeurs tous de sexe masculin ont été enquêtés. La tranche d'âge [35-44 ans] prédominait. Étaient plus représentés les conducteurs de voiture (52,94%), ceux qui avaient moins de 5 ans d'ancienneté (32,72%) et ceux qui restaient en position assise pénible (91,91%). 63,60% souffraient de la lombalgie. Elle n'est statistiquement associée qu'à la vibration mécanique. Conclusion : La lombalgie est un problème de santé publique chez les conducteurs de transport en commun de Parakou

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among public transport drivers in the city of Parakou. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that focused on the public transport drivers of Parakou, freely consenting. A questionnaire, a measuring rod, a tape measure and a bathroom scale were used to collect data related to low back pain. They were processed and analyzed with Epi info 7.1.5.0. The chi2 statistical test was used to compare the prevalence of low back pain with the risk factors. Results: 272 all male drivers were surveyed. The age group [35-44 years] predominated. Car drivers were more represented (52.94%), those with less than 5 years of service (32.72%) and those who remained in a painful sitting position (91.91%). 63.60% suffered from low back pain. It is statistically associated only with mechanical vibration. Conclusion: Low back pain is a public health problem among public transport drivers in Parakou

Factors associated with noncompliance of sodium restriction in hypertensive and heart failure patients at the National Hospital of Cotonou, Benin.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional therapy in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure is a real challenge in terms of compliance of sodium restriction for success of the treatment. The study aims to assess the level of patient compliance with the sodium restriction by salt consumption, prescribed by care providers and the associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total daily salt intake was estimated in a cross-sectional study of 166 hypertensive and heart failure subjects monitored in the cardiology department of the "Centre Hospitalier Universitaire - Hubert Koutoukou Maga" (CNHU-HKM), using two 24-hour recalls combined with a food frequency questionnaire for salt-providing foods. RESULTS: Out of the study, 83.7% of patients had a daily intake above recommendations. Factors associated with the non-compliance of salt restriction were the lack of knowledge of palliative spices and herbs of salty taste (p=0.009) and the consumption of salty snack foods and salty peanuts (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Nutritional education and support activities should be carried out to improve the salt reduction compliance for these patients.

["Getting clear skin and why not?": voluntary depigmentation among women in a southwest region of Benin]. / "Avoir la peau claire et pourquoi pas? ": dépigmentation volontaire chez les femmes dans une région du sud-ouest du Bénin.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with the use of products for voluntary depigmentation among women aged 15-49 years in Comè health zone in Benin. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 511 women aged 15-49 years selected using a cluster survey in 2016. Data were collected using a questionnaire seeking to explore the demographic, socio-cultural and economic characteristics of women. Depigmentation ingredients have been identified looking at the composition of regularly used body lotions. We performed a multiple logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of use for voluntary depigmentation products among women aged 15-49 years in Comè health zone was 79,22% 95%; CI=[75,72-82,78] and 84,23% of women knew at least one of the adverse health effects associated with the use of skin depigmentation products. The products used were hydroquinone based (98.24%) and dermocorticoid based (1.76%). Factors associated with the use of voluntary depigmentation products included marital status (single, widowed, separated or divorced) (OR=3.1; 95% CI=[1.29-7.44]), the search for a husband or a partner (OR=4.92; 95% CI=[1.20-20.09]), the presence of hyperpigmented spots (OR=10.32; 95% CI=[2.87-37,01]). CONCLUSION: These results show that the use of skin depigmentation products among women is a serious and huge public health problem in Comè health zone. Integrated communication campaign which can produce positive changes should be implemented.

[Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and its effect on birth weight: application of 3-dosing regimen in the urban area of South Benin in 2017]. / Traitement préventif intermittent à la sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine chez la femme enceinte et effet sur le poids de naissance du bébé: application de la politique à 3 doses en zone urbaine au Sud Bénin en 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is a major public health problem, responsible for many complications during pregnancy including inadequate intra-uterine growth and hypotrophies. The aim of this study was to determine the adherence to the 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) on birthweight in the Cotonou health zone II and III. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study focusing on 630 women in the postpartum period residing in the Cotonou health zone II and III and selected using a two stage sample. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a data processing form. For analysis, data were weighted and we used variance analysis to compare means and to compare proportions with Chi-square Test including estimates regarding the strength of the association by odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval at 95%. RESULTS: Adherence to the 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment was 34.08% (CI95%: 24.84% 43.30%]. A significant birthweight-gain of 264.5 g (p < 0.001) in mothers who had received more than 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment and chances of having low birth weight baby was lower (OR = 0.45; p = 0.001) among these mothers compared to those who had received less than 3 doses of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine. CONCLUSION: This study highlights low adherence to the new 3-dose regimen of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment in the Cotonou health zone II and III, but it reflects its potential to contribute to the reduction of the risk of low birth weight. Strategies must therefore be implemented to strengthen its application for prevention of malaria and of its consequences on vulnerable targets.

[Functional constipation in the general population of Cotonou (Benin): clinical features and factors influencing dietary behaviours]. / Constipation fonctionnelle en population générale à Cotonou (Bénin): aspects cliniques et influence des facteurs nutritionnels.

INTRODUCTION: Constipation is rare in sub-Saharan Africa, due to the high intake of dietary fiber. The purpose of this work was to describe the different clinical features of functional constipation in the general population in Cotonou and to determine the impact of diet on its occurrence. METHODS: This study was conducted from July to August 2017. Subjects were considered affected by functional constipation when criteria for Rome IV or Bristol stool scale were completed. RESULTS: In total, 1058 participants were enrolled: (574 men, sex-ratio 1.2; average age 29 years). The prevalence of functional constipation was 24.2% (Rome IV) and 20.4% (Bristol stool scale). Clinical manifestations were dominated by the emission of hard or fragmented stools (90.6%), pushing efforts during defecation (78.9%), and feeling of incomplete evacuation (76.2%). Dietary habits among people affected by constipation were: at breakfast, maize meal + donut/peanuts (39.1%), lunch, corn dough (38.7%), at dinner, corn dough (57.4%), and as a snack banana (35.5%). There was no statistically significant relationship between constipation and morning meal (p=0.09), lunch meal (p=0.901), snack (p=0.09) or dinner (p=0.75) respectively. CONCLUSION: The emission of hard or fragmented stools was the most common clinical manifestation among people affected by constipation living in Cotonou. Dietary habits do not influence the occurrence of functional constipation in our case series.

Factors associated with early sexual intercourse among teenagers and young adults in rural south of Benin.

Early initiation to sexual intercourse increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS and early or unwanted pregnancies. This study aimed identifying the factors associated with the early initiation to sexual intercourse among teenagers and young adults aged 10-24, in the south of Benin. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the south of Benin where 360 respondents were selected by random cluster sampling. Multiple logistic regressions was used to find related factors to early sexual intercourse. The significance level for the tests was of 5%. The average reported age of initiation to sexual intercourse was 14.75±2.18. Among the male teenagers and young adults, 41.11% had an early sexual intercourse against 20.24% for the female gender (P<10-3). The lack of communication between parents-teenagers (P=0.003), level of education of the father (P=0.021), exposure to pornographic movies (P=0.025), an adverse opinion on premarital sexual abstinence (P=0.026) were significantly associated with early sexual intercourse. Communication about health promotion for behavioural change may contribute to delay the age of sexual initiation.

High serum organochlorine pesticide concentrations in diabetics of a cotton producing area of the Benin Republic (West Africa).

The Borgou region of northern Benin is a major cotton producing area and consistently uses higher amounts of pesticides than other areas of the country. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), poorly handled, have been widely used and are still illegally present. We therefore hypothesized that serum OCP levels would be high in Borgou. As part of a case-control study on diabetes status and pesticide exposure, we measured the distribution of serum concentrations of 14 OCPs by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. A sample of 118 diabetic subjects was selected using a four-stage cluster sampling with 54.2% of men and 45.8% of women; 43% lived in urban areas, 14.4% were obese and 39.8% had high economic status. The four detected OCPs were p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, ß-HCH and trans-nonachlor with respective geometric means (geometric standard deviation) of 497.1 (4.5), 20.6 (7.9), 2.9 (3.4), and 2.0 (2.3) ng/g of total serum lipids. OCP levels were significantly higher in obese, wealthier and more educated subjects and in those living in urban areas as compared to the other groups, particularly for p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT and ß-HCH. Levels of DDT and DDE were higher than reported in other countries where DDT is no longer permitted. The low DDT/DDE ratio of 0.05 suggests past human exposure through food contamination. There is thus a need to reinforce governmental regulations for a more responsible use of pesticides in the country, in order to reduce health risks associated with persistent organic pollutants.

Growing burden of diabetes in sub-saharan Africa: contribution of pesticides ?

The diabetes burden is growing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The low overall access to health care has been documented to contribute to the high diabetes-related mortality. Due to economic, demographic, epidemiological and nutrition transitions in SSA, the growing prevalence of diabetes appears to be related to obesogenic lifestyles and the intergenerational impact of malnutrition in women of childbearing age. Both overnutrition and undernutrition have been associated with the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Africans are also suspected of being genetically predisposed to diabetes. According to existing data in developed countries, exposure to pesticides, particularly organochlorines and metabolites, is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its comorbidities. In African countries, pesticide exposure levels often appear much higher than in developed countries. Furthermore, undernutrition, which is still highly prevalent in SSA, could increase susceptibility to the adverse effects of organic pollutants. Therefore, the growing and inadequate use of pesticides may well represent an additional risk factor for diabetes in SSA. Additionally, high exposure to pesticides in African infants in utero and during the perinatal period may increase the intergenerational risk of developing diabetes in SSA.