Factors Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes of South Benin: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) adversely affects health-related quality of life (QoL). However, little is known about the QoL of diabetic patients in Benin, where the disease is a growing concern. Thus, this study aims to assess the QoL and its associated factors among T2D patients in Cotonou, southern Benin. Methods: A total of 300 T2D patients (age > 18 years) were enrolled, and the diabetes-specific quality of life (DQoL) and Natividad self-care behaviors' (SCB) instruments were used for data collection. DQoL scores were calculated, and factors associated with DQoL explored using logistic regression. Results: The mean of patients' DQoL was 38.1 ± 4.1, with 43% having low QoL. In terms of DQoL, 56.3% reported a high diabetes impact, followed by low life satisfaction (53%) and high worry about diabetes (32.7%). In the logistic regression analysis, education, marital status, occupation, family history of diabetes, complications, and social support were associated with DQoL. SCB factors, including healthy eating, problem-solving, coping strategies, and risk reduction, were significant predictors of DQoL. Conclusions: Patients' empowerment, starting with self-management education, is essential to improve the QoL of T2D patients in Cotonou. However, the programs need to target low education, low socioeconomic status, low social support, and overweight patients.

Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in Cotonou, Southern Benin.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is becoming an epidemic with significant disability and premature death in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. However, little is known about the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) necessary for diabetic patients to enhance therapeutic outcomes and prevent diabetes complications. The study aimed to assess patients' KAP levels and identify the factors associated in Cotonou, southern Benin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2019 among 300 diabetic patients from four health centers. Data was collected using validated questionnaires. KAP levels were determined by calculating the scores, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore factors influencing KAP scores. RESULTS: About 53, 52, and 47% of all patients had good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards diabetes. In logistic regression, factors such as being female, married, educated, government/non-government employee, and longer duration of diabetes were significantly associated with good knowledge. Being married, having a longer duration of diabetes, and good knowledge were significantly associated with a good attitude while being educated, having a longer duration of diabetes, and good knowledge with good practice. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of knowledge, poor attitude, and inadequate practice were found in this surveyed community, suggesting a need for structured educational programs to assist diabetic patients. However, education should be considered a priority for male, newly diagnosed, and uneducated patients.

Adiponectin, in contrast to leptin, is not associated with body mass index, waist circumference and HOMA-IR in subjects of a west-African population.

Factors associated with plasma levels of adiponectin and leptin were studied in adult subjects without diabetes from Cotonou in Benin (West-Africa). Seventy (70) men and 45 women were included in the study. Anthropometric variables were measured and a venous blood sample was drawn from each subject, after an overnight fasting period, for measurement of plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. HOMA-IR was determined to assess insulin resistance. Adiponectin and leptin levels were higher in women than in men (with adiponectin 18.48 ± 12.77 vs.7.8 ± 10.39 µg/mL, P < 0.0001, and leptin 30.77 ± 19.16 vs. 8.66 ± 8.24 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). Fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR were also higher in the females. Hyperleptinemia was observed in 66,96% of subjects and hypoadiponectinemia was present in 44.35% of subjects. In both men and women, leptin correlated with age (r = 0.2; P = 0.02), BMI (r = 0.572; P < 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.534; P < 0.0001), fasting insulin (r = 0.461; P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.430; P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed for adiponectin levels with these variables. Only in women, adiponectin was inversely correlated with fasting glucose (r = -0.423; P < 0.004). These data confirm previous descriptions of leptin but suggest that variations in factors determining serum adiponectin levels observed between ethnicities could also been seen between populations from the same ethnicity.

Profil épidemiologique de la maladie rénale chronique dans le service de néphrologie du CNHU-HKM de Cotonou

Introduction : La maladie rénale chronique (MRC) constitue un problème majeur de santé publique. Le but de ce travail est d'étudier le profil épidémiologique de la maladie rénale chronique dans la clinique universitaire de néphrologie et d'hémodialyse du CNHU-HKM de Cotonou. Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive qui porte sur tous les patients hospitalisés ou suivis en consultation externe sur une période allant du 1er janvier 2010 au 31 décembre 2014 soit 5 ans. Etaient inclus dans l'étude, les patients des deux sexes âgés de plus de quinze (15) et présentant une MRC définie par un débit de filtration glomérulaire inferieur à 60ml/min/1,73m2 sur trois (3) mois et/ou un des marqueurs d'atteinte rénale persistant au-delà de trois (3) mois. La collecte des données a été faite par un dépouillement des dossiers à l'aide d'un questionnaire établi. Résultats : Au total 820 cas de MRC ont été retenus. La moyenne d'âge des patients était de 47 ± 15 ans. La sex-ratio était de 1,8, la profession artisanale représentait 41,2% suivis de commerçants à 29%. La MRC représentait 91% des admissions. Le stade 5 de l'insuffisance rénale chronique terminale était observé chez 78% des patients. Les principales étiologies étaient dominées par HTA 75%, diabète sucré 15% et glomérulonéphrite chronique (GNC) 4%. Conclusion : La prévalence de la MRC est très élevée dans le service. Le diagnostic précoce et la prise en charge adéquate de HTA, diabète et GNC sont nécessaires

Résistance bactérienne au cours des infections urinaires chez les patients diabétiques au CNHU-HKM de Cotonou, Bénin

Introduction : La prévalence et le risque d'infection urinaire sont élevés chez le patient diabétique. L'objectif de notre travail était d'identifier les germes responsables d'infection urinaire et d'étudier leur comportement vis-à-vis des antibiotiques testés. Méthode: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale et descriptive ayant porté sur les comptes rendus de 78 cas d'examen cytobactériologique des urines (ECBU) réalisés sur une période de 45 mois s'étendant de janvier 2012 à septembre 2015. Le diagnostic de l'infection urinaire a été retenu en présence d'une bactériurie positive c'est-à-dire une bactériurie du milieu de jet ≥ 105 cfu/ml chez la femme et ≥ 104 cfu/ml chez l'homme ou une bactériurie d'urines prélevées dans une sonde à demeure ≥ 102 cfu/ml. Résultats: Sur les 666 diabétiques hospitalisés, 78 avaient réalisé un ECBU et parmi les ECBU réalisés 46 étaient positifs. L'âge moyen des patients inclus dans notre travail était de 53,1 ± 15,7 ans avec des extrêmes de 22 ans et 87ans. Le sexe féminin était plus représenté (58,4%) soit une sex ratio de 0,71. L'Escherichia coli était le germe le plus fréquent (47,83% des cas), suivi du Klebsiella pneumoniae (19,57% des cas), du Streptococcus agalactiae (6,52% des cas), Staphylococcus epidermidis (4,3%). Concernant les betalactamines testées, le taux de résistance était de 85% pour l'ampicilline, 84% pour l'amoxicilline, 91% pour l'oxacilline, 59% pour la ceftriaxone et 10% pour l'imipénème. Quant aux quinolones, le taux de résistance était de 74% pour la norfloxacine et 67% pour la ciprofloxacine. De faibles taux de résistance ont été retrouvés pour la nétilmicine (33%), le thiamphénicol (28%) et la nitrofurantoine (26%). Conclusion: Le germe le plus fréquent était l'Escherichia coli. Le taux de résistance bactérienne était très élevée pour les betalactamines et les quinolones mais relativement plus faible pour les phénicolés, les aminosides et les nitrofuranes. Ces données devraient être prises en compte lors de toute antibiothérapie à visée urinaire surtout probabiliste

Simple calculator to estimate the medical cost of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa.

AIM: To design a medical cost calculator and show that diabetes care is beyond reach of the majority particularly patients with complications. METHODS: Out-of-pocket expenditures of patients for medical treatment of type-2 diabetes were estimated based on price data collected in Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali. A detailed protocol for realistic medical care of diabetes and its complications in the African context was defined. Care components were based on existing guidelines, published data and clinical experience. Prices were obtained in public and private health facilities. The cost calculator used Excel. The cost for basic management of uncomplicated diabetes was calculated per person and per year. Incremental costs were also computed per annum for chronic complications and per episode for acute complications. RESULTS: Wide variations of estimated care costs were observed among countries and between the public and private healthcare system. The minimum estimated cost for the treatment of uncomplicated diabetes (in the public sector) would amount to 21%-34% of the country's gross national income per capita, 26%-47% in the presence of retinopathy, and above 70% for nephropathy, the most expensive complication. CONCLUSION: The study provided objective evidence for the exorbitant medical cost of diabetes considering that no medical insurance is available in the study countries. Although the calculator only estimates the cost of inaction, it is innovative and of interest for several stakeholders.

[Means of communication for an early detection of diabetic nephropathy among the diabetics followed in the academic hospital of Cotonou]. / Moyens de communication en vue du dépistage précoce de la néphropathie diabétique chez les diabétiques suivis à l'hôpital universitaire de Cotonou.

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and the means of communication for early detection of diabetic nephropathy. This is a prospective study which took place from 6 February to 31 May 2012, in the Academic Clinics of Nephrology-Hemodialysis and the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases. Included all patients with diabetes mellitus in two sexes, older than fifteen years and hospitalized in one of these two clinicals or received in consultation during the study period. A questionnaire is used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed by STATA 11(®) in its English version. One hundred and sixty patients were enrolled. More than 4 out of 5 patients had reported knowledge of diabetes mellitus while only 26.67% had acknowledged that manifests itself by high glycemia. More than half of the patients (57.50%) had said that diabetes mellitus can be complicated by renal impairment. Three out of four diabetics (75.63%) didn't know that it is possible to make an early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy. The radio and television broadcasts, and sensitizations during medical consultations represented the best means of communication for early detection of diabetic nephropathy. The combination of several means of communication will raise awareness on early detection of diabetic nephropathy.

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.

Growth factor concentrations and their placental mRNA expression are modulated in gestational diabetes mellitus: possible interactions with macrosomia.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. GDM is a well known risk factor for foetal overgrowth, termed macrosomia which is influenced by maternal hypergycemia and endocrine status through placental circulation. The study was undertaken to investigate the implication of growth factors and their receptors in GDM and macrosomia, and to discuss the role of the materno-foeto-placental axis in the in-utero regulation of foetal growth. METHODS: 30 women with GDM and their 30 macrosomic babies (4.75 +/- 0.15 kg), and 30 healthy age-matched pregnant women and their 30 newborns (3.50 +/- 0.10 kg) were recruited in the present study. Serum concentrations of GH and growth factors, i.e., IGF-I, IGF-BP3, FGF-2, EGF and PDGF-B were determined by ELISA. The expression of mRNA encoding for GH, IGF-I, IGF-BP3, FGF-2, PDGF-B and EGF, and their receptors, i.e., GHR, IGF-IR, FGF-2R, EGFR and PDGFR-beta were quantified by using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-BP3, EGF, FGF-2 and PDGF-B were higher in GDM women and their macrosomic babies as compared to their respective controls. The placental mRNA expression of the growth factors was either upregulated (FGF-2 or PDGF-B) or remained unaltered (IGF-I and EGF) in the placenta of GDM women. The mRNA expression of three growth factor receptors, i.e., IGF-IR, EGFR and PDGFR-beta, was upregulated in the placenta of GDM women. Interestingly, serum concentrations of GH were downregulated in the GDM women and their macrosomic offspring. Besides, the expression of mRNAs encoding for GHR was higher, but that encoding for GH was lower, in the placenta of GDM women than control women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that growth factors might be implicated in GDM and, in part, in the pathology of macrosomia via materno-foeto-placental axis.

Prevention of venous thromboembolism among inpatients at Cotonou teaching hospital, Benin.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use and appropriateness of preventive measures for venous thrombosis among adult inpatients in a Benin teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients were systematically enrolled. The risk of venous thrombosis was estimated according to international guidelines. Thromboembolic events were diagnosed using the Wells score and, when possible, by paraclinical investigations. The following variables were studied: the risk of venous thrombosis, the use and appropriateness of preventive measures, and the frequency of thromboembolic events. The data were analyzed with Epiinfo 6.04.fr and SPSS software, and significance was assumed at p=0.05. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 487 patients recruited in four surgical wards, four general wards and one obstetric-gynecology ward. Mean age was 38.7+/-11.3 years and the sex ratio 0.51. The risk of thrombosis was considered low in 15% of patients, moderate in 60.8%, high in 21.1% and very high in 3.1%. Prophylactic measures were prescribed to 33.9% of the patients overall, 53.6% in the obstetric gynecology ward, 28.5% in the surgical wards and 12.9% in the general wards. The frequency of preventive measures rose with the level of risk (p<0.0001). Preventive measures consisted of passive mobilization, aspirin, enoxaparin and acenocoumarol. The prescriptions were appropriate in only 6% of cases. Among 198 patients who were monitored for two months after hospital discharge, 8% had a venous thromboembolic event. Such events were more frequent in the absence of prophylaxis (12% vs 3.3%, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The risk of venous thromboembolic is recognized but poorly managed in this Bénin teaching hospital.