[Diabetes in Ivory Coast: special epidemiological features]. / Le diabète sucré diagnostiqué en Côte d'Ivoire: des particularités epidémiologiques.

Within less than a quarter century diabetes has become a health problem in developing countries. In Africa this metabolic disorder is found in a wide variety of sometimes atypical forms. The purpose of this study was to highlight the special epidemiological features of medically diagnosed diabetes in Ivory Coast. Data from the files of 10320 African patients who presented at a major national outpatient care centre between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2000 were compiled and analyzed. Findings showed that morbidity gradually increased from 30 to 49 years then stabilized from 50 to 69 years with a higher rate in males between 30 and 49 years. One of the five national ethnic groups appeared to be most affected and two appeared to be relatively unaffected. On the basis of several criteria, 5968 patients were classified as type 1 in 11.8% of cases, type 2 without excess body weight in 48.7% and type 2 with excess body weight in 39.5%. The second of these identified groups was characterized by intermediate-discovered glycaemia and older age at diagnosis. Epidemiological features included age of occurrence and higher morbidity in young male patients, probable higher premature mortality, likely links with socio-cultural environmental factors and existence of two type 2 subgroups. This profile underlines the challenges of screening, management and prevention of diabetes in Ivory Coast.

[Potability of drinking water sold in bags to public primary school children in Abidjan]. / Etude de la potabilité des eaux de boisson en sachet vendues aux abords des écoles primaires publiques d'Abidjan.

This study was carried out in order to determine the potability of drinking water sold in bags near 26 primary schools in Abidjan. Samples of this water revealed its poor microbiological and chemical quality. This exposes consumers to health risks. Consumers should be informed of the danger involved while vendors should be educated and their activities monitored by the Municipal Health services.