BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a public health concern worldwide. The clinical manifestations include underweight and oral lesions. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between oral pathologies and underweight among HIV-positive patients in Yaounde, Cameroon. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study between February 1st and 30th June 2021 at Yaounde Central Hospital in Cameroon. A total of 205 HIV positive patients aged at least 18 years were recruited via consecutive sampling. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, anthropometric data, dietary habits, HIV history and treatment and oral examination data. The data were analysed with R software. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the risk of being underweight among HIV-positive patients with oral pathologies. A p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. ResultsThe prevalence of oral pathologies was 52.7% (95% CI: 45.6-59.6), and the main pathologies were candidiasis (40.5%, 95% CI: 33.7-47.5) and linear erythema (32.2%, 95% CI: 25.9-39.1). The prevalence of underweight was 20% (95% CI: 14.88-26.26). Binary logistic regression revealed that HIV-positive patients with oral pathologies were 10.89 (95% CI: 2.28-16.63) times more likely to be underweight than were HIV positive and AIDS patients without oral pathologies (p = 0.002). ConclusionOral candidiasis and linear erythema were common in HIV positive and AIDS patients. HIV-positive and AIDS patients with these oral pathologies were at higher risk of being underweight than were those without oral pathologies. The effective medical care of these patients must include oral and nutritional management.

The current study aims at assessing dietary diversity and household food insecurity among children under 5 years. A community-based cross-sectional survey of 321 households was carried out with the use of a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that household food insecurity is highly prevalent within the study area and this is mainly as a result of low dietary diversity, which impacts the nutritional status of children under-five. This calls for the intensification of food aid and hunger relief activities within the area. Gender disparities in the mist of food insecurity highlight the need for gender-sensitive interventions against the condition.

BackgroundTooth decay and periodontal diseases are the main oral pathologies in the world. The prevalence of overweight in children has increased worldwide. Overweight children have alterations in the composition of saliva and excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids tend to slow the metabolism of carbohydrates in the oral cavity leading to tooth decay, periodontal disease and others oral disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between oral pathologies and overweight in pupils of primary schools of Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2020 in four government primary schools selected through cluster sampling in Yaounde. 650 pupils aged between 6 and 11 years were enrolled. Data collected included anthropometric, oral pathologies, quality of oral hygiene and feeding habits. Data were analysed with the SPSS 26.0 statistical software and binary logistic regression was used to determine the risks of oral pathologies in overweight pupils. P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 27% (95% CI: 23.5-30.5). The main oral pathologies was tooth decay (60.3%). Binary logistic regression revealed that overweight pupils were significantly 1.5 times more likely to develop tooth decay than non-overweight pupils (95% CI: 1.1-2.4).ConclusionOverweight, tooth decay are prevalent among pupils. Overweight pupils have a higher risk of developing tooth decay compared to non-obese pupils. An integrated package of oral and nutritional health promotion activities is necessary in primary schools in Cameroon.

Background: According to the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, undernutrition remains a public health problem among Cameroonian children under-five. This varies across the country, greatest in areas with ongoing humanitarian crisis, such as the Southwest region. However, data on the burden of undernutrition in the Southwest region is sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition among children under-five in the Buea health district of the Southwest region of Cameroon.Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study of 321 children under-five/caretaker pairs, surveyed from households selected using multistage randomized sampling. Data were collected by trained data collectors, with the aid of a structured, pre-tested questionnaire that captured information on sociodemographic characteristics, food security, dietary diversity and anthropometric measurements. The weight, height/length and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured using standardized instruments. Stunting, Wasting and Underweight of children were calculated from Z-scores of Height-for-age (HAZ), Weight-for-height (WHZ) and Weight-for-age (WAZ) based on 2006 WHO standards. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Predictors of malnutrition were obtained using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders.Results: Overall, 31.8% (102/321) of the children were undernourished (26.5% stunted, 1.6% underweight, 3.7% wasted). Drinking water from inappropriate sources (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.30-4.15) and a Dietary Diversity Score < 4 (OR: 2.59, 95%CI: 1.46-4.61) were independently associated with increased risk of stunting. Children of the male sex were more likely to be wasted than females (OR: 5.34, 95%CI: 1.09-26.14).Conclusion: Childhood undernutrition, particularly stunting is common in the Buea Health District. Risk factors of undernutrition identified are potentially modifiable, highlighting the need for nutrition specific and sensitive interventions to improve dietary diversity, and the need to improve access to safe drinking water, and educate caretakers on the importance of clean potable water, good sanitation and hygiene for the proper growth and development of their children.

In African traditional societies, women oversaw the maintenance of the household by assuming responsibilities such as mother, wife and caretaker. In addition to this, women were involved in economic and political affairs. During the colonial era, however, men were in charge of education, politics and economic affairs, to the near exclusion of women who were specifically trained for home caring roles and on being good wives. This study explores the impact of traditional and colonial systems on women's identities and lives in French Cameroon. Data was collected from five focus group discussions involving 24 conveniently sampled Cameroonian women aged 55 and above and analyzed using the framework of Content Analysis. The women acknowledged the marginal roles of women in traditional societies although respected and loved, social control and compliance rooted in traditional societies and exacerbated during colonial times, social isolation of women during colonialism because of the traditional roles assigned to women and their fear of white male colonialists, and gender-discriminate colonial education.

Background: Agriculture is undoubtedly the backbone of the Cameroonian economy, and other economic activities thrive only if production in this sector is assured. It has been estimated that approximately 25 million agricultural workers worldwide experience unintentional pesticide poisoning yearly. Unfortunately, limited information exists about the health and safety of the farmers. The aim of this study was to describe the occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions of farmers working on small-scale tomato farms in the western region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional research method was used to collect data from tomato farmers in May 2017, using a questionnaire developed by the research team. Results: A total of 104 tomato farmers from small-scale farms participated in the study. The analysis revealed that the occupation is male-dominated (86.5%). The training and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among farmers were rare (35.6%), and farmers were mostly exposed to chemical hazards. The farmers reported the following work-related health problems: skin irritation, backache, impairment of the central nervous system (CNS), visual problems, and respiratory difficulties. Conclusions: The OHS conditions on small-scale tomato farms are mostly poor, thus predisposing farmers to the risk of work-related health problems. Exposure to occupational hazards can be significantly reduced if the required PPE are available and efficiently used.

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has a long history of struggling with child undernutrition. The prevalence of undernutrition is still high and knowledge about this public health problem and the underlying causes is essential for children’s health.

Aim: To evaluate the anthropometric status of children under five in the Bandja village of Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken that included 388 children. Undernutrition was evaluated in terms of wasting, stunting and underweight. Information on sex, age, birth order, birth interval, duration of breastfeeding, and mother’s age at birth, occupation and educational level were collected.

Results: The prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight was 3.2%, 16.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Boys were more stunted than girls (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.16–4.34). Children less than 30 months were more often wasted than older children (OR 17.70; 95% CI 1.82–172.40). The first and second born in order were more stunted than the third or later born in order (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.02–4.18). Children of farming mothers were more often stunted (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.35–6.13) and underweight (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.09–11.09) than others. Children still being breastfed were more underweight (OR 6.52; 95% CI 1.31–32.43) than those whose mothers had finished breastfeeding.

Conclusion: Undernutrition is highly prevalent in Bandja, and is more common among boys, younger children, first born in order, children still being breastfed and children of farming mothers. This study underlines the importance of intervention to prevent and reduce undernutrition among children.

Polygyny is a matrimonial union in which a single man is simultaneously married to multiple wives. On a daily basis, women in polygynous unions suffer from financial, emotional and physical burdens. This study explores women’s perceptions of this matrimonial regime and the factors influencing their sexual health decision-making in Cameroon. Drawing on interviews with twenty-three women aged 23 to 80 years living in polygynous unions, we explore women’s daily life and perceptions on polygyny. Using content analysis, meaning units relating to respondents’ experiences and perceptions were identified and condensed into codes and categories that were later grouped into themes. Five themes emerged – refusal and tolerance; heavy workload and responsibility; lack of power in sexual health decision-making; discrimination and unequal treatment of spouses; and emotional suppression. Women reported emotional suppression, limited rights, discrimination and poor living conditions as being the most significant problems that they encountered. Addressing the discrimination faced by women in polygynous unions will entail adopting and implementing laws to protect women’s rights and promote their empowerment.

The Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon advises mothers to follow the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and to continue breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond. Despite these recommendations, malnutrition due to inadequate feeding practices is still prevalent in Cameroon. Therefore, this study aims to explore infant feeding perceptions and identify factors influencing infant feeding practices in Cameroon. Forty-nine women aged 19 to 38 who had infants aged 6 days to 15 months were purposively selected from hospitals during the vaccination days and interviewed until saturation. The research tools included six qualitative group interviews, with each group comprising 6 to 10 women. The study was conducted in the rural area of Bandja and the urban areas of Yaoundé and Bamenda. Data were analysed using content analysis. In the study, breastfeeding was agreed upon as the best way to feed infants and was commonly practised for 1 to 2 years. Nevertheless, few infants were breastfed exclusively. Complementary foods were often nutritionally inadequate; many children were not given fruit, vegetables or foods of animal origin on a daily basis. Cultural beliefs, tradition, community norms and low educational and economic levels negatively influenced the implementation of appropriate infant feeding recommendations. The short duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the poor food diversity are the main problems. In response, it is necessary to strengthen the position of women, increase the period of maternal leave, introduce sustainable and practical education for both parents about breastfeeding, and provide good, local complementary foods. 

Persons with albinism (PWA) in Yaoundé, Cameroon are reported to experience stigma, discrimination and violation of their human rights based primarily on their lack of pigmentation in their skin, eyes and hair. This study explores the challenges faced by persons with albinism, with particular reference to their knowledge of albinism, social and health issues and support. This qualitative research study recruited persons with albinism through a non-probability sampling technique in the city of Yaoundé, capital city of Cameroon. Data were collected through three focus group discussions with 19 persons (13 women and 6 men, adults) with albinism and thematic content analysis was employed to analyze responses. Almost all participants revealed societal discrimination, stigmatization, human rights violations, and some reported frustration due to injustice, rejection and superstitions. All the participants had visual problems and 12 had skin diseases. These conditions were inadequately managed due to lack of care, rejection by others, superstition and limited financial resources. The majority of participants had a good understanding of albinism. This study urges social work interventions such as support groups for persons with albinism and their families; educational awareness programmes; and advocacy for the rights of persons with albinism to healthcare, education and employ- ment opportunities, and to demystify all myths and cultural beliefs surrounding albinism.