Arterial Hypertension-Related Factors within Custodial Settings of Southern Benin in 2023

Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height2 (kg/m2) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.

Excessive Drowsiness among Truck Drivers in Benin in 2023: Associated Factors and Risk of Crashes Occurrence

Introduction: Over-drowsiness is a condition with serious consequences, including road accidents. The condition, however, is often ignored both by carers as well as victims themselves. The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors associated with excessive drowsiness in Cotonou, Benin 2023, along with its influence on the occurrence of crashes among truck drivers. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, held from March 13 to April 10, 2023, focusing on large truck drivers over 18 years of age, selected by convenience from parking lots in and around the city of Cotonou. Data collected using questionnaires on socio-demographic and behavioral factors, sleeping habits and working conditions were processed using Stata 15.0 software. Excessive drowsiness was defined by a score above 10 on the Epworth scale. Associated factors were found by multiple logistic regression, at a threshold of 0.05. Results: Altogether 304 drivers, all male and aged 35.98 ± 8.42 years, were surveyed. The prevalence of excessive drowsiness was 29.2%. The associated factors identified were not practicing sport OR = 2.27, CI95% = [1.33;3.86], p = 0,002;sleep duration per working day OR = 1.82;CI95% = [1.06;3.11], p = 0,027 and average distance travelled per day OR = 3.40;CI95% = [1.53;7.56], p = 0,003. Excessive drowsiness was associated with a 1.73-fold increased risk of road accidents (CI95% [1.04;2.87];p = 0.03). Conclusion: Communicating excessive drowsiness and its associated factors to all the stakeholders in the haulage chain is essential to help prevent road accidents.

Factors Associated with Pregnancy Outcomes in Hypertensive Pregnant Women in a District Hospital in Benin

Introduction: Hypertension is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims at exploring the outcomes of pregnancy and associated factors in hypertensive pregnant women in Comè district hospital from 2014 to 2016. Methods: This is a retrospective, analytical study carried out in June 2016, involving a total of 345 hypertensive patients. Socio-demographic and medical features, including pregnancy and foetal outcomes parameters, were recorded in the case files. Top-down stepwise logistic regression was performed at the 5% threshold. Results: The frequency of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy was estimated at 7.32% and unfavourable outcomes at 35.65%. The adverse maternal outcomes recorded were postpartum death and haemorrhage whereas adverse foetal issues were prematurity, low birth weight, low Apgar scores, stillbirth and death. Factors statistically associated with pregnancy outcome were paucigravida (OR = 2.01 ([1.05 - 3.88]), p = 0.035), history of stillbirth (OR = 4.75 ([1.01 - 22.1]), p = 0.048) and anticonvulsant therapy (OR = 0.32 ([0.19 - 0.54]), p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adequate monitoring via Antenatal Care (ANC) check-ups, timely recourse to care and an effective communication strategy should reduce hypertensive disorders incidence and adverse outcomes in pregnant women.