Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Defence and Security Forces in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as “actual exposure to death or the threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence”, either directly or indirectly, resulting in a symptomatic procession of repetition, avoidance, neurovegetative hyperactivity and individualized symptoms, with or without negative cognitive and mood changes. It therefore goes without saying that the defence and security forces constitute a high-risk population in need of attention. Objective: To study post-traumatic stress disorder in defence and security forces in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of active military, republican police and firefighters in the city of Parakou in 2023. Non-proportional stratified sampling was used, given the inaccessibility of the source population size for national security reasons. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the “post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCLS-5) scale. Results: A total of 305 subjects participated in the survey. Males dominated 90.2%. The most represented corps was the Republican Police (41.6%), most of whom were non-commissioned officers (46.6%). The majority count between 11 and 20 years of service (48.9%), with 2 to 5 missions completed (67.5%). The calculated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 11.8%, based on the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5). Of the 36 respondents with post-traumatic stress disorder, 20 (55.6%) had experienced an armed attack, 25 (69.4%) had witnessed a violent death, 18 (50.0%) had witnessed the agony of a colleague, 15 (41.7%) had been exposed to a fire or explosion, while 26 (72.2%) had been traumatized by physical and/or verbal aggression. 5 (13.9%) had consulted a specialist psychiatrist, while 6 (16.7%) were on medication and 26 (72.2%) used sport as a means of maintaining physical and mental health. Respectively 22 (61.1%) and 21 (58.3%) had definite symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between post-traumatic stress disorder and the following variables: total number of children ≤ 2 (p = 0.015), comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (p = 0.007), history of hepatitis (p = 0.017), work accidents (p = 0.016), alcohol dependence (p = 0.004), domestic violence (p = 0.004), psychological violence (p = 0.017) and anxiety disorders (p Conclusion: Defence and security personnel can also be prey to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which needs to be systematically taken into account when they are subjected to trauma in the course of their duties. Mental health should be an integral part of the periodic medical check-up objectives for defence and security forces throughout the country.

Sexual Assault and Its Psychopathological Repercussions in the Life of Female Students in Northeastern Benin (2023)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychic repercussions of sexual assault among female students in Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among all students at the University of Parakou. The sampling technique was stratified non-proportional at two levels. The dependent variable was self-reported sexual assault. The psychopathological repercussions linked to sexual assault and explored in these students were: post-traumatic stress disorder assessed with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 (PCL-5) scale;and current depression screened with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. Results: A total of 376 female students from the University of Parakou meeting the inclusion criteria were surveyed. The average age of the subjects surveyed was 20.56 ± 2.46 years, with extremes of 16 and 32 years. A predominance of subjects under 25 was observed. The prevalence of sexual assault among female students at the University of Parakou was 10.63%. The types of aggression suffered were mostly rape (18 people;45%) and sexual touching (16 people;40%), and the aggressors were mainly friends/boyfriends (13;32.5%), family members (12;30.0%) and people from the house/neighborhood (9;22.5%). Psychological repercussions included depression in 72.5% (29) of cases, with mild depression in 30% (12), moderate depression in 37.5% (15) and severe depression in 5% (2). Anxiety disorders were present in 27.50% (11) of victims. The risk factors associated with sexual assault in these students were gravidity (p = 0.014;OR = 15.32), unhappy life events (p = 0.01;OR = 17.24), and age of first sexual intercourse (p = 0.016;OR = 4.608). Conclusion: One in ten female students in Parakou has been sexually assaulted. Once again, preventive action through effective sex education is a means of fighting the problem that should be prioritized for every girl and boy from an early age. Psychological support by specialists should be offered to any victim discovered without delay. Communication on the subject should be multiplied in all family and academic educational environments, from the lowest to the highest levels.

Problematic Use of Video Games in Schools in Northern Benin (2023)

Objective: To study the problematic use of video games among secondary school students in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the commune of Parakou from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of students regularly enrolled in public and private secondary schools in the city of Parakou for the 2022-2023 academic year. A two-stage non-proportional stratified sampling technique combined with simple random sampling was adopted. The Problem Video Game Playing (PVP) scale was used to assess problem gambling in the study population, while anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 1030 students were included. The mean age of the pupils surveyed was 15.06 ± 2.68 years, with extremes of 10 and 28 years. The [13 - 18] age group was the most represented, with a proportion of 59.6% (614) in the general population. Females predominated, at 52.8% (544), with a sex ratio of 0.89. The prevalence of problematic video game use was 24.9%, measured using the Video Game Playing scale. Associated factors were male gender (p = 0.005), pocket money under 10,000 cfa (p = 0.001) and between 20,000 - 90,000 cfa (p = 0.030), addictive family behavior (p < 0.001), monogamous family (p = 0.023), good relationship with father (p = 0.020), organization of video game competitions (p = 0.001) and definite anxiety (p Conclusion: Substance-free addiction is struggling to attract the attention it deserves, as it did in its infancy everywhere else. This study complements existing data and serves as a reminder of the need to focus on this group of addictions, whose problematic use of video games remains the most frequent due to its accessibility and social tolerance. Preventive action combined with curative measures remains the most effective means of combating the problem at national level.

Eating Disorders among Students in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: From their earliest hours, human beings are able to identify a source of food and to feed themselves. Feeding is therefore one of the most instinctive human functions. It is regulated by several factors (physiological, psycho-affective and environmental) whose disruption can lead to eating disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate eating disorders among students in the town of Parakou in 2023. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2023 in various universities in the city of Parakou, Benin. The study population consisted of all students in grades 1 to 7 at these universities. A two-stage non-proportional stratified sampling technique combined with a simple random draw was adopted. The Eating Attitude Test-26, Bulimia Inventory Test Edinburgh and a set of questions focusing on the diagnostic criteria for pica were used to screen for pica and other disorders such as anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25. Results: A total of 607 students were surveyed, 323 of whom had eating disorders. A prevalence of 53.21% of students at risk of eating disorders was found. In relation to the total population, the prevalences of anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and pica were 45.96%, 0.82%, 15.48% and 12.68% respectively. In multivariate analysis, seven factors explained the risk to develop at least one eating disorder among the students surveyed. These were: urban area of residence (OR (95% CI) = 5.059 (1.75 - 14.65);p = 0.003);year of study (OR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.28 - 0.79);p = 0.035);type of university attended (private university: OR (95% CI) = 1.63 (1.08 - 2.44);p = 0.019);parents’ marital status (couple or not) (OR (95% CI) = 1.50 (1.01 - 2.24);p = 0.046);father’s level of education: secondary (OR (CI 95%) = 3.85 (1.96 - 7.54);p 0.001)/higher (OR (CI 95%) = 2.83 (1.36 - 5.86);p = 0.005);mother’s one: secondary (OR (CI 95%) = 0.30 (0.18 - 0.51);p 0.001)/superior (OR (CI 95%) = 0.31 (0.16 - 0.61);p = 0.001);the presence of doubtful (OR (CI95% = 1.69 (1.11 - 2.58);p = 0.009) or certain anxiety symptomatology (OR (CI 95%) = 1.69 (1.11 - 2.58);p = 0.009). Conclusion: More than half the students in Parakou had at least one eating disorder. Diagnostic studies are needed, even if preventive actions are already necessary.

Maternal Burnout: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Also known as maternal burnout syndrome, maternal burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion generated by prolonged stress in the family environment. It is experienced by women in their role as mothers. Those affected can develop psychological disorders, sleep disturbances, etc., all of which impair their day-to-day lives, and thus their maternal role. The repercussions affect both the child and other family members. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate maternal burnout among female users of public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among all mothers using public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou. All healthy mothers with at least one biological or adoptive child fully dependent on them and living at home, who came for a consultation in one of the health facilities or for an appointment at the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and gave their free and informed consent. Sampling was done for non-exhaustive convenience were included in the study. Burnout was assessed using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale. Results: A total of 888 mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were surveyed. The prevalence of burnout calculated using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale was 6.19%. The risk factors for maternal burnout were poor relationships with family and friends (OR = 8.90;p = 0.045), moderate (OR = 11.71;p = 0.020) and severe depression (OR = 40.85;p = 0.001), followed by the presence of repeated nocturnal awakening (OR = 5.14;p = 0.014). Conclusion: This is a subject that is almost never discussed in African society, but whose reality is revealed by the present study, which provided statistical data on maternal burnout. From now on, the risk of burnout will no longer be discussed solely in the family context. It will also need to be explored within the family unit to prevent its deleterious consequences for children and adults alike.

Epidemiological and Psychosocial Profile of Juvenile Delinquency: Case Study of Delinquent Children and Adolescents under Court Order in Benin (2015)

Background: Given the scale of juvenile delinquency in Benin, families, judicial bodies and the society seemed overwhelmed. The objective was to study the epidemiological and psychosocial profile of delinquent children and adolescents under court order (DCAUCO) in Benin civil prisons in 2015. Methods of study: It was a descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 117 children aged 11 to 18 years, recruited from 6th May to 10th September 2015 in nine Civil Prisons and a Child and Adolescent Care Center in Benin. Data were collected through face-to-face interview between the interviewer and the interviewee in addition to ASSIST-WHO, Family Assessment Device and ParentalAcceptance and Rejection Scale. Results: The average age was 16.1 ± 1.1 years, ranging from 11 to 18 years. Sex ratio M/F was 22.4. School dropout rate was 76.9%. Orphans represented 53.9%. The proportion of juvenile offenders coming from broken families was 30.8%. Theft (46.2%) and rape (19.7%) were the main offenses committed. 99.1% had no criminal records and the judge requested for all of them a detention warrant. Psychoactive substance consumption records (46.2%) were found, including: alcohol (46.2%), tobacco (23.9%), and cannabis (10.3%). They felt maternal and paternal absence respectively in 48.7% and 44.4% cases and pleaded guilty in 71.8%. Pleading guilty was a resilience factor on which the counseling would have to rely for their rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Psycho-Emotional Aspects and Risk Factors Associated with the Onerous Nature of Retirement Concerning Civil Servants within the Public Administration in Parakou (Benin)

Background: In 20% of cases, retirement is experienced as a life event with risk of isolation and loneliness. The objective is to study the psycho-emotional aspects and risk factors associated with civil servants onerous retirement. Methods: It was a descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 233 pensioners met at the Public Treasury’s Revenue Office in Parakou from June 1 to August 30, 2013. Data were collected through an interview on vulnerability criteria, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used in assessing both anxiety level and depressed mood. Results: Pensioners’ average age was 61.1 ± 6.7 years. Males aged 50 to 60 years represented 47.2%. Following the announcement of retirement, 88.9% had feelings of fear, and 75.8% showed moderate to severe anxiety prevalence of which 88.2% were females and 73.9% males. The distribution according to professional categories was as follow: A (77.3%);B (72.6%);C (69.2%);(85.5%);E (85.7%). Retirement risk factors were: dependants (73.1%), age-related disorders (40.3%), lack of health insurance coverage (24.6%) resulting in a depressed mood (36%) strongly associated with a feeling of family and social abandon (87.8% P = 0.02). Conclusion: Depending on job onerousness in each professional category and associated psycho-social risk factors, it is important to implement an adequate action plan in view of promoting pensioners mental health.

Associated Factors and Impacts of Social Phobia on Academic Performance among Students from the University of Parakou (UP)

Background: Social phobia disrupts students in their academic career. The aim of this research work was to study this anxious disorder impact on the academic performance among students from the University of Parakou (UP). Study methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection among 363 students recruited through systematic random sampling from April to June 2015 at the campus of the UP. A questionnaire including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Liebowitz social anxiety intensity evaluation scale and the ASSIST was used for data collection in compliance with recommended ethical principles. Results and Conclusion Social phobia prevalence among students from the campus of University of Parakou was 11. 6% [CI95% = 10. 9 - 21. 2]. Its intensity was moderate (66.7%), medium (23.4%), severe (7.1%) and very severe (4.8%) only among female students. Moreover, gender, rural or urban living environment and field of study were statistically associated with this social phobia which reduced academic performance by 57.1%, among the studied population. However, 42.9% were not influenced in any way. Addiction to alcoholic beverages (23.8%) and anxiolytics (9.5%) were used to overcome the disorder. Although the risk of dependency to these substances was low, adverse effects on their health and socio-professional future were to be taken seriously.

Hemodialysis patients’ satisfaction and associated factors in National Teaching Hospital Hemodialysis Center, Cotonou (Benin)

Background: Patients’ satisfaction is a relevant component in assessing healthcare services. The objective of this study was to study the level of satisfaction of chronic hemodialysis patients and the associated factors in Cotonou CNHU-HKM dialysis center. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted by administering a questionnaire on days off dialysis. It was carried out from 1st November 2015 to 1st January 2016 in CNHU-HKM Nephrology University Clinic of Cotonou. Hemodialysis patients aged 18 years and above having given their informed consent were included in the study. Patients’ recruitment was comprehensive. Likert scale was used in assessing the level of satisfaction with 4 as “very satisfied” and 1 for “very dissatisfied”. Satisfaction was evaluated on the basis of Ware dimensions. The threshold for satisfaction was 50. Outcomes: Overall, 377 patients were included in the study. Respondents’ mean age was 51.5 ± 13.3 years with 1.37 as sex ratio. Arteriovenous fistula was used for 80.1% of hemodialysis patients. 77.7% of the patients underwent dialysis twice a week while 45.9% were administered a four-hour dialysis. The overall average proportion of “satisfied” was 76.5%. The level of satisfaction was 52% for healthcare environment, 61% for service delivery, 73.9% for healthcare accessibility, 76.1% for healthcare structure, 77.5% for healthcare management, 90.3% for quality of healthcare, 88.3% for interpersonal relationship and 93.2% for efficiency and continuum of healthcare. Factors associated with satisfaction included age (p = 0.02), vascular access (p = 0.04) and urea reduction ratio (p = 0.01). In addition, the degree of satisfaction of hemodialysis patients was not statistically associated with sex, marital status, educational level, history of the disease, age of dialysis, number of sessions per week, and duration per session. Conclusion: The overall level of hemodialysis patients’ satisfaction is above average. There is a need to particularly focus on healthcare environment, so as to better improve the level of satisfaction.

Psychosocial Experience in Goiter Patients

Introduction: Goiter often poses aesthetic disgrace problem. The psychosocial impacts of goiter, in particular in woman may be significant. Objective: studying the psychological and social impacts of the disease in goiter patients within the African context and their consequences on the treatment. Methods: It was a transversal study that took place from May 1to July 31, 2011 in the Collines and Donga departments situated in the center and the north of Benin. The study consisted of a survey conducted through an individual discussion based on questionnaire submitted to goiter patients who accepted to provide their answers. Results: This survey involved 86 patients of which 83 women and 3 men. Their average age was 43.7 ± 13.41. Goiter was noticeable in the totality of the patients. 68.6% of patients declared that they experienced on daily basis the shame caused by the disease. 66% thought that it was a natural disease;however, 27.9% believed that it was caused by bewitchment or sorcery. 46.5% and 37.2% resorted to modern and indigenous medicine respectively;16.3% made no therapeutic move. Despite the psychosocial impacts of the disease, 50% of the patients rejected surgical intervention possibility. The core motives they raised were lack of financial means (34.8%), disease recurrence fright (23.3%), anesthesia fright (16.3%), and surgical fright (14%). Conclusion: Despite the psychological impacts of the disease, strong resistance exists probably more on cultural aspect than the motives mentioned by thyroidectomy patients.

Epidemiology of Anemia at the Internal Medicine Department in Borgou Departmental Hospital Center(DHC)in Parakou(Benin)

Objective: To describe clinical and biological characteristics of anemia in the Internal Medicine department of Borgou Departmental Hospital Center (DHC). Methods: This was a transversal and descriptive study for an analytic purpose. All patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine department of Borgou DHC who had a hemogram for their care were included in the study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL for men and lower than 11.5 g/dL for women. Results: Frequency of anemia was 61.8% (76 of 123 patients). Anemia was moderate in 47.4% of the cases and severe in 27.6% of the cases. Basing on the mean corpuscular volume, microcytic anemia accounted for 36.8%, anemia was normocytic in 46.1% and macrocytic in 17.1% of cases. According to the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, normochromic anemia accounted for 81.6% of the series and hypochromic in 18.4%. The most common pathologies found in anemic patients came from digestive origin (17%), the renal causes were also found in 17% of the cases. Cardiac pathologies were responsible for anemia in 13% of cases. Malaria and pulmonary pathologies were responsible for anemia in respectively 12% and 9%. The main factors associated with anemia were young age (young adult) and neurological pathologies. Conclusion: Anemia hospital prevalence is very high in the Internal Medicine Department of Borgou DHC. Awareness of populations and practitioners for the early management of various pathologies which provide anemia could improve this presentation.