Isotope Tracking of Surface Water Groundwater Interaction in the Beninese Part of the Iullemeden Aquifer System

The Kandi basin is located in northeast Benin (West Africa). This study is focused on the estimation of water fluxes exchanged between the river Niger (and its tributaries) and the transboundary Iullemeden Aquifer System. In that framework, an innovative approach based on the application of the Bayesian Mixing Model (MixSIAR) analysis on water isotopes (oxygen-18, deuterium and tritium) was performed. Moreover, to assess the relevance of the model outputs, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been done. A complex relationship between surface water and groundwater has been found. Sixty percent (60%) of groundwater samples are made of more than 70% river water and rainwater;while 31.25% of surface water samples are made of about 84% groundwater. To safeguard sustainable water resources for the well-being of the local communities, surface water and groundwater must be managed as a unique component in the Kandi basin.

Impact of School Canteens on School Retention and Academic Performance in the Atlantic Department (Benin)

In Benin, obstacles to universal access to primary education persist. In rural areas, enrolment and attendance rates remain low due to several factors. Families living in poverty may not be able to afford to send their children to school;although the government has eliminated primary school fees, parents still have to buy school uniforms and supplies. There is also an opportunity cost associated with sending girls to school, rather than keeping them at home where they can help their mothers with household chores and look after their younger siblings (School canteens in Benin to improve student enrolment and retention in partnership with parents’ associations, 2008). Prior to 2016, the school feeding system was in its infancy, with canteens operated for only three months of the year. However, thanks to determined government reforms, the school canteen system has undergone a profound transformation. The implementation of a USD 79 million has not only not only increased coverage from coverage from 30% to 75% today, but also set the ambitious target ambitious goal of achieving 100% coverage by the end of 2023 [1]. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of canteens on school retention and children’s academic performance. We conducted a descriptive and analytical diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed for parents of schoolchildren. Canteens increase and maintain the number of children in our schools, especially when the providers start their activities, in this case those traveling long distances. Almost all the parents surveyed believe that the school canteen has had an impact on their children’s motivation to attend school and class, and consequently on their performance. For example, for all parents surveyed, the school canteen has reduced the risk of children dropping out of school, especially girls (97%), although the difference with boys (95%) remains small and is not statistically significant. What’s more, since the advent of the PNASI, in the Atlantic department, the CEP pass rate in schools with canteens far exceeds that of schools without canteens. This shows that canteens play a major and positive role in the retention and success of the schoolchildren who benefit from them.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of a Brown Wood Rotting Mushroom Piptoporellus baudonii from Benin (Tropical Africa)

Piptoporellus baudonii, previously known as Laetiporus baudonii, is an African species that was considered to be a sister species to Laetiporus sulphureus, another European species known for its medicinal value. While much is known about the edibility and antimicrobial properties of L. sulphureus, African species like P. baudonii remain understudied. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of P. baudonii extracts (powder maceration) prepared using ethanol, methanol and water with fractions obtained via differential solubility in hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Before the antimicrobial analysis, the study material was accurately identified using both morphology and molecular techniques. Antimicrobial activity was tested against fungi, gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria using a broth serial microdilution method, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power FRAP methods. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the specimen as P. baudonii, with genetic material from Benin grouping it with other P. baudonii from Tanzania and other unknown regions, forming a well-supported clade (100/100). The ethanol (1.71), methanol (2.41) extracts, along with ethyl acetate (1.36), n-butanol (1.18), and hexane (12.91) fractions showed significant antioxidant activity with EC50 values below 20 µg∙mL−1. The highest antimicrobial inhibition was seen in the n-butanol (58%) and ethyl acetate (54%) fractions, followed by ethanol (49%) and hexane (48%). Methanol exhibited the lowest inhibition (46.10%). These values were compared to the standard (Vitamin C). The examined extracts demonstrated high bactericidal properties, with an MBC/MIC ratio (R) of 1 to 4, particularly effective ethyl acetate against Escherichia coli (R = 2) and ethanol extract with strong activity against Enterococcus faecalis (R = 4). Further chemical and cytotoxicity studies are warranted to fully explore the pharmaceutical potential of P. baudonii.

Flood Risk Mapping of the Benin Municipalities at the Intersection of the Coastal Sedimentary Zone and the Crystalline Surface

Climate change and population growth have led to the increase and/or intensification of flooding becoming a major issue. The objective of this study is to visualize flooding risk of municipalities at the intersection of the coastal sedimentary zone and the crystalline surface. The methodology adopted is based on geomatic approach, which involves documentary research, processing and assisted classification using remote sensing images and multi-criteria analysis of the Geographic Information System (GIS). Flooding risk is very high at 8.85% in Djidja, Toffo, Zè and Bonou municipalities. In other municipalities such as Agbangnizoun, Abomey, Bohicon, Za-Kpota and Cove, it is high of 46.85%. To the Southeast of the study area, it is located on the eastern and western banks of Oueme Valley. The medium risk represents 26.35% and is located in the municipalities of Ouinhi and Adjohoun. The other municipalities have a low rate of 17.95%. Risk modeling has made it possible to access the various levels of rising water that can cause flooding. Land-use planning decisions can be influenced by the results of this study.

Sensory Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Aromatic Rice Accessions Cultivated in Benin

Rice is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, and its aroma is increasingly in demand. With the advancement of research, a major rice flavor gene has been identified on rice chromosome 8. It encodes non-functional betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase leading to the accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline which is the major olfactory compound that confers the fragrant character to rice. The aroma of rice is considered a special trait of enormous economic importance that determines the prime price in world trade. To satisfy the needs of the population and reduce rice imports into Benin, we conducted this study to identify aromatic rice accessions grown in Benin. Seventy-two rice accessions collected across Benin were PCR amplified with three SSR markers RM 7049, Aro 7, and RM 223, linked to the fgr (fragrance of rice) aroma gene. Molecular analysis revealed that 12 of the 72 accessions, namely Bagou 19, Bagou 22, Tchaka 34, Foun 15, Tchaka 41, Nana 32, Kan 61, Kung 69, Kung 67, Bagou 20, Agbab 101 and Koum 55 possess the fgr gene and can be considered as aromatic rice accessions. A sensory phenotypic test using KOH was carried out on rice accessions carrying fgr gene. Of the twelve positives, only one had the smell of aromatic rice, like the Azucena control. These results show that Benin also has aromatic rice varieties that can be sold on national and international markets.

Rabies by Dog Bites in Benin: Determinants of Good Knowledge of the Rabies Risk among Subjects Exposed in the Plateau Department in 2023

Rabies, a viral zoonosis, is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that mainly affects poor and vulnerable populations. Human rabies is endemic in Benin. Although listed among the notifiable diseases, it nevertheless remains a neglected and under-reported disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of knowledge of rabies risk among subjects exposed to human rabies by dog bites in the Plateau department of Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim which involved a sample of 900 people aged at least 18 years old chosen randomly and residing in the Plateau department for at least six months. A pre-tested and validated digital questionnaire served as a data collection tool. Data analysis was done with R 3.4.1 software. The prevalence ratio was used as a measure of association. The confidence threshold was set at 5%. We carried out a multiple logistic regression using the likelihood ratio (top-down approach) in order to identify the main factors which influenced the good knowledge of human rabies in the population of Plateau. Results: In the study population, 80.89% of the subjects surveyed lived in a rural area. The sex ratio (Male/Female) was 1.11. The average age of the subjects was 40.24 ± 14.52 years. The prevalence of dog bites was 4.11% (95% CI = [3.00;5.63]) or 37 subjects bitten. After evaluation of knowledge of rabies risk in the study population, the main factors which positively influenced good knowledge of human rabies were age (p linear trend 0.01), residence of the subject in the municipality of Pobè (ORa = 8.34;95% CI = 0.83 - 1.23;p < 0.01), individual dwelling (ORa = 17.95;95% CI = 13.12 - 49.58;p < 0. 01), educational level of at least secondary (ORa = 5.53;CI 95 = 3.06 - 10.15;p = 0.01), the existence of a veterinary center (ORa = 3.66;CI 95 = 1.07 - 12.43 p = 0.01) and knowledge of a dog bites victim (ORa = 6.55;95% CI = 2.73 - 8.25;p < 0.01). Conclusion: This population study confirms that human rabies remains a public health problem with a need to raise awareness among populations on good prevention practices against human rabies after a dog bite in the Plateau department. This could help to improve strategies surveillance for the control and eradication of human rabies through the implementation of the One Health approach.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease among Hotel Workers, Bohicon, Benin

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the increase in several sectors of activity. The aim of the study was to determine the frequencies of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and factors associated with hypertension among hotel workers in the city of Bohicon. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the period from December 2018 to January 2019. The variables studied were sociodemographic, occupational, anthropometric and behavioral. Participant recruitment was exhaustive. A standardized questionnaire inspired by the STEPS-WHO questionnaire was used for data collection. After the descriptive analysis, a bivariate analysis was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s test at the 5% threshold. Results: A total of 101 workers, 53 (52.47%) of them male, participated in the study. The mean age was 30.60 ± 8.20 years, with extremes of 18 and 55 years. The frequencies of the main risk factors were: 68.32% sitting position > 6 hours/day;38.61% shift work;21.78% high psychological demand, 82.18% low decision latitude, 24.75% low social support, 21.78% occupational stress;7 (6.93%) harmful alcohol consumption;6.93% tobacco consumption;48.51% insufficient physical activity;98.02% insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption;59.41% overweight;14.85% HTA. Factors associated with hypertension were: sex, age and marital status. Conclusion: Occupational factors need to be taken into account when assessing CVRFs. NCD control programs are needed in all sectors of activity. A larger study is needed in the hotel sector.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sharing of Human Immunodeficiency Seropositivity Status among Serodiscordant Couples in the City of Parakou (Benin)

Introduction: In serodiscordant couples, sharing serostatus is a crucial step in the HIV risk management process. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with serostatus sharing among HIV serodiscordant couples in the city of Parakou. Setting and methods: This study was carried out in the city of Parakou, capital of northern Benin. It was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study with non-probability sampling for convenience. Socio-demographic data, as well as data on antecedents, behaviours, social and marital life, were collected using a questionnaire gave to the participants. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected from patients’ medical records and follow-up charts. Data were analyzed and processed using R 4.3.1 software. The significance level was set at 5%, and logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of shared serostatus among serodiscordant couples in the city of Parakou in 2022. Results: A total of 299 participants in long-term serodiscordant relationships were included in our study. The average age of the subjects was 37.55 ± 10.25 years. Women were the infected partner in 80.27% of cases. The most common level of education was secondary (33.45%). Most respondents (230 subjects, 76.92%) were married. The average duration of the couple’s relationship was 121.68 months ± 96.32. The most frequent screening circumstances were: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) (50.84%) and hospital screening (26.09%). The infected partner shared his or her serostatus with his or her spouse in 47.83% of cases. Potential predictors of serostatus sharing within the couple were: marital status (p Conclusion: The sharing of serostatus within serodiscordant couples needs to be managed in a way that takes into account the social and marital characteristics of the couple.

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.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to HIV among Motorbike Taxi Drivers in Parakou, Benin, in 2021

Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populations towards this infection. The study objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection among motorbike taxi drivers (MTD) in Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting MTD in Parakou in 2021. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Pretested Digitized questionnaire using KoboCollect@ applicationserved as a data collection tool. Knowledge, attitudes and practices variable were treated on a score scale. A knowledge score was considered to reflect a good knowledge of HIV if at least two-thirds of the knowledge statements had been correctly answered provided the subject recognized the sexual route as one of modes of HIV transmission, identified at least one preventive measure and meant the incurability of the disease. Quantitative and qualitative variables were appropriately described using the EPI Info 7.1.3.3 software. The participant was classified at positive attitude/practice for HIV prevention, when it has a score of at least 80% and suggests a good preventive measure face a risk of exposure to HIV. Results: A total of 374 subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age was 31.51 ± 7.76 years. Most participants (86.06%) had good knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention method. The sources of information mentioned were mainly the media (77.07%), relatives or friends (63.38%), and field-workers from non-governmental organizations (37.26%). Routine HIV testing was 50.53%. Among participants, 76.10% reported at least two different sexual partners. Condom use was 59.18 % during the casual sexual intercourse. Within the client-provider relationship with female sex workers, 33.17% had had sexual intercourse with them. The sexual route was the most cited (92.99%), and 90.23% stated that HIV infection can be stabilized by medication in a health structure. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of motorbike taxi drivers in Parakou does not match their behavior with regard to HIV prevention. Appropriate strategies are needed to develop prevention skills in this population. To effectively comb at HIV, it will be necessary to strengthen the targeted HIV preventive interventions at key and bridge populations including motorbike taxi drivers in Benin.

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.

Community Perception of Riparian Corridors Ecosystem Services and Implications for Environmental Education in Upper Oueme Catchment in Benin, West Africa

The assessment of the local community perception of the value of riparian corridors is relevant to understand their attitude towards the conservation of such ecosystem. We conducted a semi-structured survey on the perception and importance attributed to the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by riparian corridors in 368 households across 70 villages located in a buffer zone of 5 km of servitude around the permanent rivers of the Upper Oueme watershed in Benin. We found that local communities easily reported provisioning and cultural ESs than regulating and supporting ones, indicating their misunderstanding of the main role of riparian corridor. Moreover, the supply of cropping areas was perceived as the most important ES. Educated respondents and high-income households had more knowledge of regulating ESs and supporting ESs, respectively. Overall, the highly perceived importance of the provision of cropping areas indicates a potential risk of agricultural encroachment of riparian corridors. We suggest the consideration of the current local perception of riparian corridor’s role in designing a sound environmental education aiming at the change of local population’s perception. This perception shift will promote a sustainable management of the riparian corridors.

Practice of Barrier Measures against COVID-19 Among Diabetic People Followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV2 appeared in China in 2019. The aim of the study was to evaluate the practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 and to identify associated factors among diabetics followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2021, including diabetics aged 18 and over, hospitalized or received for medical visits in the department of medicine at the target hospital. Data were collected during an interview with each participant thanks to a questionnaire. “Good practice” was defined as regular practice of at least two of three barrier measures: hand washing, physical distancing and mask-wearing. Results: A total of 110 diabetics were included with a female predominance (55.5%) and a mean age of 57 ± 11.3 years. Among them, 89.1% washed their hands, 41.8% respected physical distancing and 12.7% wore a mask. The proportion of good practice was 47.3%. Only 5 practiced the three barrier measures. Only age group was associated with good practice. Conclusion: The study showed a low proportion of good practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 among diabetic people surveyed. It is important to continue the action for COVID-19 prevention among diabetic people in the targeted hospital and in other hospitals in Benin.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Public Secondary School Teachers in Parakou, Benin, in 2021

Introduction: Overweight and obesity represent a public health problem in Africa due to the epidemiological transition. The objectives of this work were to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to identify associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Parakou, Benin in 2021. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. Teachers working in public secondary schools in Parakou during the 2020-2021 academic year, present at work and who gave their written informed consent, were included. A two-stage random sampling was carried out. Data were collected during an individual interview using a questionnaire followed by the measurement of anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Overweight and obesity were defined by a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. Results: A sample of 325 teachers, including 88.6% of men, was recruited with an average age of 36.2 ± 6.8 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.7% (95% CI [38.1%-44.8%]). It increased significantly with income (p Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Actions are necessary to prevent overweight and obesity among secondary school teachers in Parakou, in Benin.

Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Northern Benin: Follow up of a Cohort at the Borgou/Alibori Branch of Integrated Medical Healthcare Center for Infants and Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease from 2017 to 2022

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A national referral center for the management of infants and pregnant women with sickle cell disease (CPMI-NFED) was created three decades ago in Cotonou, in the south of Benin with two regional branches including that of Parakou in the North for better access of patients to specialized care. This work is a review of five years of activities in order to describe the epidemiological, clinical, hematological and evolutionary profiles of the children followed up in the said branch. Method: This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study on the medical records of children with sickle cell disease, followed up at the regional branch of CPMI-NFED in Borgou/Alibori from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical, biological and evolutionary. Results: A total of 101 children with sickle cell disease were included in the study, including 78 homozygous SS (77.2%) and 23 heterozygous SC (22.8%). Their mean age at inclusion was 51.2 ± 37.6 months [6 - 204]. The sex ratio was 1.4. Vaso-occlusive crises were the main diagnostic circumstances in 42.3% of homozygotes. More than half of the children (51.5%) had a regular follow-up. The average baseline level of hemoglobin (Hb) in homozygous children was 8.8 ± 1.4 g/dl [5.8 - 11.5];and the rate of Hb S varied between 61.9 and 94.7%. In heterozygous SC children, the mean baseline level of Hb was 10.7 ± 0.6 g/dl [9.7 - 11.5]. Acute complications observed during follow-up were dominated by pneumonia and vaso-occlusive crises in both phenotypes. The overall mortality was 3% and only affected homozygous patients. Conclusion: On average, three out of four children were homozygous in our cohort. The main acute complications were infectious and vaso-occlusive. The mortality only affected homozygous carriers. Specialized follow-up has contributed to improving the quality of life of children with sickle cell disease. This could be implemented on a large scale for better survival of children with sickle cell disease.

Coverage and Factors Associated with Acceptance and Satisfaction of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Six Health Zones in Benin

Introduction: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) was adopted in 2019 in two health zones in Benin where malaria transmission is very high. Positive results led to the extension of the intervention to other zones with additional financial support. Annual SMC campaigns from 2021 to 2023 were carried out in all six health zones in the Atacora and Alibori departments. In five years of implementation, various approaches have been developed on the basis of a communication plan facilitating buy-in and acceptance by all stakeholders. The aim of this study was to assess the effective coverage and acceptance of the SMC by their beneficiary populations in 2023. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. Data collection took place from November 30 to December 13, 2023. The study population consisted of children under 5 years of age residing in the departments of Atacora and Alibori in northern Benin. A total of 3573 children under 5 years of age were included in the study, and their parents or guardians were interviewed. Results: During the 2023 campaign, 87.7% of targets were reached by SMC administration and 100.00% of children had received at least one dose of SMC by the fourth visit. Effective therapeutic coverage of SMC was 70.55%, with 99.60% in BNK, 69.40% in KGS, 16.20% in MK, 56.10% in 2KP, 92.40% in NBT and 89.60% in TMC. This coverage was statistically related to child and respondent ages (p Conclusion: SMC is a strategy accepted by the population, and the main reasons for non-participation in SMC were dominated by the absence of mothers or babysitters when the agents visited.

Uncovering the Challenges of Faecal Sludge Management in Benin’s Urban Hubs: The Cases of Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou

The issue of faecal sludge management in developing countries remains a significant challenge due to the indiscriminate discharge of sludge into the environment. This practice generates more environmental problems than it solves. This study aims to assess the management of household faecal sludge in the communes of Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou, Benin, in order to optimise the best storage conditions for subsequent more effective treatment. To this end, a sociological survey was conducted among households in Abomey-Calavi and Natitingou, as well as among manual emptiers. The results of our studies revealed that two types of latrines are used in households. 20.55% of households use traditional latrines, while 59.83% use ordinary latrines. 7.97% of households use both types of latrine. Moreover, the depth of the latrines varies from 2.5 m to 7 m in Abomey-Calavi and from 2.5 m to 8 m in Natitingou. Among households with a latrine, 28.26% empty their pit at least once, while 71.74% have never emptied it. The emptying cost varies between 35,000 FCFA and 90,000 FCFA. The mixing of faecal sludge with solid waste, including plastic materials, makes emptying difficult due to the obstruction of the vacuum pump. The results obtained will serve as a reliable database to facilitate decision-making in the context of faecal sludge management.

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.

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.