Factors Associated with Overweight among Workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Benin in 2023

Introduction: The problem of excess weight is pandemic and affects the majority of nations, regardless of their level of development. However, the prevalence of overweight among workers in Benin is very poorly documented. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight among workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service (MTFP) in 2023 in Benin. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical purposes carried out from August 16 to December 17, 2023, among MINISTRY OF LABOR AND PUBLIC SERVICE staff. The variables studied were overweight, sociodemographic, occupational and dietary characteristics, lifestyle, anthropometric factors and family history of obesity. An exhaustive recruitment of workers meeting our inclusion criteria and a questionnaire survey was carried out. Data were analyzed using R 4.0.4 software. A bivariate analysis followed by a multivariable analysis made it possible to identify the factors associated with overweight at the p Results: In total, 379 workers were included in our study. The average age of the surveyed workers was 44.86 years ± 7.67 years, with 202 (53.30%) workers at least 45 years old. Men predominated with a number of 228 (60.16%). The prevalence of overweight was 63.32% (95% CI: [58.23 - 68.15]) and the associated factors after multivariate analysis were: female sex (ORa = 4.00;95% CI [2.11 - 7.76];p Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight is high among ministry of labor and public service workers. Education and awareness in the professional environment on the prevention and management of risk factors are essential for a long-term impact on a notable regression of this public health phenomenon.

Prevalence and Predictors of Double Burden of Malnutrition within Households in Africa: A Systematic Review

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the emergence of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in Africa. In this study, we reviewed the literature on double burden of malnutrition in households, reviewing previous studies investigating the prevalence of DBM in Africa and the factors associated with it. To identify relevant studies, we consulted the PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases, using specific search terms. A total of seventeen articles met the eligibility criteria. These articles were published between 2012 and 2022, and their data were collected between 2000 and 2019. Twelve of these studies used secondary data, including demographic and health surveys. The age of children and adults varied from study to study. All studies used Body Mass Index as a nutritional indicator for adults. For children, the height-for-age Z-score was most commonly used, while weight-for-age, weight-for-height and Body Mass Index-for-age were less commonly used. The national prevalence of double nutritional burden in households ranged from 1.71% to 38.7%, depending on the country and the year. However, direct comparisons between studies were limited due to differences in combinations of undernutrition, overweight or obesity. Among the factors associated with double nutritional burden within households, the most frequently cited in the selected articles were urban/rural residence, income or socioeconomic status, age of child and mother, household size and mother’s level of education. However, no study assessed physical activity, and very few examined the diet of household members. It is essential to take these different parameters into account when designing and implementing interventions to prevent the DBM in Africa. Community and societal factors will also need to be studied and taken into account in these interventions.

Challenges of Rheumatoid Arthritis Management in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st Century

In recent decades, several advances have been made in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both in the diagnostic field and in the therapeutic field. Unfortunately, RA remains poorly studied in black Africa. Epidemiological data are rare and controversial. The estimated prevalence of RA in Africa is about 0% - 2.54%. Risk factors associated with RA must be studied by taking into account special features of black Africa such as the low tobacco consumption in certain regions, the tropical climate and the high frequency of endemic parasitic and viral infections. The initially supposed mildness of RA in black Africa is increasingly challenged. The diagnosis is often made too late because of the scarcity of rheumatologists and ignorance. Diagnostic tools are limited to the clinical data, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and radiographs as the other tools are poorly available. In addition, there are misconceptions in African communities, responsible for loss of sight during follow-up and treatment discontinuations. This is exacerbated by the shortage of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and the inability to afford them. Furthermore, biological agents are very difficult to access. Further studies are essential to better understand the characteristics of RA in black Africa. Thus, collaborations between African and Western research teams seem very important. In order to make available the DMARDs especially biological agents, pharmaceutical companies can contribute through research partnerships. Moreover, governments should provide a better place for chronic inflammatory diseases in the programs against non-communicable diseases. Finally, training must also be promoted to increase the number of specialists and the level of knowledge of other health workers.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Patients Operated at the University Clinic of Traumatology-Orthopedics and Restorative Surgery of the National Hospital and University Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Background: Operative site infections (ISO) are typically nosocomial. According to the WHO the incidence of ISO varies from 0.5% to 15% and exceeds 25% in developing countries. They result from the combined action of several factors and represent a concern for public health. To study the contributing factors of surgical site infections in patients operated at the University Clinic of Orthopedic Traumatology of CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that involved 35 operated patients and ten nurses. Were included in our study: 1) All patients, without distinction of sex or age, having been operated on in the university clinic of orthopedic traumatology, during the survey period;2) Patients hospitalized for post-operative care during the survey period;3) The nursing staff on duty during our study period. The usual statistical measures were used according to the type of variables: means, standard deviations, percentages. Data analysis first involved calculating percentages for the qualitative variables and means followed by their standard deviations for the quantitative variables. Next, the Pearson Chi-square test was used to test the association between the dependent variable and the independent variables of interest. The significance level is set at p Results: The prevalence of surgical site infections was 28.58%. The main factors contributing to the occurrence of SSIs that were found were the patient’s level of education (p = 0.003) and the reuse of bandages used for dressing (p = 0.004). Other potential factors such as the economic status of the patient, the poor quality of technical dressings, and the preoperative stay were also highlighted. Conclusion: Surgical site infections remain a global concern. Risk factors were found on both the patient and nurse sides. It is urgent to address these various factors to minimize the occurrence of surgical site infections.

Contribution of poses screen preimpregnated(PSP) installed at openings and eaves of dwellings in the reduction of malaria transmission in the commune of agugus in bnin

Objective:To evaluate the contribution of poses screen pre-impregnated(PSP) installed at openings and eaves of dwellings in the reduction of malaria transmission in the commune of Aguegues in Benin.Methods:The PSP were manufactured from preimpregnated Olyset Net.They were installed at windows,eaves and doors of 70 dwellings.320 children aged 6-59 months were treated and 311 children were recruited in the control zone.Variables measured are:plasmodic index(IP),gametoeyte index,parasite density(PD),fever,hemoglobin,anemia. Results:The global IP was 16.62%with PSP and 72.20%without PSP.Gametoeyte index did not differ significantly between the treated zone(27.8) and the control zone(29.1).The total geometric mean of DP was 309 in the treated zone and 600 in the control zone.Hemoglobin level is 8.7 in the control zone and 9.5 in the treated zone.We noted a predominance of anemia in the control zone compared to the treated zone.Conclusions:The PSP have contributed to a significant reduction in morbidity in the commune of Aguegues.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Breast Cancers at the Chu-Mel of Cotonou

Introduction: Breast cancer mortality remains high in most developing countries. Benin Republic does not yet have a technical platform required for the diagnosis and effective management of breast cancer “according to the recommendations”. Objective: To study the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancers at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune (CHU-MEL) of Cotonou from 2018 to 2021. Study Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive purpose, carried out from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2021 in the Gynaecology-Obstetrics Section of the CHU-MEL of Cotonou. The study population was patients diagnosed with locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancers. Results: At the end of the study, 63 cases of locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer were recorded in 80 cases of breast cancer;a 74.11% prevalence of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. The mean age of the patients was 42.6 years. The main reason for consultation was the discovery of a mass in the breast (65.1%). Clinically, an orange peel was noted in 39.6%. Mammography (47.6%) and breast ultrasonography (42.9%) were the reference imaging workups for breast cancer diagnosis. Histopathologically, infiltrating ductal carcinoma (94.1%) was the predominant type with Scarff-Bloom and Richardson (SBR) grade II found in 35.3%. Progesterone and estrogen receptors were present in 42.9%. Mastectomy with axillary node dissection was the surgical treatment performed (80%) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (39.6%). Only one patient had received radiotherapy. No patient received hormone therapy. Conclusion: Locally advanced and metastatic cancers remain a real public health problem. It is essential that major investments be made in order to improve both their diagnosis and management.

Hospital Stakeholders’ Perception on Environmental Effects Related to Biomedical Waste in Togo’s University Hospitals (UHC) in 2021

Introduction: Given its effects, hospital waste is an environmental concern and a threat to health personnel, users of health services and neighboring populations. Our objective was to assess the perception of health care stakeholders on the environmental effects related to biomedical waste produced in Teaching Hospitals (CHU) in Togo in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study held from June 24 to August 28, 2021. It targeted three university hospitals, 340 health care providers and services selected by a probabilistic method with a simple random technique in 25 services, 72 directors, deputy directors, supervisors and heads of services, 27 collection and incineration agents selected by a non-probabilistic method with a reasoned choice technique, 44 patients and attendants and 36 householders of neighboring residents selected by a non-probabilistic method with an accidental choice technique. Variables such as the spreading of disease vectors, soil, air and water contamination, the presence of unpleasant odors and unsightly living conditions were assessed. Results: According to the respondents, biomedical waste causes the proliferation of vectors (55.3%), an unsightly environment inside the hospital (47.1%), and unpleasant odors (61.2%). Incineration operations disturb hospital residents (52.8%), according to the householders of the residents. During observation, we note deposits of waste that have not been destroyed and wastewater flowing in some places. Conclusion: Biomedical waste in Togo’s university hospitals generates environmental effects and therefore potentially high risks for human health. Improving their management should be a concern for all hospital actors.

Assessing Biomedical Solid and Liquid Waste Management in University Hospital Centers (CHU) in Togo, 2021

Introduction. Biomedical waste represents an environmental concern and a risk to healthcare workers, users of healthcare services, and the surrounding population. This study aimed to assess the management of solid and liquid biomedical waste in University Hospitals Centers (UHC) in Togo in 2021. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, evaluative and analytical study undertaken in 2021. It involved 3 UHCs, 25 departments, 340 care providers and departments randomly selected, 72 directors or deputies, supervisors and heads of departments, 27 collection and incineration agents selected by a reasoned choice technique, and 44 patients and attendants selected by an accidental choice technique. Data analysis was done using Pearson’s Chi2 statistical test for comparing proportions and logistic regression. Results. Solid and liquid waste management was “poor” due to non-use of waste management guidelines (ORa = 3.50;p = 0.0000), insufficient training of healthcare providers and collection agents (ORa = 6.55;p = 0.0000 and ORa = 6.08;p = 0.0000 respectively), insufficient user awareness sessions (ORa = 4.04;p = 0.0001), insufficient coordination of activities (ORa = 5.07;p = 0.0002), insufficient supervision of service providers and collection agents (ORa = 2.34;p = 0.0000), insufficient monitoring and follow-up of activities (ORa = 20.40;p = 0.0000). The sorting was not systematic (74.1%), and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the effluents were relatively high. Conclusion. Managing solid and liquid biomedical waste is insufficient in Togo’s university hospitals and represents a potential risk to human health and the environment.