Diabetes and Hypertension Are Associated with Food Insecurity in a Cameroonian Population: A Case-Control Study

Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecurity affects the dietary habits, socio-demographic characteristics and metabolic profile of individuals with diabetes or hypertension. This case-control study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive participants (cases) and diabetic and hypertensive normal (controls) during the screening campaigns for nutrition-related chronic diseases. The sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of the participants were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in the study population. Bivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR = 1.972;95% CI: 1.250 - 3.089), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 2.012;95% CI: 1.294 - 3.130), low fruit consumption (OR = 1.590;95% CI: 1.016 - 2.488), low dietary diversity (OR = 2.915;95% CI: 1.658 - 5.127) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.893, CI 95% 1.203 - 2.978) were significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, low fruit consumption (OR = 1.829;95% CI 1.092 - 3.064), low legume consumption (OR = 3.515;95% CI 1.861 - 6.635), and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.139 - 4.408) were significantly associated with diabetes. The indirect association observed between food insecurity and diabetes and hypertension suggests the need for nutritional policies aimed at popularizing the production and consumption of fruits and legumes. Similarly, health services need to be aware and informed of the important role that food insecurity can play in the development of diabetes and hypertension.

Assessment of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Women of Childbearing Age in Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Malnutrition due to poor feeding habits, is still a serious public health issue in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary patterns and nutritional status of women of childbearing age in various geographical settings in Cameroon so as to propose intervention strategies. Methods: In a cross sectional study conducted from January 2014 to August 2015, women aged 14 - 49 years were randomly selected from the capital city Yaounde and four regions of Cameroon. Anthropometric measures were collected for nutritional status assessment. Data on diet habits and socio-demographic parameters were collected. Results: 608 women of reproductive age with average age 34.68 ± 0.39 years made up the study. Dietary patterns assessment revealed that, most study participants had a frequent intake of carbohydrate rich foods and fats and oils rich foods;but an infrequent intake of protein rich foods and vitamin and minerals rich foods in a week. Nutritional status assessment revealed that, 2.1% were underweight, 28.6% had a normal weight, 30.8% overweight, and 38.5% obese. The grass field regions presented the highest prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Higher malnutrition levels were linked to low intakes of pulses and beans;milk and dairy products;vegetables and fruits food groups. Conclusion: Women of the study population had an unhealthy dietary pattern and a poor nutritional status. Therefore, strategies such as nutritional education are warranted and should be age and region specific, so as to target specific groups of women and ensure adequate nutritional status and health.