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.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in General Population of Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a known public health burden in western countries while only a few studies have been published on this disease in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBS in the general adult population of Cotonou (Benin), its associated risk factors and its impact on patients’ daily life. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted over one month. Data was collected via a questionnaire. IBS was defined by the Rome IV criteria. Results: A total of 768 participants were included, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.8). The mean age of the participants was 30.6 years, with extremes of 15 to 76 years. The prevalence of IBS in our study was 4.2%. IBS-D was the most common subtype (34.4%). IBS symptoms were influenced by diet (46.9%), stress (31.3%) and lack of sleep (15.6%). In the univariate analysis, the risk factors associated with IBS were: Dendi and Otamari ethnicity (p = 0.015), low level of education (p = 0.047), family history of IBS (p = 0.026), smoking (p Conclusion: Despite IBS frequency, patients with IBS rarely seek medical attention. The public should therefore be informed about this condition to reduce its impact on their daily life.

Functional Constipation in the General Population in Cotonou:Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors

Background: Constipation is considered rare in sub-Saharan Africa because of the high fiber content of the local diet. However, certain factors could intervene in this pathology. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of constipation in the general population in Cotonou and to determine the associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted from July to August 2017 in 7 districts of the township of Cotonou, according to a cluster sampling. We included anyone over the age of 15 living in the city of Cotonou for at least 6 months. Constipation was either self-reported or functional (meeting the Rome IV criteria). Results: A total of 1058 participants were included: 574 men (sex ratio of 1.2), mean age of 29 years [range 15 - 92]. Self-reported constipation was noted in 512 patients (48.5%). It was functional in 256 cases (24.2%). In the latter category, there was a predominance of women (138, 53.9%), of secondary education (46.5%), of self-employed professionals (50.4%), from the Ouémé-Plateau (41.8%). Were associated with the occurrence of functional constipation (univariate analysis), age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.049), female gender (p = 0.003), and subjects living alone (166, 64.8%) vs. those living in a relationship (90, 35.2%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Constipation was not as rare in Cotonou. It was more common in women, subjects over 60 years old or living alone.

Dietary Calcium Intake and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Southern Benin in 2014

Hypertensive and its complications during pregnancy are closely linked to maternal mortality and morbidity. Sufficient calcium intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of hypertensive disorders. The objective is to determine dietary calcium intake and associated factors in pregnant women in southern Benin. This cross-sectional study included 176 pregnant women selected by random cluster sampling. Calcium intake was determined from two non-consecutive 24 hours dietary recalls. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were collected from individual interviews. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with calcium intake controlling for energy intake. The mean daily calcium intake was 561.69 ± 183.02 mg and the median intake was 560.74 mg per day. The percentage of pregnant women with low calcium intake was 94.60%. The women in the lower economic status tercile (OR = 0.520 95% CI 0.415 - 0.653) were less likely to have calcium intakes above the median compared to the upper tercile of economic status. Women with secondary or more education level (OR = 1.961 95% CI 1.505 - 2.555) showed a higher odd ratio to have dietary calcium intake above the median value compared to those with no schooling. Low calcium intake was widespread among pregnant women. Calcium supplements and interventions to promote optimal nutrition in pregnant women are needed to protect them from low calcium intake consequences.

Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Adult Population in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors

Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common benign condition with a worldwide prevalence of between 5% and 45% in the adult population. Its prevalence in the general population is little known in Africa. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of typical GERD in the general adult population of a large city and the associated socio-demographic factors. Patients and Methods: This was a prospectively collected, descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted over a one-month period (June 2018). We included any person residing in the city of Cotonou for at least 6 months, aged 15 years or older, who had given consent for the study. The two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. The dependent variable was the typical gastroesophageal reflux defined by the heatburn-regurgitation association. Results: We had included 728 subjects. Of these, 255 had a typical GERD, i.e. a prevalence of 35%. The mean age of the respondents was 31.9 ± 13.2 years with extremes of 15 and 88 years. There were 379 men (52.1%) with a sex ratio of 1.08. The study population was represented respectively by artisans (29.3%), students (26.6%) and traders/dealers (20.3%). In terms of marital status, there were as many married and single subjects (48.2%). In addition, 47% of the study population had a body mass index of less than 25 kg/m2. In univariate analysis, the sociodemographic factors associated with typical GERD were: age (60 years and older): OR: 0.220 [95% CI 07 - 0.63], p = 0.005 and marital status divorced/separated/widowed: OR: 0.32 [0.11 - 0.97], p = 0.04. Older age and divorced/separated/widowed status appear to be protective of the occurrence of GERD. Conclusion: Typical GERD was common in the adult population of Cotonou. It readily affected young (under 60 years of age), single or married subjects.