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.

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.

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.

Women Breast Cancer: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Factors Associated with Early Screening in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin in 2018

Background: Breast cancer is the dominant cancer in women in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors associated with early breast cancer screening among women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study with prospective data collection from October 1 to 8, 2018, involving 1740 women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi, aged 18 years or older and selected by WHO four-stage random cluster sampling. Consenting women who were mentally competent, 18 years of age or older at the time of the survey, and residing continuously in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi for the last six months prior to the survey were included. On the other hand, women who belonged to a breast cancer prevention service, women in whom secondary screening was noted, or non-consenting women were not included. The initial minimum size was estimated by the Schwartz formula with a cluster effect of k = 2. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, entered with Epidata 3.1. Fr and analyzed with R Studio 3.5.1. software. Results: The mean age of the women surveyed was 32.0 ± 11.5 years with a range of 18 and 71 years. Regarding knowledge, the clinical manifestation known by the majority of women was the presence of a nodule (68.50%). In the series, 1308 (75.17%) declared having heard about breast cancer once before, either on the radio, television or from friends and 726 (55.50%) had heard about breast cancer screening. Five hundred and twelve (70.52%) of the 726 who had heard of breast cancer said they knew that breast cancer could be screened earlier. Breast self-examination was the most cited screening method (67.58%). The disease is of natural origin according to 37.84% of them. Regarding attitudes and practices, the prevalence of early breast cancer screening was 12.93%, of which 11.67% declared that they had checked themselves to know whether they were carriers of the disease or not. The main means of the early screening used was breast self-examination (85.78%). Factors associated with early breast cancer screening found in multivariate analysis were age (≤50 years), education level (increasingly higher), marital status (married/coupled), place of residence (downtown), and socioeconomic level (average/high). Conclusion: The frequency of early breast cancer screening among women is still low in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, although they have a good knowledge of the disease. This raises the need to strengthen awareness of early breast cancer screening.

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.

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.

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.

Agricultural Contamination of the Surface Waters of the Upper Ouémé in Benin: The Case of Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters by heavy metals and pesticides. Method: To this end, data were collected in December 2022 from four specific sampling stations: Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro. Levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead, were measured and subjected to in-depth statistical analysis using graphical summation models. In addition, the concentrations of pesticide active ingredients present in the samples were interpreted and evaluated. The statistical data collected during this study were processed using R software, version 3.5.0. Results: The values obtained at the different stations Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro are respectively Arsenic (2 × 10-4 mg/L;2.2 × 10-1 mg/L;1.2 × 10-4 mg/L;2 × 10-4 mg/L), Cadmium (4.4 × 10-5 mg/L;1.1 × 10-2 mg/L;10-4 mg/L;4 × 10-4 mg/L). Then Copper (7 × 10-4 mg/L;3 × 10-3 mg/L;7 × 10-4 mg/L;1 × 10-4 mg/L), Iron (1.51 mg/L;6.4 × 10-1 mg/L;2.0012 mg/L;2.9 × 10-1 mg/L), Lead (0 mg/L;0 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L). Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead) were all below the guideline standards set by the WHO in 2006 for uncontaminated surface waters. This indicates that the surface waters of the Upper Ouémé were below acceptable contamination thresholds in terms of heavy metals. However, the presence of pesticide active ingredients such as cyfluthrin, endosulfan-alpha, endosulfan-beta, profenosfos, tihan, atrazine, gala super and glycel clearly indicates that these surface waters are subject to agricultural contamination.

Factors Associated with Closely Spaced Pregnancies at the Departmental Hospital Centre of Zou-Collines (Benin) in 2022

Introduction: Birth spacing to prevent closely-spaced pregnancies, which are a source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, is not always respected by our women, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective was to study the factors associated with closely-spaced pregnancies among women followed at the Departmental Hospital Center du Zou et du Colline (DHC/Z-C) in 2022. Study Method: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection from 20 May to 30 June 2022. Results: At the end of the study, 83 of the 117 women surveyed had close pregnancies, a frequency of 70.94%. They had an average age of 27.0 ± 6.3 years and were of Fon ethnicity and related in 91.57% of cases. The majority were married (96.60%). The factors significantly associated with these closely spaced pregnancies were age between 25 and 30 years, household occupation, age at first birth, age at marriage, women’s perception of contraceptive method (CM), women’s knowledge of the existence of a center providing family planning services and non-use of MC. Conclusion: Close pregnancies are still very common in the commune of Abomey. It is therefore important to increase the use of contraceptive methods in this part of the country.

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ouémé: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

This study assessed sediment contamination by heavy metals and pesticide active ingredients linked to chemical inputs used in agricultural activities in the lower Ouémé. Pesticide residues from the organochlorine, pyrethroid and organophosphorus families were investigated by gas chromatography, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metallic pollution indices, the contamination factor (CF) and the ecological risk index were calculated. The results revealed 8 active ingredients in the rainy season and 9 in the dry season. Glyphosate was the active ingredient with the highest concentration at all stations, 9.65 ± 0.84 mg/kg recorded in the dry season at the Aguigadji station. All glyphosate values were above the EQS. DDT, Atrazine and Endosulfan also showed high concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons. Emamectin, Abamectin and Lambda Cyhalothrin also showed high concentrations in the dry season at Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele. Only glyphosate was recorded at the control station (Toho), but in very low concentrations. Lead showed the highest concentrations at all the stations, 265.96 ± 21.02 mg/Kg in the rainy season and 255.38 ± 79.09 mg/Kg in the dry season, all detected at the Aguigadji station and above the EQS. Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu and Cr were all representative in both the dry and rainy seasons at the contaminated stations. Manganese showed high concentrations in the rainy season. Pb showed very high contamination (FC ≥ 6) at the Aguigadji and Ahlan stations and significant contamination (3 ≤ FC 6) at the Sele station in both the rainy and dry seasons. Ni, Hg and Cd, showed either moderate or significant contamination at the contaminated stations. The risk values showed a considerable ecological Ri (190 ≤ Ri < 380) in the rainy season and a moderate ecological Ri (95 ≤ Ri < 190) in the dry season at these contaminated stations.

Epidemiologic, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Features of Urinary Stone Disease in Northern Benin from 2018 to 2023

Objective: To determine the epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of urinary in northern Benin from 2018 to 2023. Patients and Method: The study was an observational and descriptive one. We exhaustively and retrospectively collected data from the medical records of the patients that were managed from February 1, 2018 to February 1, 2023 at the Department of Surgery of “Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départmental Borgou-Alibori or CHUD-BA”. Results: Among the 4522 patients managed, 75% or 1.7% had urinary stone disease. Their mean age was 41 years. The sex ratio was 2.75, the males being predominantly affected. Of the 75 cases of urinary stone disease, 30.7% (n = 23) were renal, 46.7% (n = 35) were ureteral, and 22.7% (n = 17) were vesical. The patients came from variable geographical areas, ethnic groups, and professional sectors. Their main complaints were pain (57.3%), hematuria (14.7%), dysuria (12%), and fever (5.3%). 15 (20%) patients, i.e., 7 renal stone and 8 ureteral stone patients, had an obstructive renal failure. The imaging tools available were ultrasonography, tomography and computed tomographic scan. 11 of the bladder stone cases (64.7%) were associated with a bladder outlet obstruction. Overall, 38.7% of the patients had either diabetes mellitus (6.7%), hypertension or high blood pressure (6.7%), benign prostate hyperplasia (8%), urinary schistosomiasis (6.7%), ureteral pelvic junction obstruction (2.7%), and prostate cancer (1.3%). Of the 19 patients whose dietary behavior was investigated 15 (79%), 11 (57.9%) et 11 (57.9%) demonstrated a diet which was respectively rich in milk, fromage and meat. 100% of bladder stones were removed through cystolithotomy. Renal stones were removed by pyelolithtomy (52.2%) and nephrolithotomy (21.7%). Ureteral stones were removed through ureterolithotomy (40%), expelled by means of alpha-blockers (40%) or managed with ureteral pigtail stent (20%). Conclusion: The hospital prevalence of urinary stone disease was 1.7%. The mean age in urinary stone-affected patients was 41 years. The urinary stone predominantly affected male patients: the sex ratio was 2.75. The stones were mainly removed through open surgery.

Survey of Cereal Consumption Habits in the Community of Djougou, Benin

The cereal group occupies a prominent place in the dietary habits of people in northern Benin and there is little recent information on cereal consumption. This study aims to assess the consumption, acquisition and supply of cereals to households in the community of Djougou. A semi-directive survey with KoBoCollect was conducted among 369 households to collect individual cereal food consumption data. The survey data processed by statistical tools showed that the most consumed cereals are maize (95%, p = 0.887), millet (58%, p = 0.755), rice (55%, p = 0.753), sorghum (15%, p = 0.635), wheat (5%, p = 0.920) and fonio barely 5%. The most common mode of acquisition in Djougou is purchase (50%, p = 0.947) but donation is also observed (25%, p = 0.988) as well as production observed in 20.6% of households. Purchases are made from retailers in local markets (45%, p = 0.920) but also in streets and alleys (30%, p = 0.765). The most widely used preservation technique is drying at room temperature (70%, p = 0.995). Households most often dry in the areas provided in the field (50%, p = 0.783) and at home (40%, p = 0.643). The preferred storage location is the kitchen (60%, p = 0.790). The bedroom (20%, 0.669) and the store (15%, 0.522) are the alternative places for storing cereals. In addition, the supply costs of cereals increased between 2020 and 2021. This vertiginous rise in prices is due, among other things, to the covid19 pandemic. The various data generated not only make it possible to have fresh data but also to invest them in the assessment of health risks for the achievement of a high level of protection of the health and life of consumers.

Improving the Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets among Children under Five Years Old in Benin, West Africa

Background: In Benin, malaria represents the first cause of consultation and hospitalization (48% for children under 5 years old) in health units. It also accounts for 23.1% of deaths recorded in health facilities (MoH, 2019). Between the two main components of vector control adopted by Benin government, the mass distribution campaigns of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) remained the only proven cost-effective way to rapidly achieve high and equitable coverage (WHO, 2017). After the fourth mass distribution campaign conducted in 2017, the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data indicated that the percentage of children who slept under an ITN has increased from 20% in 2006 to 70% in 2011-2012 and to 76% in 2017-2018 while the incidence of malaria (tested positive) is increasing rapidly among children under 5 years old, growing from 36.5% in 2009 to 28.8% in 2012 and then to 51.4% in 2019. This study aims to understand this contrast by identifying the origin of the increase in ITN use over time among children under five years old and the factors which determine this use. Methods: Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in Benin respectively in 2006 and in 20018 were used during the analysis, which covered 13,445 children under five years old from 2006 DHS and 12,255 children from 2017-2018 DHS. Firstly, the data were analyzed using decomposition method to highlight the origin of the increase of ITN use over time among children under five years old. Secondly, the chi-square test analysis estimated the association between ITN use and some characteristics (wealth index, maternal or caregiver education level and child age). Finally, the logistic regression model was used to identify the main factors, which influence the net use over the study period. Results: This study shows that the improvement of basic conditions is the main origin of behavior change in the use of ITNs among children under five years old. This improvement of the basic conditions consists of making ITNs available in households and informing household members about the benefits of ITN use. So, the free ITN distribution campaigns, routine distribution, awareness campaigns about the benefits of ITN use are the strategies, which increase the household capacities and knowledge, allowing household members to make their children sleep under net. The analysis also shows that region of residence, wealth index of household, household size, religion, and child age continue to determine the ITN use among children under age 5 years old and MNCP will integrate the factors in malaria prevention strategies in order to achieve universal use of ITNs. Conclusions: Although, sleeping under ITN behavior has indeed spread among children under 5 years old, policymakers and other stakeholders should design strategies to maintain and improve the current level of ITN use to reach the collective protection threshold (80% according to WHO). Therefore, to address the challenges of universal use of ITN, the study recommends expanding the routine distribution system to private sector health centers;discussing issues related to health service utilization (particularly ITN use) within a consultation framework at the communal level. In addition, collecting qualitative and quantitative data in the Oueme region will allow better understanding of all aspects of the ITN use gap among children under 5 years.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of “Electron Go out Mosquito Small Lamp” in Disease Vector Mosquito Control Benin West Africa

In the context of mosquito control, a plethora of devices have been put on the market. The effectiveness of these devices is not always proven, but some have interesting principles that have the potential to be a good means of mosquito control. Among these interesting devices are the photonic traps. We have carried out nightly captures of mosquitoes on human baits in the presence and absence of the device. These captures were made during the rainy season in the localities of Zogbadjè and Mènontin. The captures were made under the same atmospheric conditions at the same locations at 5-day intervals. These captures were made twice per house, indoors and outdoors, with one blank capture without the device and one capture with the device. The captured mosquitoes were identified and classified by genus and their aggressiveness determined by calculating the biting rate. A total of 845 mosquitoes were captured during these captures with 296 mosquitoes captured indoors without the device and 132 mosquitoes with the device present. This represents a decrease of 55.40% in culicidae density. Furthermore, a significant decrease was observed in aggressiveness, from 49 to 22 bites per man per night (b/m/n) with the use of the device. This decrease is even more important for nocturnal species such as Anopheles spp. whose aggressiveness decreased by 90%. The present study confirms the effectiveness of the “Electron go out mosquito small lamp” in reducing Culicidae density and mosquito aggression even in the presence of chemotactic interference. However, this study was limited in time and focused only on the ability of the device to reduce mosquito numbers and did not assess its epidemiological efficacy. It is therefore important to extend the work to examine the influence of the use of this device on population health and the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria.

Factors Associated with Non-Compliance among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou and Alibori in Parakou (Benin)

Introduction: Therapeutic compliance in chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for the prevention of this condition, which is both a non-communicable disease (NCD) and a complication of other NCDs. Non-adherence to treatment (NOT) is a factor in the poor prognosis of CKD in developing countries, particularly in Benin. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic compliance (TC) and determine the factors associated with non-compliance in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing treatment at the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou and Alibori in Parakou (CHUD/B-A). Patients and Methods: This study was carried out in the Nephrology Department of CHUD/B-A. It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with analytical aims that ran from December 25, 2022 to March 15, 2023 and covered data from 2017 to 2022. It involved 345 patient records meeting the diagnosis of CKD according to the KDIGO 2012 criteria. NOT was defined by a Girerd score evaluation greater than or equal to 3. Data processing and analysis were performed with R software version 4.3.0. Results: The mean age (SD) of patients was 50 years (±14.9). The prevalence of NOT was 57.1%. Potential predictors of non-adherence were: monthly revenue (p = 0.009), mode of admission (p = 0.001), phytotherapy (p = 0.040), traditional treatment (p = 0.049) and quantity of drugs (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Therapeutic compliance among chronic kidney patients still needs to be improved through awareness-raising sessions.

Diversity and Importance of Benin’s Forests and Agroforestry Systems Woody Species in Mortars and Pestles Manufacture

The disappearance of resources with high genetic potential and great utility for people and the challenge of the conservation and sustainable management of these resources are two opposing facts of which the world is now concerned. In Benin, forests and agroforestry systems complement each other in wood supply for mortar and pestle manufacture. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the diversity of woody species used for mortar and pestle manufacture and to analyze the preferences of manufacturers through an ethnobotanical approach. Based on the snowball sampling method, and interviews with 112 manufacturers from different ethnic groups, we identified 31 tree species. These species belong to 30 genera and 13 plant families. The Fabaceae are more represented with 14 species (i.e. 45% of the total). Ten are frequently used. But there are four species, such as Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn., Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub., Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth. and Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Meeuwen, which are highly preferred by manufacturers respectively. The calculation of the Indexes of Possession of Global Knowledge (IPSG) revealed that the ethnic group Nagot (0.204) possessed more knowledge and is followed by Mahi (0.201) and Fon (0.18) respectively. Forests and agroforestry systems are both supply sites for manufacturers. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test proved that there are no significant differences between the species’ preference for mortars or pestles manufacture (v = 181, p-value = 0.38). Since the trees cutting in agroforestry systems can be destructive to them, provisions such as the promotion of agroforestry in rural areas and the integration of the used species in the reforestations programs must be taken to curb the pressure and contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity.

Structural and Mineralogical Characterization of the Clayey Deposits of Gbédji-Kotovi in Lama Depression, Bénin

The objective of the study was to characterize the clays of the Lama depression in Benin. Macroscopic examination of hand soundings, dynamic penetration test and stratigraphic correlation of water borehole logs, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) method were made on compact or stratified clays. The large grains are embedded in a sintered matrix. The texture is heterogeneous and open, including quartz, carbonates and organic matter. The fine fraction is dominated by mineral paragenesis characterizing Kaolinite-Quartz-Calcite-Gypsum dioctahedral smectites composed of: Oxygen, Silica, Carbon, Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Titanium and Magnesium. This smectic and regular structure includes coarse grains of the order of 800 μm. The pore diameters vary from 130 μm to 1.14 μm. The inter-particle porosity is poorly developed unlike the inter-aggregate pores larger than 0.05 μm. The texture is laminar and shows elongated turbo static particles with more or less rounded edges and honeycomb particles. Quartz and carbonates induce an increase in heterogeneities which develop mechanical sensitivity and hydraulic conductivity. High contents of silica, iron or aluminum and low contents of calcium and magnesium, as well as the presence of other trace elements suggest an alumino-ferriferous clay resulting from the hydrothermal alteration of the acid granite massif. These heterogeneities promote less tortuous pores or paths, making these clays more permeable. Finally, other stabilization studies and improvements to hydraulic products and binders should favor the use of the studied clay as improved backfill or drilling muds.

Quantification of Above-Ground Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Roadside Trees in the Plateau Department of Benin Republic

Roadside trees are effective natural solutions for mitigating climate change. Despite the usefulness of trees to carbon sequestration, there is a dearth of information on the estimation of biomass and carbon stock for roadside trees in the study area. This study aimed to estimate the carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent of roadside trees. A complete enumeration of trees was carried out in Kétou, Pobè and Sakété within the communes of the Plateau Department, Bénin Republic. Total height and diameter at breast height were measured from trees along the roads while individual wood density value was obtained from wood density database. The allometric method of biomass estimation was adopted for the research. The results showed that the total estimations for above-ground biomass, carbon stock and carbon equivalent from all the enumerated roadside trees were 154.53 mt, 72.63 mt and 266.55 mt, respectively. The results imply that the roadside trees contain a substantial amount of carbon stock that can contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

Prevalence of Suicidal Risk in the General Population in Parakou (Benin) in 2022

Introduction: Every year worldwide, the WHO estimates that nearly one million people take their own lives, the equivalent of one suicide occurring every 40 seconds, despite the fact that this harm is preventable. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the risk of suicide in the general population in the commune of Parakou in 2022. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. Sampling was probabilistic, using the WHO cluster sampling technique. Results: A total of 582 subjects were surveyed, of whom 99 (17.01%) were at risk of suicide (low (7.6%), moderate (5.7%) and high (3.8%)). Evaluation of suicidal behaviors revealed suicidal ideation (15.12%), suicidal planning (4.46%), suicide attempts (3.78%) and suicidal equivalents (6.90%). After multivariate analysis, the following were statically associated with suicidal risk: wet nurse status of less than one month (p = 0.003), family history of suicide attempt (p = 0.004), lack of affection from parents or guardians (p = 0.044), poor relationship with partner (p = 0.033) and depression (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Approximately one person in five is at risk of suicide at the end of this study. There is every interest to implement effective preventive measures at national level.