Developing biobanking processes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research in Africa: Experience from the Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer's Disease Diversity in the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP).

The Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer's Disease Diversity in the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP) aims to recruit 5000 African participants (Alzheimer's disease [AD] and cognitively unimpaired controls) to generate genomic and biomarker data to better characterize AD neurobiology in Africa from countries that constitute the African Dementia Consortium (AfDC). Blood samples from study participants are separated into fractions and transported to the African Coordinating Centre (ACC: Ibadan, Nigeria), where DNA extraction and long-term biospecimen storage are carried out. Plasma and DNA aliquots are shipped to the John P.

Exercise Intensity Matters in the Rehabilitation of Stroke in the Acute Stage: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a potentially effective exercise promoting functional recovery post-stroke.

Objective: This study examined the efficacy of adding HIIT cycling vs. combining unloaded cycling (SHAM) to conventional physiotherapy on exercise capacity, functional ability, disability level, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) early post-stroke.

Reliability of the Self-Report Administration of the ABILHAND Questionnaire in Chronic Stroke.

The ABILHAND is among the most widely used questionnaires in upper limb rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate whether self-report procedure of the ABILHAND-Stroke is concordant with performance observation-based procedure. Two assessments were performed with each patient on the same day using the Beninese version of the ABILHAND.

The role of community advisory boards in enhancing recruitment and retention in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research in Africa: Experience from the READD-ADSP study.

Introduction:  The Recruitment and Retention of Alzheimer's Disease Diversity Genetic Cohorts in the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP) was established to bridge the gap in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research in Africa. We examined the role of Community Advisory Boards (CABs) in improving participant recruitment and retention in ADRD research in Africa, by exploring how culturally sensitive engagement, community trust-building, and stakeholder involvement influence research participation.

Methods:  A multi-site, multi-phased qualitative study approach that involved establishment of CABs, initial planning meetings and community engagement cum recruitment activities.

The burden of headache disorders in Benin: national estimates from a population-based door-to-door survey.

Background: Continuing the series of population-based studies conducted within the Global Campaign against Headache, here we report estimates of headache-attributed burden among adults in Benin, West sub-Saharan Africa, adding to those already published of prevalence.

Methods: In a cross-sectional survey using cluster-randomized sampling, we visited households unannounced in three geographical regions of Benin: Borgou, Atlantique and Littoral. We randomly selected and interviewed one adult member (18-65 years) of each household, using the HARDSHIP structured questionnaire.

Quality of Life of Older Adults Living With Dementia and Caregiver Strain in Benin.

Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the quality of life (QoL) of older adults living with dementia and caregiver strain in Benin, a West African country.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2021, recruiting participants aged 60 and over and their caregivers from health facilities and a rural community in Benin. QoL of older adults and caregiver burden were collected using standardized instruments, namely the World Health Organization's dementia QoL and Zarit Burden Interview, respectively.

The minimal clinically important difference of the Participation Measurement Scale in chronic stroke.

Background: The Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) is an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based and Rasch-built scale developed specifically to assess participation in people with stroke.

Objectives: Our study aimed to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the PM-Scale.

Method: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 'Circuit walking, balance, cycling and strength training' trial.

Feasibility of a 10-week community-based mobile health rehabilitation program using the WalkWithMe application in late sub-acute and chronic stroke survivors in a low resource setting: A pilot study.

 Physical functioning can be increased in people with stroke by using a mobile health application. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a 10-week community-based program using the WalkWithMe (WWM) application in people with late sub-acute and chronic stroke in Benin. An interventional pilot study with mixed methods research design was used examining the application of an unsupervised individualized mobile Health (mHealth) instructed training program.

The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Benin: a schools-based study.

Background: A global schools-based programme within the Global Campaign against Headache is estimating the burden of headache in children (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years), cluster-sampling the world by conducting national studies in all world regions. Its purpose is to complement population-based studies in adults, adding to knowledge of the burden of headache and informing educational and health policies. This study in Benin was the third in the programme from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

High-intensity interval training is feasible, credible and clinically effective in the early subacute stroke stage in the low-income country of Benin.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to benefit stroke patients when implemented three months post-stroke. This study examined HIIT's feasibility and clinical effectiveness in the early post-stroke stage in Benin. This was a prospective interventional study comprising an HIIT programme executed on a recumbent bike, three times/week, 20-30 min/session for 6 weeks, added to a conventional physiotherapy.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health science students at the University of Parakou, Benin.

Objectives: Research on psychological distress in African students is scarce. This study aimed at exploring the epidemiology (prevalence and correlates) of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health sciences students at the University of Parakou (Benin).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from June to July 2022 at the University of Parakou, the second-largest university in the Republic of Benin.

Estimating the Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in a Semi-Urban City in Benin: A Door-to-Door Community-Based Study.

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of pediatric motor disability. While epidemiological data are widespread in high-income countries, corresponding data in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are still rare. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CP in Northern Benin, a French-speaking low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa.

The prevalence and demographic associations of headache in the adult population of Benin: a cross-sectional population-based study.

Background: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is increasingly well informed with regard to headache disorders, but sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains one of the large regions of the world with limited data directly derived from population-based studies. The Global Campaign against Headache has conducted three studies in this region: Ethiopia in the east, Zambia in the south and Cameroon in Central SSA. Here we report a similar study in Benin, the first from West SSA.

Informal Care Time and Costs of Dementia Care in Benin (West Africa).

Background: Dementia is a growing global health challenge, with significant socioeconomic implications. This study examined the informal care duration and related costs along with the total cost of care for older individuals with dementia in Benin, West Africa, providing insights into a region with limited dementia research.

Methods: We conducted a cost-of-illness study in Benin.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners on peripheral neuropathies in Benin in 2021.

Purpose: First healthcare actors in neurological diseases management, General Practitioners (GPs) still limited in the assessment of Peripheral Neuropathies (PN). This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of GPs on PN in Benin in 2021 and identifying associated factors to low KAP.

Materials And Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 20 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 which included GPs registered in the National Order of Physicians in Benin and interns in last year of medical studies (MS).

Physiotherapy practices in acute and sub-acute stroke in a low resource country: A prospective observational study in Benin.

Background And Objective: Physiotherapy is highly recommended for early recovery from stroke. This study aimed to document physiotherapy practices for people with acute and early sub-acute stroke in Benin.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, physiotherapists working with acute stroke people documented the content of their treatment from six hospitals in Benin during the first session, at 2-week, and 1-month post-stroke with a standardized physiotherapy documentation form.

Physical Activity Level, Barriers, and Facilitators for Exercise Engagement for Chronic Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors in Low-Income Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Benin.

After a stroke incident, physical inactivity is common. People with stroke may perceive several barriers to performing physical activity (PA). This study aimed to document the PA level and understand the barriers and facilitators to engaging in PA for community-dwelling stroke survivors in Benin, a lower middle-income country.

[Peripheral neuropathies and factors associated in chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin].

Introduction: Peripheral neuropathies, in hemodialysis patients, are frequent.

Objective: To study peripheral neuropathies in the population of chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin.

Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from April 1 to July 31, 2017 in the hemodialysis units of the two public dialysis centers in Benin.

Prevalence and biopsychosocial factors associated with chronic low back pain in urban and rural communities in Western Africa: a population-based door-to-door survey in Benin.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and related biopsychosocial factors in urban and rural communities in Benin.

Methods: This is a population-based observational cross-sectional survey. An interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic, socio-economic, behavioral, and psychological factors relating to CLBP risk factors and medical history of participants.

Factors associated with balance impairments amongst stroke survivors in northern Benin: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Balance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. A fear of falling after stroke can contribute to sedentary lifestyles, increased disability and risk of recurrence, leading to poor quality of life.

Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with balance impairments amongst stroke survivors at the University Hospital of Parakou.