Non-calcified plaque in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is growing interest in understanding the coronary atherosclerotic burden in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score (CACS). In this population, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of non-calcified coronary plaques (NCP) as detected by coronary CT angiography (CCTA), and to analyze the associated clinical predictors.

Methods: This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies indexed in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science from inception of the database to March 31st, 2023.

Retention in care for type 2 diabetes management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.

Objective: Diabetes prevalence has risen rapidly in Sub-Saharan Africa, but rates of retention in diabetes care are poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine rates of retention in care of persons with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Global Health and CINAHL online databases for cohort studies and randomised control trials (RCTs) published up to 12 October 2021, that reported retention in or attrition from care for patients with type 2 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Population-level faecal metagenomic profiling as a tool to predict antimicrobial resistance in isolates causing invasive infections: An exploratory study across Cambodia, Kenya, and the UK.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in is a global health threat. Capacity for individual-level surveillance remains limited in many countries, whilst population-level surveillance approaches could inform empiric antibiotic treatment guidelines.

Methods: In this exploratory study, a novel approach to population-level prediction of AMR in clinical isolates using metagenomic (Illumina) profiling of pooled DNA extracts from human faecal samples was developed and tested.

Integration of non-communicable disease and HIV/AIDS management: a review of healthcare policies and plans in East Africa.

Background: Low-income and middle-income countries are struggling to manage growing numbers of patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while services for patients with HIV infection are well established. There have been calls for integration of HIV and NCD services to increase efficiency and improve coverage of NCD care, although evidence of effectiveness remains unclear. In this review, we assess the extent to which National HIV and NCD policies in East Africa reflect the calls for HIV-NCD service integration.

Iron stores in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a systematic review.

Background: Gradual improvements in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), have led to an increase in the number of women with SCD who reach the age of procreation. However, evidence on the iron status of pregnant women with sickle cell disease (PWSCD) remains inconclusive. We conducted the first systematic review on the prevalence, determinants and maternal/foetal outcomes of iron deficiency anaemia among PWSCD.

Oxytocin Versus Misoprostol Plus Oxytocin in the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage at a Semi-Urban Hospital in sub-Saharan Africa: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Its first-line of prevention often entails uterotonic drugs like oxytocin and misoprostol which constitute a core point of management in low-resource settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oxytocin alone compared with oxytocin plus misoprostol in two different eras (before and after the advert of misoprostol) of a semi-urban Cameroonian hospital.

Prevalence, indications and neonatal complications of caesarean deliveries in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The trend of increasing caesarean deliveries in developed countries over the past three decades is now being observed in sub-Saharan African. This rise might be associated with an increase in the complications that could arise from this surgical intervention. We therefore sought to assess the prevalence, indications and complications of caesarean deliveries in Cameroon.

Prevalence of adolescent deliveries and its complications in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Adolescent deliveries (10-19 years) carry a high risk of adverse outcomes due to the biological and physiological immaturity of these mothers. They pose a significant health burden in Cameroon, as it is reported that a high proportion of women attending delivery services are teenagers. We therefore sought to systematically assess the prevalence of adolescent deliveries in the country and its maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Determinants of depression among nursing students in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Nursing students are highly susceptible to depression given the heavy workload and clinical demands of the curriculum. Depression has negative impacts on their health and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the determinants of depression amongst nursing students in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

Prognostic models for the clinical management of malaria and its complications: a systematic review.

Objective: Malaria infection could result in severe disease with high mortality. Prognostic models and scores predicting severity of infection, complications and mortality could help clinicians prioritise patients. We conducted a systematic review to assess the various models that have been produced to predict disease severity and mortality in patients infected with malaria.

Burnout as a predictor of depression: a cross-sectional study of the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of depression amongst nurses in Cameroon.

Background: Depression is a debilitating mental health condition which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide annually. Nurses are twice as likely to suffer from depression than professionals in other professions. This leads to a considerable loss of efficiency and productivity.

Iron stores in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disease worldwide. The greatest disease burden is seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Early diagnosis and improved care of people living with SCD have led to an increase in the number of women with SCD reaching the reproductive age.

Grand multiparity in rural Cameroon: prevalence and adverse maternal and fetal delivery outcomes.

Background: Grand multiparity is a major public health concern especially among developing countries and has been associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes compared with women of lesser parity. There is a dearth of evidence on this subject in Cameroon, especially in the rural areas. We therefore carried out this study to document the prevalence and maternal and fetal delivery outcomes of grand multiparity in a rural Cameroonian setting.

Burnout as a correlate of depression among medical students in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Burnout syndrome has been shown to mediate the pathway between job stress and depression. This study aims to assess the relationship between the various components of burnout syndrome and depression; and to determine the contribution of other sociodemographic variables to depression among medical students in Cameroon.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Adherence to antidiabetic medication and factors associated with non-adherence among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in two regional hospitals in Cameroon.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing cause of disease burden globally. Its management is multifaceted, and adherence to pharmacotherapy is known to play a significant role in glycaemic control. Data on medication adherence among affected patients is unknown in Cameroon.

Burnout Syndrome amongst Medical Students in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Determinants in Preclinical and Clinical Students.

Background: Due to a series of recognised psychological stressors in the traditional path of medical studies, medical students are prone to experience burnout syndrome.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors of burnout syndrome amongst medical students in Cameroon.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which recruited 413 medical students consecutively after sampling three of the five medical schools in Cameroon using a random sequence generator.

Current Issues in the Development of Foetal Growth References and Standards.

Purpose Of Review: This paper discusses the current issues in the development of foetal charts and is informed by a scoping review of studies constructing charts between 2012 and 2018.

Recent Findings: The scoping review of 20 articles revealed that there is still a lack of consensus on how foetal charts should be constructed and whether an international chart that can be applied across populations is feasible. Many of these charts are in clinical use today and directly affect the identification of at risk newborns that require treatment and nutritional strategies.

Determinants of burnout syndrome among nurses in Cameroon.

Objectives: Burnout syndrome is common amongst medical personnel. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of burnout syndrome among nurses in the north west and south west regions of Cameroon.

Results: A cross-sectional analysis during the months of January-June 2018 was carried out recruiting nurses consecutively after consent from state-owned and private hospitals in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

Intimate partner violence and depression among pregnant women in the North west region of Cameroon: a research proposal.

Objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a major public health concern due to its harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn foetus. In this study, we aim to assess the prevalence and correlates of both IPV and depression in pregnant women in the northwest region of Cameroon. Specifically: (1) To determine the prevalence of IPV in a group of pregnant women in the northwest region of Cameroon.

Integrated care for human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes and hypertension in Africa.

The rising burden from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses a huge challenge for health care delivery in Africa, where health systems are already struggling with the long-term care requirements for the millions of people now on antiretroviral therapy requiring regular visits to health facilities for monitoring, adherence support and drugs. The HIV chronic disease management programme is comparatively well-funded, well-organised and well-informed and offers many insights and opportunities for the expansion of NCD prevention and treatment services. Some degree of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and NCD service integration is essential, but how to do this without risking the HIV treatment gains is unclear.

Identifying risk factors for the development of sepsis during adult severe malaria.

Background: Severe falciparum malaria can be compounded by bacterial sepsis, necessitating antibiotics in addition to anti-malarial treatment. The objective of this analysis was to develop a prognostic model to identify patients admitted with severe malaria at higher risk of developing bacterial sepsis.

Methods: A retrospective data analysis using trial data from the South East Asian Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trial.

Prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use among medical and nursing students in Cameroon: a cross sectional analysis.

Objective: Medical and nursing students in Cameroon are likely to have mental health problems given the stressful nature of their studies. Paucity of mental health institutions in the country implies they hardly get access to professional help when needed and are obliged to develop coping strategies such as recreational drug use. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use among a group of Cameroonian medical and nursing students.

Determinants of burnout syndrome among nursing students in Cameroon: cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Burnout syndrome defined as a state of emotional exhaustion and disengagement; which could reduce optimal healthcare delivery, is relatively common amongst healthcare trainees. We sought to assess the determinants of burnout syndrome amongst nursing students in Cameroon. A cross-sectional study which included 447 nursing students recruited after written informed consent by convenience sampling, was carried out from January to April 2018.