Coping Strategies and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders Among People with HIV Initiating HIV Care in Cameroon.

Little is known about the coping strategies used among people with HIV (PWH), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and the extent to which adaptive or maladaptive coping strategies are associated with symptoms of mental health disorders. We interviewed 426 PWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon and reported the prevalence of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies, overall and by presence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Log binominal regression was used to estimate the association between each type of coping strategy (adaptive or maladaptive) and symptoms of each mental health disorder, separately. Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies were commonly reported among PWH enrolling in HIV care in Cameroon. Across all mental health disorders assessed, greater maladaptive coping was associated with higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Adaptive coping was not associated with symptoms of any of the mental health disorders assessed in bivariate or multivariable models. Our study found that PWH endorsed a range of concurrent adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Future efforts should explore the extent to which coping strategies change throughout the HIV care continuum. Interventions to reduce maladaptive coping have the potential to improve the mental health of PWH in Cameroon.

Prevalence of potentially traumatic events and symptoms of depression, anxiety, hazardous alcohol use, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people with HIV initiating HIV care in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the relationship between specific types of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and symptoms of mental health disorders among people with HIV (PWH) in Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 426 PWH in Cameroon between 2019-2020. Multivariable log binominal regression was used to estimate the association between exposure (yes/no) to six distinct types of PTE and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score > 9), PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 score > 30), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale score > 9), and hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score > 7 for men; > 6 for women). RESULTS: A majority of study participants (96%) reported exposure to at least one PTE, with a median of 4 PTEs (interquartile range: 2-5). The most commonly reported PTEs were seeing someone seriously injured or killed (45%), family members hitting or harming one another as a child (43%), physical assault or abuse from an intimate partner (42%) and witnessing physical assault or abuse (41%). In multivariable analyses, the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was significantly higher among those who reported experiencing PTEs during childhood, violent PTEs during adulthood, and the death of a child. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was significantly higher among those who reported experiencing both PTEs during childhood and violent PTEs during adulthood. No significant positive associations were observed between specific PTEs explored and symptoms of depression or hazardous alcohol use after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: PTEs were common among this sample of PWH in Cameroon and associated with PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Research is needed to foster primary prevention of PTEs and to address the mental health sequelae of PTEs among PWH.

Depressive Symptoms, Gender, Disclosure, and HIV Care Stage Among People Living with HIV in Cameroon.

Depression is associated with suboptimal HIV care outcomes. Little is known about the extent to which the prevalence of depressive symptoms varies across the HIV care continuum. Also, the relationship among gender, HIV disclosure, HIV care stage, and depressive symptoms in PLWH remains poorly understood. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 12,507 PLWH at enrollment in International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Cameroon between 2016 and 2020. Recent depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). A score of three or greater on the PHQ-2 was considered indicative of likely major depressive disorder. We estimated the prevalence of depressive symptoms across three stages of HIV care: those not yet on antiretroviral therapy (ART), recent ART initiators (ART initiation ≤ 30 days prior), and ART users (ART initiation > 30 days prior). Adjusted prevalence differences (aPD) of depressive symptoms were estimated comparing recent ART initiators and ART users. Disclosure and gender were examined as effect measure modifiers of the relationship between HIV care stage and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 11.9%, 22.0%, and 8.7% among PLWH not yet on ART, recent ART initiators, and ART users, respectively. ART users had significantly lower prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to recent ART initiators (aPD - 0.09 [95% CI - 0.11, - 0.08]). Neither gender nor HIV disclosure modified the effect measure of the relationship between HIV care stage and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were commonly reported among this group of PLWH and were associated with recent ART initiation. Integration of screening and treatment of depression into HIV care should be prioritized and may be particularly relevant for PLWH initiating ART.

Gender, Mental Health, and Entry Into Care with Advanced HIV Among People Living with HIV in Cameroon Under a National 'Treat All' Policy.

Delays in diagnosis and linkage to HIV care persist among people living with HIV (PLWH), even after expanded access to ART worldwide. Mental health may influence timely linkage to HIV care. Greater understanding of the relationship among gender, mental health, and delayed linkage to HIV care can inform strategies to improve the health of PLWH. We interviewed 426 PLWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020 to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the association between mental health and entry into care with advanced HIV. Separate multivariable log binomial regression models were used to estimate the association between mental health exposure and entry into HIV care with advanced HIV. Stratified analyses were used to assess effect modification by gender. Approximately 20, 15, and 12% of participants reported symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety, respectively. The prevalence of mental health symptoms did not vary significantly by gender. Overall, 53% of participants enrolled in HIV care with advanced HIV: 51% of men and 54% of women. Screening positive for one of the mental health disorders assessed was associated with greater prevalence of enrollment with advanced HIV among men, but not among women. Future research should examine gender-specific pathways between mental health symptoms and entry into care with advanced HIV, particularly for men in Cameroon. The extent to which untreated mental health symptoms drive gender disparities throughout the HIV care continuum should be explored further.

Correlates of self-reported history of mental health help-seeking: a cross-sectional study among individuals with symptoms of a mental or substance use disorder initiating care for HIV in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Mental health and substance use disorders (MSDs) increase the risk of poor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). Receipt of mental health care may improve these adverse outcomes. We aimed to identify correlates of prior mental health help-seeking among PLWH with symptoms of an MSD in Cameroon. METHODS: We characterize prior mental health help-seeking from formal (mental health specialist/general medical provider) and informal (traditional healer/religious leader) sources among 161 people with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores> 9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 scores> 9), probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 scores> 30), or possible alcohol use disorder (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores≥16) who were newly entering HIV care at three healthcare facilities in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020. Help-seeking was defined as ever speaking to a formal or informal source about emotional problems, sadness, or the way they were feeling or behaving. We estimated the association between sociodemographic and psychosocial measures and lifetime mental health help-seeking from each type of source using log-binomial regression. RESULTS: Overall, 55.3% of 161 PLWH with MSD symptoms reported prior mental health help-seeking, with 24.2% and 46.0% seeking help from formal and informal sources, respectively. Religious leaders were the most common source of help (40.4%), followed by general medical professionals (22.4%), traditional healers (16.8%), and mental health specialists (7.4%). Individuals with higher depressive, anxiety, and trauma symptom severity scores were more likely to have sought help than those with lower scores. Individuals with possible alcohol use disorder were the least likely to have sought help. Prior help-seeking was more common among those reporting a higher number of lifetime traumatic events (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.11) and those with a history of emotional intimate partner violence (PR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.80). CONCLUSIONS: Prior mental health help-seeking was associated with psychosocial stressors. Help-seeking from informal networks was more common than formal help-seeking. Training in the provision of evidence-based mental health support for informal networks could improve access to mental health care for PLWH with MSDs in Cameroon.

Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease in urban adults' populations of northern Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem with growing prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. AIM: Assess the prevalence and determinants of CKD in Garoua and Figuil cities of the North region of Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2018 in the two cities, using a multi-level cluster sampling. All adults with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and/or albuminuria (≥ 30 mg/g) were reviewed three months later. Logistic regression models (accounting for the sampling strategy) were used to investigate the predictors of the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 433 participants were included, with a mean age (95%CI) of 45.0 (43.4-46.6) years, 212 (48.7%) men, 294 (67.9%) from Garoua and 218 (45.6%) with no formal education. Risk factors for chronic nephropathy were highly prevalent including longstanding use of street medications (52.8%), herbal medicines (50.2%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (50%), alcohol consumption (34.4%), hypertension (33.9%), overweight/obesity (33.6%), hyperuricemia (16.8%), smoking (11.3%) and hyperglycemia (6.5%). The prevalence of CKD was 11.7% overall, 10.7% in Garoua and 13% in Figuil participants. Equivalents figures for CKD G3-5 and albuminuria were 2.8%, 2.0% and 4.5%; and 9.1%, 9.3% and 8.5%, respectively. History of diabetes, increase systolic blood pressure, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia were predictors of CKD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CKD is as high in these northern cities as previously reported in southern cities of Cameroon, driven mostly by known modifiable risk factors of chronic nephropathy.

Spirometric reference equations for Cameroonians aged 4 to 89 years derived using lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method.

BACKGROUND: Spirometric reference values are well known in several ethnic groups but the normative spirometric values of blacks living in Africa have been less studied. The purpose of this study is to establish normative spirometric equations from a representative population of Cameroonian children and adults and compare these equations with those developed by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) and in Nigerians. METHODS: Spirometric data from healthy Cameroonians aged 4-89 years randomly collected between 2014 and 2018 were used to derive reference equations using generalized additive model for location (mu), shape (lambda) and scale (sigma). RESULTS: A total of 625 children and adolescents (290 males and 335 females) and 1152 adults (552 males and 600 females) were included in the study. The prediction equation for spirometric index was written as: M = Exp[a0 + a1*ln (Height) + a2*ln (Age) + Mspline, Mspline was age related spline contribution]. Applying the GLI standards for African Americans resulted in overall values greater than those found in our study for forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). These values were very close in children and adolescents while the values obtained with the GLI equations for African Americans were significantly higher in adults. FEV1/FVC ratio in our study was similar for adult males but lower in adult females (88% vs 85%, difference = + 3.5%) when applying Nigerian standards. CONCLUSIONS: FEV1 and FVC of the Cameroonian infant and adolescent population are very close to those of black Americans. However, FEV1 and FVC of Cameroonian adults are significantly lower than those of black American adults. These equations should allow a more suitable interpretation of spirometry in the Cameroonian population.

Cytokine profile in the sputum of subjects with post-tuberculosis airflow obstruction and in those with tobacco related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that tuberculosis (TB) is a risk factor for chronic airflow limitation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as the result of chronic inflammation, usually related to noxious particles. Post-TB airflow obstruction and tobacco-related COPD have the same functional pathway characterized by persistent airflow limitation. We sought to compare the profile of 29 cytokines in the sputum of subjects with post-TB airflow obstruction and those with COPD related to tobacco. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV/FVC) ratio were lower in the COPD patients with the history of smoking compared to the post-TB airflow obstruction subgroup. The stages of the disease were more advanced in COPD / tobacco patients. Among the cytokines, IL-1α, IL-1ß, MIP-1ß, sCD40L and VEGF levels were higher in COPD patients, compared to the controls with p values ​​of 0.003, 0.0001, 0.03, 0.0001 and 0.02 respectively. When the two COPD subgroups were compared, IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8 levels were higher in the COPD patients with the history of tobacco compared to the COPD patients with the history of TB with p-values ​​of 0.031, 0.05, 0.021 and 0.016, respectively. CONCLUSION: COPD related to tobacco is more severe than post-TB airflow obstruction. The pathogenesis of post-TB airflow obstruction appears to involve the cytokines IL-1RA, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-17, GRO and sCD40L, while COPD related to tobacco involves more cytokines.

Development and validation of a prognostic score during tuberculosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Death under care is a major challenge for tuberculosis (TB) treatment programs. We derived and validated a simple score to predict mortality during tuberculosis treatment in high endemicity areas. METHODS: We used data for patients aged ≥15 years, diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis at the Yaounde Jamot Hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. Baseline characteristics associated with mortality were investigated using logistic regressions. A simple prognosis score (CABI) was constructed with regression coefficients for predictors in the final model. Internal validation used bootstrap resampling procedures. Models discrimination was assessed using c-statistics and calibration assessed via calibration plots and the Hosmer and Lemeshwow (H-L) statistics. The optimal score was based on the Youden's index. RESULTS: A total of 2250 patients (men 57.2%) with a mean age of 35.8 years were included; among whom 213 deaths (cumulative incidence 9.5%) were recorded. Clinical form of tuberculosis (C), age (A, years), adjusted body mass index (B, BMI, kg/m2) and status for HIV (Human immunodefiency virus) infection (I) were significant predictors in the final model (p < 0.0001) which was of the form Death risk = 1/(1 + e - (-1.3120 + 0.0474 ∗ age - 0.1866 ∗ BMI + 1.1637 (if smear negative TB) + 0.5418(if extra - pulmonary TB) + 1.3820(if HIV+))). The c-statistic was 0.812 in the derivation sample and 0.808 after correction for optimism. The calibration was good [H-Lχ2 = 6.44 (p = 0.60)]. The optimal absolute risk threshold was 4.8%, corresponding to a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 67%. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary promising findings from this study require confirmation through independent external validation studies. If confirmed, the model derived could facilitate the stratification of TB patients for mortality risk and implementation of additional monitoring and management measures in vulnerable patients.

Diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay in diagnosing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Cameroon? a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), is a major public health problem. Effective management of MDR-TB relies on accurate and rapid diagnosis. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay in diagnosing MDR-TB in Cameroon, and then discuss on its utility within the diagnostic algorithm for MDR-TB. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 225 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultured from sputum samples collected from new and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Cameroon were used to determine the accuracy of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay. We compared the results of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay with those from the automated liquid culture BACTEC MGIT 960 SIRE system for sensitivity, specificity, and degree of agreement. The pattern of mutations associated with resistance to RIF and INH were also analyzed. RESULTS: The Genotype MTBDRplus assay correctly identified Rifampicin (RIF) resistance in 48/49 isolates (sensitivity, 98% [CI, 89%-100%]), Isoniazid (INH) resistance in 55/60 isolates (sensitivity 92% [CI, 82%-96%]), and MDR-TB in 46/49 (sensitivity, 94% [CI, 83%-98%]). The specificity for the detection of RIF-resistant and MDR-TB cases was 100% (CI, 98%-100%), while that of INH resistance was 99% (CI, 97%-100%). The agreement between the two tests for the detection of MDR-TB was very good (Kappa = 0.96 [CI, 0.92-1.00]). Among the 3 missed MDR-TB cases, the Genotype MTBDRplus assay classified two samples as RIF-monoresistant and one as INH monoresistant. The most frequent mutations detected by the Genotype MTBDRplus assay was the rpoB S531 L MUT3 41/49 (84%) in RIF-resistant isolates, and the KatG S315 T1 (MUT1) 35/55 (64%) and inhA C15T (MUT1) 20/55 (36%) mutations in INH-resistant isolates. CONCLUSION: The Genotype MTBDRplus assay had good accuracy and could be used for the diagnosis of MDR-TB in Cameroon. For routine MDR-TB diagnosis, this assay could be used for Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures containing contaminants, to complement culture-based drug susceptibility testing or to determine drug resistant mutations.

Perennial aeroallergens sensitisation and risk of asthma in African children and adolescents: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The distribution and impact of various aeroallergens on asthma occurrence vary across regions. We investigated the association between sensitisation to perennial aeroallergens and asthma risk in children and adolescents in Yaounde, Cameroon. METHODS: This was a case-control study involving children and adolescents with asthma (cases) vs. non-allergic counterparts (controls). Children/adolescents with doctor-diagnosed asthma were included over a period of 30 months, and controls were selected from the community through random sampling. Logistic regression models were used to relate perennial aeroallergens sensitisation with asthma. RESULTS: The asthma and control groups included, respectively, 151 and 372 participants, with no sex ratio difference. The mean age (standard deviation) was 11.9 (4.4) years in cases and 11.3 (3.7) years in controls. The prevalence of sensitisation to any aeroallergen (cases vs. controls) was 76.8% (116/151) and 32.3% (120/372), p < 0.001. Sensitisation to mites was found in 104 (68.9%) cases vs. 56 (15.1%) controls, p < 0.001. In multivariable analysis, sensitisation to Alternaria alternata, Blattella germanica and dander (cat and dog) was not associated with asthma. However, sensitisation to mites was significantly associated with asthma. Odds ratios (95% CI) for sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis in relation with asthma were 7.28 (3.75-14.15), 2.65 (1.27-5.45) and 3.23 (1.68-6.21), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitisation to mites was the main perennial allergenic factor associated with asthma in children and adolescents in this setting. This has application for the selection of patients with asthma who could benefit from the control of exposure to mites and specific immunotherapy.

Non-conversion of sputum culture among patients with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Cameroon: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the determinants of sputum culture non-conversion following intensive phase of treatment, and assessed the effects on the outcome among patients treated for a first episode of smear positive tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study spanning October 2009 to May 2012, among patients treated for a first episode of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis in the Chest service of the Yaounde Jamot Hospital, Cameroon. Logistic regressions models were used to relate baseline characteristics with non-conversion of sputum cultures after the intensive phase of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 953 patients were admitted to the service during the study period, including 97 (10.2%) who had a positive sputum smear at the end of the intensive phase of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Eighty-six patients with persistent of smear positive sputa at the end of intensive phase of TB treatment were included, among whom 46 (53%) had positive sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (C+). The absence of haemoptysis [adjusted odd ratio 4.65 (95% confidence intervals: 1.14-18.95)] and current smoking [7.26 (1.59-33.23)] were the main determinants of sputum culture non-conversion. Of the 46C + patients, 7 (15%) were resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug. Treatment failure rate was 28% among C + patients and 8% among C- patients (p = 0.023). The sensitivity and specificity were 78.6% and 55.4% for culture non-conversion after intensive treatment, in predicting anti-TB treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Failure rate is high among patients with positive sputum culture after intensive treatment, even in the absence of multi-drug resistant bacilli. Treatment should be closely monitored in these patients and susceptibility to anti-tuberculosis drugs tested in the presence of persistent positive smears following the intensive phase of treatment.

Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections in adults in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era: A cross-sectional study in a single center experience from Cameroon.

Background and Aims: Respiratory viruses are responsible for the majority of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) worldwide. However, there is a gap on the epidemiology of viral LRTIs in adults in sub-Saharan African countries. In Cameroon, like in other countries, the role of viral respiratory pathogens in the etiology of LRTIs in adults is helpful for clinical management. This study aimed to determine the viral aetiologies of LRTIs among hospitalized adults in a reference center for respiratory diseases in the town of Yaounde in Cameroon and its surroundings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2018 at Jamot Hospital in Yaounde (Cameroon). Clinical and demographic information; BAL and sputa were collected from hospitalized patients meeting LRTI case definitions. The clinical samples were investigated for respiratory pathogens with a commercial Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting 21 viruses, cultures for bacterial and fungal infections. Results: The 77 included adult patients with LRTIs had an appropriate clinical sample for microbial investigations. A viral agent was detected in 22.1% (17/77) samples. The main viruses detected included rhinovirus (10/77), coronavirus (hCoV-OC43 and hCoV-229E), and influenza A virus (3/77 each). A concomitant viral and bacterial co-infection occurred in 7.8% of patients (6/77) while viral co-infection occurred in one patient (1.3%). No Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) was detected in clinical samples. Most patients were under antimicrobials before getting diagnosed. Conclusions: Respiratory viruses account for 22.1% of LRTIs in hospitalized patients in this study. Despite prior antimicrobial therapy and delay, rhinovirus, coronavirus and influenza A virus were the most detected in patients in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era in a single center experience from Cameroon.

HIV-Related Stigma, Social Support, and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders Among People with HIV Initiating HIV Care in Cameroon.

HIV-related stigma has been associated with poor mental health among people with HIV (PWH). Social support is a potentially modifiable factor that may buffer negative mental health sequelae of HIV-related stigma. Little is known about the extent to which the modifying effect of social support differs across mental health disorders. Interviews were conducted with 426 PWH in Cameroon. Log binomial regression analyses were used to estimate the association between high anticipated HIV-related stigma and low social support from family or friends and symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and harmful alcohol use, separately. Anticipated HIV-related stigma was commonly endorsed with ∼80% endorsing at least 1 of 12 stigma-related concerns. In multivariable analyses, high anticipated HIV-related stigma was associated with greater prevalence of symptoms of depression {adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.2]} and anxiety [aPR 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-2.9)]. Low social support was associated with greater prevalence of symptoms of depression [aPR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.2)], anxiety [aPR 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.5)], and PTSD [aPR 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.4)]. However, social support did not meaningfully modify the relationship between HIV-related stigma and symptoms of any mental health disorders explored. Anticipated HIV-related stigma was commonly reported among this group of PWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon. Social concerns related to gossip or losing friends were of the greatest concern. Interventions focused on reducing stigma and strengthening support systems may be particularly beneficial and have the potential to improve the mental health of PWH in Cameroon.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Cameroon: Prevalence and Predictors-A Multisetting Community-Based Study.

Objective: Little is known concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the disease remains underdiagnosed. We aimed to estimate its prevalence in Cameroon and look for its predictors. Methods: Adults aged 19 years and older were randomly selected in 4 regions of Cameroon to participate in a cross-sectional community-based study. Data were collected in the participant's home or place of work. Spirometry was performed on selected participants. COPD was defined as the postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) < lower limit of normal, using the global lung initiative (GLI) equations for Black people. Binomial logistic regression was used to seek COPD-associated factors. The strength of the association was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Results: A total of 5055 participants (median age (25th-75th percentile) = 43 (30-56) years, 54.9% of women) were enrolled. COPD prevalence (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) was 2.9% (2.4, 3.3)%. Independent predictors of COPD (aOR (95% CI)) were a high educational level (4.7 (2.0, 11.1)), living in semiurban or rural locality (1.7 (1.4, 3.0)), tobacco smoking (1.7 (1.1, 2.5)), biomass fuel exposure (1.9 (1.1, 3.3)), experience of dyspnea (2.2 (1.4, 3.5)), history of tuberculosis (3.6 (1.9, 6.7)), and history of asthma (6.3 (3.4, 11.6)). Obesity was protective factor (aOR (95%CI) = 0.3 (0.2, 0.5)). Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD was relatively low. Alternative risk factors such as biomass fuel exposure, history of tuberculosis, and asthma were confirmed as predictors.

HIV testing, HIV status and outcomes of treatment for tuberculosis in a major diagnosis and treatment centre in Yaounde, Cameroon: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis are common and often co-occurring conditions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We investigated the effects of HIV testing and HIV status on the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment in a major diagnosis and treatment centre in Yaounde, Cameroon. METHODS: Participants were 1647 adults with tuberculosis registered at the Yaounde Jamot's Hospital between January and December 2009. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to relate HIV testing and HIV status to the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment during follow-up, with adjustment for potential covariates. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 35.5 years (standard deviation: 13.2) and 938 (57%) were men. Clinical forms of tuberculosis were: smear-positive (73.8%), smear-negative (9.4%) and extra-pulmonary (16.8%). Outcomes of tuberculosis treatment were: cure/completion (68.1%), failure (0.4%), default (20.1%), death (5.2%) and transfer (6.3%). Using cure/completion as reference, not testing for HIV was associated with adjusted odds ratio of 2.30 (95% confidence interval: 1.65-3.21), 2.26 (1.29-3.97) and 2.69 (1.62-4.46) for the risk of failure/default, death and transfer respectively. The equivalents for a positive test among those tested (1419 participants) were 1.19 (0.88-1.59), 6.35 (3.53-11.45) and 1.14 (0.69-1.86). CONCLUSIONS: Non-consent for HIV testing in this setting is associated with all unfavourable outcomes of tuberculosis treatment. However been tested positive was the strongest predictor of fatal outcome. Efforts are needed both to improve acceptance of HIV testing among patients with tuberculosis and optimise the care of those tested positive.

Psychiatric comorbidity and psychosocial stressors among people initiating HIV care in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric comorbidity, the presence of two or more mental health disorders, has been associated with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. Little is known about the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We conducted interviews with PWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and harmful drinking were dichotomized to represent those with and without symptoms of each. Psychiatric comorbidity was defined as having symptoms of two or more disorders assessed. Moderate or severe household hunger, high anticipatory HIV-related stigma, low social support, and high number of potentially traumatic events were hypothesized as correlates of psychiatric comorbidity. Bivariable log binomial regression models were used to estimate unadjusted associations between psychosocial stressors and psychiatric comorbidity. RESULTS: Among 424 participants interviewed, the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 16%. Among those with symptoms of at least one mental health or substance use disorder (n = 161), the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 42%. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 33%, 67%, 76%, and 81% among those with symptoms of harmful drinking, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. Among individuals with symptoms of a mental health or substance use disorder, a high number of potentially traumatic events (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.71 [95% CI 1.21, 2.42]) and high anticipatory HIV-related stigma (PR 1.45 [95% CI 1.01, 2.09]) were associated with greater prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric comorbidity was common among this group of PWH in Cameroon. The effectiveness and implementation of transdiagnostic or multi-focus mental health treatment approaches in HIV care settings should be examined.

Prevalence of stressful life events and associations with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people entering care for HIV in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to stressors increases the risk of mental health disorders. People living with HIV (PLWH) are particularly affected by poor mental health which can contribute to adverse HIV treatment outcomes. METHODS: We estimated the prevalence of recent stressful life events (modified Life Events Survey) among a cohort of PLWH entering HIV care at three public health care facilities in Cameroon and quantified the association of seven types of stressful life events with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores>9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 scores>9), and PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 scores>30) using separate log-binomial regression models. RESULTS: Of 426 PLWH enrolling in care, a majority were women (59%), in relationships (58%), and aged 21 to 39 years (58%). Recent death of a family member (39%) and severe illness of a family member (34%) were the most commonly reported stressful life events. In multivariable analyses, more stressful life event types, a negative relationship change, death or illness of a friend/family member, experience of violence, work-related difficulties, and feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood were independently associated with at least one of the mental health outcomes assessed. The greatest magnitude of association was observed between work-related difficulties and PTSD (adjusted prevalence ratio: 3.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.0-4.8). LIMITATIONS: Given the design of our study, findings are subject to recall and social desirability bias. CONCLUSIONS: Stressful life events were common among this population of PLWH entering care in Cameroon. Evidence-based interventions that improve coping, stress management, and mental health are needed.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Prevalence and Comorbidity with Other Non-communicable Diseases and HIV Infection, among Hospitalized Patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), a growing public health threat, is an emerging condition in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Related SSA studies have so far used an incomplete definition. This study is aimed at assessing SAS using an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) complete definition and at exploring its relationship with comorbidities, among patients hospitalized in a Cameroonian tertiary hospital. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology departments of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Patients aged 21 and above were consecutively invited, and some of them were randomly selected to undergo a full night record using a portable sleep monitoring device, to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). SAS was defined as an apnea - hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/h, associated with either excessive daytime sleepiness or at least 3 compatible symptoms. Moderate to severe SAS (MS-SAS) stood for an AHI ≥ 15/h. We used chi-square or Fisher tests to compare SAS and non-SAS groups. Findings. One hundred and eleven patients presented a valid sleep monitoring report. Their mean age ± standard deviation (range) was 58 ± 12.5 (28-87) years, and 53.2% were female. The prevalence (95% confident interval (CI)) of SAS was 55.0 (45.7, 64.2)% and the one of MS-SAS 34.2 (25.4, 43.1)%. The obstructive pattern (90.2% of SAS and 86.8% of MS-SAS) was predominant. The prevalence of SAS among specific comorbidities ranged from 52.2% to 75.0%. Compared to SAS free patients, more SAS patients presented with hypertension (75.4% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.005%), history of stroke (36.7% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.756), cardiac failure (23.0% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.213), and combined cardiovascular comorbidity (80.3% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.003). Similar results were observed for MS-SAS. Metabolic and neuropsychiatric comorbidities did not differ between SAS and SAS-free patients. CONCLUSION: The SAS diagnosed using modified AASM definition showed high prevalence among patients hospitalized for acute medical conditions, as it was found with SDB. Unlike HIV infection, metabolic and brain conditions, cardiovascular comorbidities (hypertension and cardiac failure) were significantly more prevalent in SAS patients.

Clinical presentation of COVID-19 at the time of testing and factors associated with pre-symptomatic cases in Cameroon.

Objectives: To describe the clinical features at time of testing and explore factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and pre-symptomatic cases in Cameroon. Methods: Data was collected on people in Cameroon who participated in COVID-19 testing by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction between 1 March and 5 October 2020. After descriptive analysis, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and pre-symptomatic cases. Results: Of 85 206 test participants, 14 863 (17.4%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The median age for cases was 38.4 years (interquartile range 29.6-49.4); 6.1% were aged <19 years, and 6.3% were ≥65 years. Of these cases, 46.5% had at least one symptom/sign with a median time from illness onset to testing of 6 days (interquartile range 3-9). Cough (64.2%), headache (46.5%), fatigue/malaise (46.0%), shortness of breath (30.6%) and myalgia/arthralgia (25.6%) were the most commonly observed symptoms/signs. Pre-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with age <50 years, being male and absence of comorbidities. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive summary of the early clinical profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of COVID-19 in Cameroon, which was dominated by pre-symptomatic illness. These findings would be helpful for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and control at a regional level.