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).

Prevalence of obstructive lung disease in an African country using definitions from different international guidelines: a community based cross-sectional survey.

Background: Obstructive lung disease (OLD), a major global public health problem, has been less investigated in African countries. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of OLD in Yaounde (the capital city of Cameroon), using internationally agreed definitions.

Methods: Participants were adults (age >19 years) screened during a community-based survey between December 2013 and April 2014.

Prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Background: Population-based estimates of asthma and allergic rhinitis in sub-Saharan African adults are lacking. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of asthma and allergic rhinitis in urban adult Cameroonians.

Methods: A community-based survey was conducted from December 2013 to April 2014 among adults aged 19 years and above (N = 2,304, 57.