Stillbirth rate and associated factors at the Bamenda Regional hospital, North-West region, Cameroon, from 2018 to 2022: a case control study.

Background: Stillbirth is a common adverse pregnancy outcome worldwide, with an estimated 2.6 million stillbirths yearly. In Cameroon, the reported rate in 2015 was 19.

Enhancing interventions for prevention of mother-to-child- transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a cornerstone of efforts to support progress towards elimination of viral hepatitis. Current guidelines recommend maternal screening, antiviral therapy during the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies, universal and timely HBV birth dose vaccination, and post-exposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin for selected neonates. However, serological and molecular diagnostic testing, treatment and HBV vaccination are not consistently deployed, particularly in many high endemicity settings, and models predict that global targets for reduction in paediatric incidence will not be met by 2030.

Using family planning service statistics to inform model-based estimates of modern contraceptive prevalence.

The annual assessment of Family Planning (FP) indicators, such as the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR), is a key component of monitoring and evaluating goals of global FP programs and initiatives. To that end, the Family Planning Estimation Model (FPEM) was developed with the aim of producing survey-informed estimates and projections of mCPR and other key FP indictors over time. With large-scale surveys being carried out on average every 3-5 years, data gaps since the most recent survey often exceed one year.

[Using anthropology to improve newborn health care in Cameroon].

Introduction: Policy directions in the health sector are based on research which provides insight into implemented actions and helps to formulate improvement recommendations for health. In Cameroon, an innovative experience of anthropological research on newborn health was followed by a process of appropriating findings by the Ministry of Public Health aiming at improving the quality of care. We suggest reporting this Cameroonian experience of interdisciplinary collaboration and involved research.

[Not Available].

Introduction: Policy directions in the health sector are based on research which provides insight into implemented actions and helps to formulate improvement recommendations for health. In Cameroon, an innovative experience of anthropological research on newborn health was followed by a process of appropriating findings by the Ministry of Public Health aiming at improving the quality of care. We suggest reporting this Cameroonian experience of interdisciplinary collaboration and involved research.

A case of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in a low-resource tertiary hospital in Douala, Cameroon.

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is the congenital absence or underdevelopment of the uterus and vagina even though the external genitalia, ovaries and ovarian function are normal. This condition is uncommon in Cameroon. A 23-year-old woman of the Fulbé tribe, a predominantly Islamic tribe of the northern part of Cameroon, complained of the absence of menstruation after age of puberty and lower abdominal pain occurring almost at the same period every month.

Rates of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV type 1 among pregnant women and HIV type 1 drug resistance-associated mutations in breastfeeding women on antiretroviral therapy.

Background: HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV are blood borne and can be transmitted from mother-to-child. Reports of HBV infection rates show up to 11.9% in Cameroon while for HCV, the rate is less than 2%.

Predictors of willingness to accept pre-marital HIV testing and intention to sero-sort marital partners; risks and consequences: Findings from a population-based study in Cameroon.

Introduction: The objectives of this study was to investigate and compare levels of acceptability of pre-marital HIV testing; and intention to sero-sort future marital and its associated factors among unmarried adults in two cities in Cameroon.

Methods: A population-based survey was conducted simultaneously in the cities of Kumba and Buea, located in the Southwest region of Cameroon. Data were collected from September to October 2016 by trained interviewers who administered questionnaires to eligible and consenting unmarried adults aged 21-35 years.

An assessment of antiretroviral drug initiation to pregnant women of unknown HIV status during labour and delivery in Cameroon.

Background: Evidence from previous research has shown that antiretroviral (ARV) drug initiation to seropositive pregnant women could significantly contribute to eliminating new paediatric infections even when started during labour and delivery. This study therefore seeks to assess missed opportunities for ARV initiation during this critical period of pregnancy to improve outcomes of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in Cameroon.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the 2014 PMTCT data for labour and delivery among pregnant women of unknown HIV status within health facilities in six regions of Cameroon (428 eligible facilities).

Socio-economic vulnerabilities and HIV: Drivers of transactional sex among female bar workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, risky sexual behaviour, alcohol use and transactional sex among female bar workers in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 410 female bar workers, recruited through a modified version of venue-based cluster sampling technique from May to June 2017. Transactional sex was defined as having received money/gifts in exchange for sex with any sexual partner in the past 12 months.

[Treatment of perineal wounds during the post partum period: evaluation of whether or not antibiotic should be systematically prescribed].

Introduction: Genital tract integrity is not always mantained during childbirth. No treatment protocol for post-partum perineal wounds (tears and episiotomies) existed in our Department, thus their management depends upon clinician. This study aimed to establish the role of antibiotic in the treatment of post-partum perineal wounds as well as the impact of antibioprophylaxis on wound healing and on prevention of infectious complications after repair.

Use of a social media network to reduce early neonatal mortality: a preliminary report from a quality improvement project in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Background: Perinatal networks have yielded substantial contribution in decreasing the neonatal mortality rate. We present here the process of implementation of a perinatal network in Yaoundé (Cameroon) based on the WhatsApp messenger application as well as some preliminary results and achievements.

Methods: In December 2016, the Yaoundé Perinatal Network was launched, regrouping a multidisciplinary team of health professionals dealing with perinatal care in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Cesarean sections in a secondary level care hospital of Cameroon: an analysis of their six-year trends and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine the trends of CS in a regional hospital in Cameroon and to explore its association with adverse neonatal outcomes.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH), Cameroon. A 6-year retrospective records analysis was used to determine the trends in rates of CS and neonatal adverse outcomes.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of supposed benign ovarian tumors at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé].

Introduction: Supposed benign ovarian tumors (SBOT) are considered one of the most frequent reasons for gynecological consultation and one of the most common indications for gynecological surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. We carried out a 6-month study, over a five-year period, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014.

High birth weight in a suburban hospital in Cameroon: an analysis of the clinical cut-off, prevalence, predictors and adverse outcomes.

Background And Aims: High birth weight (HBW) increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence and adverse outcomes may be reduced if risk factors are identified and managed during pregnancy. The cut-off value for HBW remains debatable.

Adolescent Deliveries in a Secondary-Level Care Hospital of Cameroon: A Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence, 6-Year Trend, and Adverse Outcomes.

Study Objective: Adolescents are generally ill-equipped to deal with the burden of a pregnancy. A high prevalence of adolescent pregnancies is among the indicators of limitations toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in most developing countries. We sought to determine the prevalence, 6-year trend, and adverse outcomes of adolescent deliveries.

Associations of body mass index and gestational weight gain with term pregnancy outcomes in urban Cameroon: a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital.

Background: Obesity is a rising public health issue worldwide. Guidelines regarding maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are missing in Cameroon where maternal mortality rate remains very high. We hypothesized that obesity and inappropriate GWG are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.

Low birth weight in a sub-urban area of Cameroon: an analysis of the clinical cut-off, incidence, predictors and complications.

Background: The World Health Organisation recommends that each country adopts its own cut-off value of low birth weight (LBW) for clinical use. The aims of this study were to establish a clinical cut-off point for LBW and to determine its incidence, predictors and complications in a sub-urban area's hospital of Cameroon.

Methods: We conducted a study in two phases: a 6-year retrospective phase during which we collected demographic and clinical information from the records of the maternity of the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH) and a 3-month prospective phase during which data were collected from consenting pregnant women using a structured questionnaire, and newborns were examined and followed after birth.

Risk factors and placental histopathological findings of term born low birth weight neonates.

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hence, this condition should be well studied. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for term born LBW, as well as the placental histopathological lesions observed.

Students' perspectives on research and assessment of a model template designed to guide beginners in research in a medical school in Cameroon.

Background: Research activities for medical students and residents (trainees) are expected to serve as a foundation for the acquisition of basic research skills. Some medical schools therefore recommend research work as partial requirement for certification. However medical trainees have many difficulties concerning research, for which reason potential remedial strategies need to be constantly developed and tested.

How risky are second trimester clandestine abortions in Cameroon: a retrospective descriptive study.

Background: Complications of clandestine abortions increase with gestational age. The aim of this study was to identify complications of second trimester clandestine abortions (STA) and those of first trimester clandestine abortions (FTA).

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between March 1st and August 31st, 2012 in the University Teaching Hospital and the Central Hospital, Yaoundé (Cameroon).