Samuel Wanji1,2, Jonas A Kengne-Ouafo1,2, Kebede Deribe3,4, Ayok M Tembei1,2, Abdel Jelil Njouendou1,2, Dizzel Bita Tayong1,2, David D Sofeu-Feugaing5, Fabrice R Datchoua-Poutcheu2, Jorge Cano6, Emanuele Giorgi6,7, Yolande F Longang-Tchounkeu2, Peter A Enyong1,2, Melanie J Newport3, Gail Davey3. 1. Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases (ECID), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. 2. Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon. 3. Wellcome Trust Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK. 4. School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 5. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. 6. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London. 7. Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
Abstract
Background: Although podoconiosis is endemic in Cameroon, little is known about its epidemiology and spatial distribution. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled all adults (≥15 y) residing in the districts of the northwest region of Cameroon for 10 or more years. Participants were interviewed and had a physical examination. The study outcomes were prevalence estimates of lymphoedema and podoconiosis. House-to-house screening was conducted by Community Health Implementers (CHIs). CHIs registered all individuals with lymphoedema and collected additional individual and household-related information. A panel of experts re-examined and validated all lymphoedema cases registered by CHIs. Results: Of the 439 781 individuals registered, 214 195 were adults (≥15 y old) and had lived in the districts of the region for more than 10 y. A total of 2143 lymphoedema cases were identified by CHIs, giving a prevalence of lymphoedema of 1.0% (2143/214 195; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04). After review by experts, podoconiosis prevalence in the study area was 0.48% (1049/214 195; 95% CI, 0.46-0.52). The prevalence of podoconiosis varied by health district, from 0.16% in Oku to 1.92% in Bafut (p<0.05). A total of 374 patients were recruited by stratified random sampling from the validated CHIs' register to assess the clinical features and socio-economic aspects of the disease. Patients reportedly were said to have first noticed swelling at an average age of 41.9±19.1 (range: 6-90 y). Most patients (86.1%; 315/366) complained of their legs suddenly becoming hot, red and painful. The majority (96.5%; 361/374) of the interviewees said they had worn shoes occasionally at some point in their life. The reported mean age at first shoe wearing was 14.2±10.1 (±SD,range 1-77 y). A high proportion (82.8%; 309/374) of the participants wore shoes at the time of interview. Of those wearing shoes, only 21.7% (67/309) were wearing protective shoes. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into the geographical distribution and epidemiology of podoconiosis in the North West region of Cameroon, yet management is limited. Evidence-informed targeted interventions are needed to manage people with lymphoedema.
Background: Although podoconiosis is endemic in Cameroon, little is known about its epidemiology and spatial distribution. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled all adults (≥15 y) residing in the districts of the northwest region of Cameroon for 10 or more years. Participants were interviewed and had a physical examination. The study outcomes were prevalence estimates of lymphoedema and podoconiosis. House-to-house screening was conducted by Community Health Implementers (CHIs). CHIs registered all individuals with lymphoedema and collected additional individual and household-related information. A panel of experts re-examined and validated all lymphoedema cases registered by CHIs. Results: Of the 439 781 individuals registered, 214 195 were adults (≥15 y old) and had lived in the districts of the region for more than 10 y. A total of 2143 lymphoedema cases were identified by CHIs, giving a prevalence of lymphoedema of 1.0% (2143/214 195; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04). After review by experts, podoconiosis prevalence in the study area was 0.48% (1049/214 195; 95% CI, 0.46-0.52). The prevalence of podoconiosis varied by health district, from 0.16% in Oku to 1.92% in Bafut (p<0.05). A total of 374 patients were recruited by stratified random sampling from the validated CHIs' register to assess the clinical features and socio-economic aspects of the disease. Patients reportedly were said to have first noticed swelling at an average age of 41.9±19.1 (range: 6-90 y). Most patients (86.1%; 315/366) complained of their legs suddenly becoming hot, red and painful. The majority (96.5%; 361/374) of the interviewees said they had worn shoes occasionally at some point in their life. The reported mean age at first shoe wearing was 14.2±10.1 (±SD,range 1-77 y). A high proportion (82.8%; 309/374) of the participants wore shoes at the time of interview. Of those wearing shoes, only 21.7% (67/309) were wearing protective shoes. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into the geographical distribution and epidemiology of podoconiosis in the North West region of Cameroon, yet management is limited. Evidence-informed targeted interventions are needed to manage people with lymphoedema.
Authors: Kebede Deribe; Samuel Wanji; Oumer Shafi; Edrida M Tukahebwa; Irenee Umulisa; David H Molyneux; Gail Davey Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2015-08-21 Impact factor: 9.408
Authors: Samuel Wanji; Jonas A Kengne-Ouafo; Fabrice R Datchoua-Poutcheu; Abdel Jelil Njouendou; Dizzel Bita Tayong; David D Sofeu-Feugaing; Nathalie Amvongo-Adjia; Bridget A Fovennso; Yolande F Longang-Tchounkeu; Fasil Tekola-Ayele; Peter A Enyong; Melanie J Newport; Gail Davey Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-09-20 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Kebede Deribe; Jorge Cano; Abdel Jelil Njouendou; Mathias Esum Eyong; Amuam Andrew Beng; Emanuele Giorgi; David M Pigott; Rachel L Pullan; Abdisalan M Noor; Fikre Enquselassie; Christopher J L Murray; Simon I Hay; Melanie J Newport; Gail Davey; Samuel Wanji Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2018-06-22
Authors: Samuel Wanji; Mathias Eyong Esum; Abdel Jelil Njouendou; Amuam Andrew Mbeng; Patrick W Chounna Ndongmo; Raphael Awah Abong; Jerome Fru; Fanny F Fombad; Gordon Takop Nchanji; Glory Ngongeh; Narcisse V Ngandjui; Peter Ivo Enyong; Helen Storey; Kurt C Curtis; Kerstin Fischer; Joseph R Fauver; Daphne Lew; Charles W Goss; Peter U Fischer Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2019-03-08
Authors: Ayok M Tembei; Jonas A Kengne-Ouafo; Bonekeh John; Theobald M Nji; Peter Enyong; Theresa Nkuo-Akenji; Gail Davey; Samuel Wanji Journal: SSM Popul Health Date: 2022-08-06
Authors: Kebede Deribe; Hope Simpson; Jorge Cano; David M Pigott; Nicole Davis Weaver; Elizabeth A Cromwell; Oliver J Brady; Rachel L Pullan; Abdisalan M Noor; Daniel Argaw; Christopher J L Murray; Simon J Brooker; Simon I Hay; Melanie J Newport; Gail Davey Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2019-12-02