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Research Article
Prevalence and Determinants of Malaria at the Regional Hospital of Garoua in the North Region of Cameroon:
A Retrospective Study
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
130-140
Received:
8 April 2026
Accepted:
20 April 2026
Published:
12 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20261203.11
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Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a leading public health problem in Cameroon, with the northern Sahelian region experiencing intense seasonal transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the determinants of malaria infection and its severity at Regional Hospital of Garoua (RHG). Methods: A hospital-based retrospective analysis was conducted between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. Records of 3,506 patients with suspected malaria were reviewed. Data from 663 patients with confirmed malaria and complete files were collected and analyzed to determine malaria severity. Results: The prevalence of confirmed malaria was 30.6%. Among the analytical sample of confirmed cases, the population was predominantly male (77.4%) and young children (55.4%). Relevant determinants for malaria infection among suspected cases included age 0-6 years (aOR=3.42), rural residence (aOR=2.25), marshy area residence (aOR=2.18), and non-use of Insecticide Treated Nets (aOR=1.92). Among confirmed cases, 24.8% were severe. Determinants of severe malaria included convulsions (aOR=28.45), delayed presentation (>48h) (aOR=3.76), absence of prior consultation at another health facility (aOR=3.25), and lower paternal education level (aOR=2.85 for no formal education). Conclusion: This study confirms the high malaria burden in northern Cameroon, driven by pediatric age, environmental and seasonal exposure, and healthcare access barriers. Progression to severe disease is strongly associated with specific clinical signs, paternal education level, and care-seeking behavior.
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a leading public health problem in Cameroon, with the northern Sahelian region experiencing intense seasonal transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the determinants of malaria infection and its severity at Regional Hospital of Garoua (RHG). Methods: A hospital-based retrospective analysis...
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Research Article
Overactive Bladder Syndrome in Young Adults: Prevalence and Impacts on Quality of Life
Obiatuegwu Kenenna Onyeka*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
141-147
Received:
24 March 2026
Accepted:
16 April 2026
Published:
13 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20261203.12
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Abstract: Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome is a clinical condition that affects both males and females and has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Overactive bladder syndrome refers to a chronic condition of the urinary bladder characterized by a constellation of predominantly storage lower urinary tract symptoms. Overactive bladder syndrome is a clinical diagnosis that suggests significant bladder dysfunction, failure of urine storage and often associated with detrusor over activity during the bladder filling phase. The etiology and pathophysiology remains largely unknown with studies suggesting possible multifactorial causes. Despite the appreciable burden on young adults, several studies underestimated prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome amongst young adults. Overactive Bladder Symptom Score is a reliable and valid tool in symptom assessment and re-evaluation following treatment. This study is focus in finding the prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome in young adults as well as the impact on QoL. Methodology: This is a prospective randomized cross-sectional study. By simple random sampling, consenting participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire (overactive bladder syndrome score- OABSS) was utilized in assessment of symptom severity and impact. The Completed questionnaire/proforma of all the recruited subjects were collated and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and P values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 306 individuals participated in the study. One hundred and eighty (58.8%) participants were females while 126 (41.2%) were males. The age range of the participants was 20 – 40 years with a mean age of 29.8 +/- 5.6. The overall OABSS ranges from 0 – 15 with a mean score of 2.09+/-2.05. Two hundred and sixty four participants (93.14%) had OABSS of 0 – 5 which represents mild or no symptoms, 5.88% had moderate symptoms while 0.98% had severe symptoms. Females report significantly higher OABSS than males. The mean score of OABS in females was 2.52 while the mean score of OABS in males was 1.48. Conclusion: Overactive Bladder Syndrome refers to a chronic embarrassing condition of the urinary bladder. Despite the appreciable burden on young adults, it is more prevalent in females. It remains an evolving pathology which becomes more manifest with aging and often underreported amongst younger individual for obvious reasons. Though management could be challenging, exiting prospects via awareness and innovations can never be overemphasized.
Abstract: Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome is a clinical condition that affects both males and females and has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Overactive bladder syndrome refers to a chronic condition of the urinary bladder characterized by a constellation of predominantly storage lower urinary tract symptoms. Overactive bladde...
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Research Article
Acute Effects of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine on Cognitive Functions: A Cross-sectional Study in Côte d'Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
148-153
Received:
19 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20261203.13
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Abstract: Acute neurocognitive effects of COVID-19 vaccines remain poorly documented, particularly in African populations. The systemic inflammatory response following vaccination could transiently modulate brain function. This study aimed to conduct an exploratory cross-sectional assessment of the acute effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on selective attention and verbal memory in participants from Côte d'Ivoire. We compared the cognitive performance of 28 participants tested 30 minutes after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with 28 non-vaccinated controls. Participants were stratified by educational level (primary, secondary, university). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop test and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Independent samples t‑tests were applied with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. A statistically significant improvement in Stroop interference performance (selective attention) was observed in the vaccinated secondary-level group compared to controls (p = 0.005). In the primary-level group, vaccinated participants showed significantly lower scores on the RAVLT deferred recognition task (p = 0.01). No other significant differences were found for RAVLT performance or for other Stroop conditions and educational levels. This exploratory study did not find evidence of widespread acute cognitive deficits following vaccination with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, the specific effects observed, a potential enhancement of attention in secondary-level group and a potential disruption of memory recognition in the primary-level group, highlight the need for larger, longitudinal studies to confirm these findings and explore the underlying neuro-immune mechanisms.
Abstract: Acute neurocognitive effects of COVID-19 vaccines remain poorly documented, particularly in African populations. The systemic inflammatory response following vaccination could transiently modulate brain function. This study aimed to conduct an exploratory cross-sectional assessment of the acute effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on selective ...
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Research Article
A Contemporary Comparison Between the Higher National and the State Registered Nursing Diploma Curricula in Cameroon
Michel Nkwati Maboh*
,
Susan Tarh,
Pauline Bessem Nyenti,
Divine Atancho Abanke,
Aminkeng Zawuo Leke,
Beckley Njume Sone,
Olivia Fombi Abanke,
Susan Maeya Eta,
Elsa-Rita Nkwati
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
154-165
Received:
3 March 2026
Accepted:
17 March 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20261203.14
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Abstract: The expectation of competency for both local and international without further education increases the complexity of nursing curriculum design. Institutions must regularly compare their curricula with existing global standards to ensure alignment. In Cameroon, the existence of two professional entry diploma programmes – the Higher National Diploma (HND) and State Registered Nursing (SRN) diploma, supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MHE) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), respectively – has created tension and conflict within the profession. For example, the Ministry of Health-aligned professional association rejects graduates with the HND on grounds of competence even though there has been no scientific comparison of the two curricula. This study aimed to compare the HND and SRN curricula to provide an initial evidence base and inform the debate on both programmes. The study design employs a descriptive comparative design, based on Bereday’s four-step process and the SPICES curriculum comparison models to compare the curricula of the 3-year SRN Diploma and the 3-year HND in Nursing in Cameroon. The results show that the curricula show evidence of an incomplete curriculum development process, with both lacking vision and mission statements, programme philosophy and curriculum framework. When programme aims are compared, the SRN programme emphasizes meeting health needs, using scientific methods and supervising training of allied professions, while the HND programme highlights job readiness, critical thinking and capacity for team and independent practice. The HND programme uses a credit system with 90% of courses being elective and total programme hours being 4140. The SRN programme uses a modular system with courses spread over 10 domains with total hours being 5100. However, both curricula are primarily subject-based. Both programmes are at stage 1 for student-based approaches and electives, and at stage 3 for problem-based approaches, integration, community-based learning outcomes and systematic content. The study reveals a truncated process of curriculum development for two national nursing programmes that leaves out key components of the curriculum. The curriculum documents also do not show any core differences that make one programme significantly better than the other.
Abstract: The expectation of competency for both local and international without further education increases the complexity of nursing curriculum design. Institutions must regularly compare their curricula with existing global standards to ensure alignment. In Cameroon, the existence of two professional entry diploma programmes – the Higher National Diploma ...
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