Background: Living areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. Results: Low level of PA was (P < 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p = 0.0110), low HDL-c (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p = 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389–2.900, p = 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088–2.179, p = 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298–0.686, p = 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277–2.285, p = 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212–0.466, p < 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409–0.794, p = 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534–0.983, p = 0.038) compared to rural residents. Conclusions: MetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci–Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.

Blood pressure (BP) is the main driver of mortality with 12.8% of all deaths worldwide. Adolescents are not spared, precisely in Cameroon where they constitute more than half of its population. The objective of our work was to describe the prevalence and risk factors of pre‐hypertension and high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents in Cameroonian schools. Descriptive study over 5 months; from January to May 2019. The study population consisted of students from private and public schools in the city of Douala. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and personal background data were collected. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with pre‐hypertension and HBP. Differences were considered significant for p < .05. We recruited 771 students with an average age of 16 ± 1 years with female predominance (51.4%). The prevalences of pre‐hypertension and HBP were 6.6% and 3%, respectively. Overweight/obesity (OR = 4.6; p < .0001), hyperglycemia [(OR = 4.06; p = .001)] physical inactivity (OR = 1.85; p = .019), and public institutions (OR = 1.87; p = .02) were associated with pre‐hypertension. Similarly, overweight/obesity (OR = 2.99; p = .022), hyperglycemia (OR = 14.05; p < .0001), and physical inactivity (OR = 8.58; p < .0001) were correlated with HBP. Pre‐hypertension and HBP are high in Cameroonian school adolescents and their risk factors are overweight/obesity, hyperglycemia, and physical inactivity.

Aims Acutely decompensated heart failure (HF) (ADHF) is a common cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. This study explores the epidemiology and prognostic factors of ADHF in Cameroonian patients. Methods and results This was a retrospective study conducted between January 2003 and December 2013 from the medical files of patients followed at the intensive care and cardiovascular units of Douala General Hospital in Cameroon. Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biological data were collected from 142 patients (58.5% men; mean age 58 ± 14 years) hospitalized for ADHF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whose left ventricular ejection fraction was <50%, or alternatively whose shortening fraction was 12 mg/L (87.5%, n = 124); hyperuricaemia >70 mg/L (84.9%, n = 121); elevated serum creatinine (65.6%, n = 93); anaemia (59.1%, n = 84); hyperglycaemia on admission >1.8 g/L (42.3%, n = 60); and hyponatraemia <135 mEq/L (26.8%, n = 38). At admission, 33.8% (n = 48) of patients had no pharmacological treatment for HF. The most frequently used therapies upon admission included furosemide (50%, n = 71), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; 40.1%, n = 57); spironolactone (35.2%, n = 50); digoxin (26%, n = 37); beta‐blockers (17.7%, n = 25); angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs; 7%, n = 10); and nitrates (7.0%). The overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 20.4%. Factors associated with poor prognosis were systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg [odds ratio (OR) 3.88; confidence interval (CI) 1.36–11.05, P = 0.011], left ventricular ejection fraction <20% (OR 7.48; CI 2.84–19.71, P < 0.001), decreased renal function (OR 1.03; CI 1.00–1.05, P = 0.026), dobutamine use for cardiogenic shock (OR 2.74;CI 1.00–7.47, P = 0.049), pleural fluid effusion (OR 3.46; CI 1.07–11.20, P = 0.038), and prothrombin time <50% (OR 3.60; CI 1.11–11.68, P = 0.033). The use of ACEIs/ARBs was associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality rate (OR 0.17; CI 0.02–0.81, P = 0.006). Conclusions Hypertensive heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and ischemic heart disease are the commonest causes of HF in this Cameroonian population. ADHF is associated with high in‐hospital mortality in Cameroon. Hypotension, severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, renal function impairment, and dobutamine administration were associated with worst acute HF outcomes. ACEIs/ARBs use was associated with improved survival.

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and physical activity (PA) practice is recommended as the most efficient preventive measure to curse their burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study aimed to compare cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in adolescents in public and private schools in Cameroon and assess the impact of PA practice. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on students from private and public secondary schools in the city of Douala. Anthropometric parameters, blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP) were collected. PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the influence of PA levels on different CVRFs. The differences were considered significant for p < .05. Results: We recruited 771 participants, aged 16 ± 1years, 51.4% female, and 48.6% private school students. Prevalence of CVRFs was 38.4%; 11.5%; 5.6%; 5.4%, and 3% for overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, glucose homeostasis abnormalities, and high BP (HBP) respectively. Around 41% of participants had low PA level (LPA). Abdominal obesity and LPA were more common among girls ( p < .0001 both) and 1.3% of participants had more than four CVRF. In multivariate analysis, LPA was significantly associated with a higher odd of HBP ( OR = 7.69; p < .0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of various CVRF is high among Cameroonian adolescent schoolers. Public policies should focus on prevention programs through physical exercise and the reduction of smoking.

Introduction: The impact of urbanization and living conditions on the prevalence of hypertension in the Cameroonian population is poorly known. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of blood pressure (BP) in adult Pygmies and Bantus living in urban and rural areas of Southern Cameroon. Participants and methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study of 406 adults (96 urban Bantus, 100 urban Pygmies, 111 rural Bantus and 99 tropical rainforest Pygmies with a traditional Pygmies way of life), recruited in Southern Cameroon (mean age 42 +/- 17 years; 56.7% women). Sociodemographic, anthropometric and BP parameters were collected. Hypertension was defined as BP at least 140/90 mmHg and/or use of BP-lowering drug(s). Results: The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in urban Bantus, rural Bantus, urban Pygmies and traditional Pygmies was 18.0, 13.5, 9.3 and 4.1%, respectively. Mean SBP and DBP differed significantly according to Bantu vs. Pygmy ethnicity, and urban vs. rural residency. After multiple adjustments, mean arterial pressure was significantly associated with age, BMI, Bantu ancestry and urban residency. Conclusion: Bantu ethnicity and urban residency are significantly associated with high-BP among people from Southern Cameroon.