Objectives: This review aimed to synthesise evidence on (1) the prevalence of common mental health disorders (MHDs) in Cameroon; (2) the effectiveness of mental health management interventions; (3) the risk factors for common MHDs in Cameroon and (4) map the state of research on common mental disorders in Cameroon. Design: A systematic review. Data sources: We performed a comprehensive search for articles in major public health databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL from inception of each database to June 2022. Eligibility criteria: Published articles on the prevalence, risk factors or intervention for management of common MHDs in Cameroon met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Data extraction and synthesis: The abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction were performed independently by at least two researchers. The results have been reported based on a narrative synthesis. Results: After the screening stages, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. A high prevalence of common MHDs among different groups, including teenage mothers, students and people living with HIV, was observed. We identified important risk factors for these conditions in the general population and among high-risk groups. We also identified two interventions which show promising results for the management of depression among individuals with HIV in Cameroon. Conclusion: Our review recorded a high prevalence of common MHDs and identified important risk factors for MHDs among different groups. Increased priority and participatory action with all stakeholders including individuals, communities/policy holders and in research where a huge gap remains to be filled, is crucial in reducing the burden of MHDs in Cameroon. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022348427.

Background: The study explored and described the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the rural context of Zimbabwe. Stigma and discrimination negatively impact one’s ability to perform the expected social roles, the quality of life, and the efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and reduce HIV-related mortality. Thus, the study aims to understand the meaning attached to the lived experiences of HIV-positive women living in rural areas or villages of Matabeleland South province in Zimbabwe. Methods: The study used a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 24 HIV-positive rural women living in Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted to explore and describe the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with HIV. Results: Two interconnected themes were identified in the analysis with their sub-themes. These were: (1) struggle for social belonging, with subthemes – loss of social belonging and reduced access to community-based empowerment opportunities and (2) struggle for maintaining the quality of life with subthemes – lack of need-based community healthcare and food insecurity. Conclusion: Being a woman living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe means a perpetual struggle to maintain one’s humanness and quality of life. Contribution: This study’s results will support the efforts of the Zimbabwean government to improve the quality of life of HIV-positive women living in rural areas.

Background People’s functional ability, their needs and preferences for health services, social care, and support change as they age. They would need appropriate social care and support to compensate for their functional loss and sustain a dignified life that is consistent with their basic rights and fundamental freedoms. In the African ‘ubuntu’ context, this support is provided in various settings such as home, community, and residential facilities, of which much of the day-to-day care needed by older people is provided by carers, often family members, who may also require support. This necessitates a comprehensive approach to elder care, reflecting the continent's rich cultural traditions and evolving societal dynamics. As the demographic landscape shifts, with increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates, the elderly segment of the population is expanding, thereby calling attention to their diverse needs and the importance of caregiving practices. Objectives To explore and synthesize existing evidence on factors that influence the care for the elderly population in Africa. Method An integrative literature review was conducted on studies conducted in Africa. An electronic search was done on several databases such as Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Health Source, Google Scholar, and Academia. Key terms that were utilized for the search included Africa, elderly population, elderly care, sociocultural factors, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare system factors. The studies included were qualitative and quantitative from peer-reviewed journals and restricted to Africa. Results The review identified several factors that affect elderly care, ranging from the socioeconomic, sociocultural, and psychosocial dimensions. Other factors included a healthcare system that does not specifically cater to this elderly population. Conclusion and contribution It is important that care for the elderly should be seen in its cultural ‘ubuntu’ context. In addition, the healthcare system should change and capacitate caregivers for the elderly, while there should be systemic changes to incorporate elderly care. At the same time, African governments should work out pension schemes and grants for the elderly that are adequate for caring for them. The study is significant as it contributes to the corpus of knowledge of cultural resilience in caring for the elderly in a changing environment, calling for changes in pensions and social grants for the elderly.

Background: Donor–nongovernmental organisation (NGO) partnerships may enable earlier infusion of implementation science principles into developing evidence-based interventions. Yet, donors and NGOs often report difficulty leveraging resources, personnel and expertise to create beneficial outcomes for all. Drawing from a PhD thesis, the authors report how the asymmetrical nature of the relationships manifests in practice in the work of NGOs. The study focused on human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) NGOs in Gauteng province in South Africa.Objectives: This study examines whether the asymmetrical relationships can be termed partnerships and highlights the potential for such a discourse to reinforce existing relationship inequalities.Method: Qualitative data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with key informants from five purposively selected HIV and AIDS NGOs. A total of 28 interviews were analysed deductively using thematic analysis. The Dóchas Partnership Assessment and Development Process framework guided this analysis. The NGOs under study have implemented various HIV and AIDS programmes and policies in their workspace.Results: The findings have revealed that ‘partnership’ is a false representation of the actual relationships between donors and NGOs.Conclusion: The study concluded that although the notion of partnerships accurately describes the intention of ‘donors’ and ‘NGOs’ to collaborate in ways that ensure improved services and outcomes, the unintended consequences of how partnerships are managed and run inhibit that common agenda. The article concludes with suggestions to build and sustain effective working relationships between partners.Contribution: Assessing how donor-NGO partnerships are operationalised can assist in determining the extent to which their relationship is operating and point to areas where partnerships practice can be further developed.

The study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma and discrimination has been burgeoning with important implications for public health and society, as it negatively impacts people living with HIV. However, data on the experiences of rural women living with HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Zimbabwe are lacking. Women represent 50% of the global pandemic, while deaths from AIDS-related illnesses have exceeded 35 million. This study aimed to explore the experiences of rural women living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. Forty rural women living with HIV were selected from 6 villages (one village per district) of Matabeleland South Province in Zimbabwe. A qualitative descriptive research design using in-depth individual interviews from 22 purposefully selected rural women living with HIV and 3 focus groups, was used to collect the study data. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three interconnected themes were identified: social prejudice, social discrimination, and psychosocial dysfunction. A key finding in the themes was that women living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe were psychosocially dysfunctional because of social prejudice and discrimination perpetrated against them by significant others in their communities. The findings provide a valuable understanding of women’s experiences of living with HIV and AIDS in Africa’s low-income countries. These results can be used by researchers, clinicians, mental health providers, and policymakers to address the unique needs of rural women living with HIV/AIDS.

Rationale: The case of the 70-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus highlights the complexities involved in managing chronic conditions, particularly in low-resource settings. The need for holistic diabetes management policies and standard treatment guidelines is underscored by the patient’s deteriorating health and eventual death despite receiving multidisciplinary care. This case emphasizes the importance of structured approaches to diabetes management to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Patient concerns: The patient presented with significant concerns, including general body weakness, inability to eat, and widespread body pains. These symptoms not only reflect the physical challenges associated with diabetes but also point to potential complications such as diabetic foot and acute depression, which can adversely impact the quality of life and overall health of individuals with diabetes. Diagnoses: This was a known diabetic patient who was diagnosed with diabetic foot and acute depression during his hospital stay. These diagnoses are critical as they represent common yet serious complications of diabetes that require immediate and effective management to prevent further deterioration of the patient’s health generally. Interventions: A multidisciplinary approach was employed in managing the patient’s condition, involving medical officers, clinical officers, nutrition technologists, eye health care providers, nursing caregivers, and psychosocial counsellors. This collaborative effort aimed to address the various aspects of the patient’s health, including therapeutic, surgical, physical, nutritional, and psychological needs, which are essential in managing diabetes effectively. Outcomes: Despite the comprehensive care provided, the patient unfortunately passed away on March 8, 2024. This outcome raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the interventions implemented and highlights the challenges faced in managing diabetes in a low-resource setting. It also points to the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of diabetes care protocols and policies. Lessons: This case serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for well-defined policies and treatment guidelines for diabetes management at all levels of healthcare. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention, continuous monitoring, and the integration of mental health support in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes, particularly in resource-limited environments.