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Predicted distribution and burden of podoconiosis in Cameroon
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 13:52 authored by Kebede Kassaye, Jorge Cano, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Mathias Esum Eyong, Anuam Andrew Beng, Emanuele Giorgi, David M Pigott, Rachel L Pullan, Abdisalan M Noor, Fikre Enquselassie, Christopher J.L Murray, Simon I Hay, Melanie NewportMelanie Newport, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Samuel WanjiIntroduction: Understanding the number of cases of podoconiosis, its geographical distribution and the population at risk are crucial to estimating the burden of this disease in endemic countries. We assessed each of these using nationwide data on podoconiosis prevalence in Cameroon. Methods: We analysed data arising from two cross-sectional surveys in Cameroon. The dataset was combined with a suite of environmental and climate data and analysed within a robust statistical framework, which included machine learning-based approaches and geostatistical modelling. The environmental limits, spatial variation of predicted prevalence, population at risk and number of cases of podoconiosis were each estimated. Results: A total of 214,729 records of individuals screened for podoconiosis were gathered from 748 communities in all 10 regions of Cameroon. Of these screened individuals, 882 (0.41%; 95%CI 0.38-0.44) were living with podoconiosis. High environmental suitability for podoconiosis was predicted in three regions of Cameroon (Adamawa, North West and North). The national population living in areas environmentally suitable for podoconiosis was estimated at 5.2 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 4.7-5.8) million, which corresponds to 22.3% of Cameroon’s population in 2015. Countrywide, in 2015, the number of adults estimated to be suffering from podoconiosis was 41,556 (95% CI, 1,170- 240,993). Four regions (Central, Littoral, North and North West) contributed 61.2% of the cases. Conclusion: In Cameroon, podoconiosis is more widely distributed geographically than was initially expected. The number of cases and the population at risk are considerable. Expanding morbidity management and follow up of cases is of utmost necessity. Promotion of footwear use and regular foot hygiene should be at the forefront of any intervention plan.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
BMJ Global HealthISSN
2059-7908Publisher
BMJ Publishing GroupExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
3Page range
1-12Department affiliated with
- Global Health and Infection Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Wellcome Trust Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research Publications
- Centre for Global Health Policy Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-06-22First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-06-29First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-06-20Usage metrics
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