Long-term complications are the main sources of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Aims: The aims of the study were to determine the rate of long-term complications in type 2 diabetic patients and to identify factors associated to these complications. Patients and method: Successive type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic center were submitted to a questionnaire and to clinical examination. Data were completed by consulting their medical reports. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In 150 diabetic patients included in the study, the global rate of complications was 78.0%. Specific rate for itch complication investigated was 57.7% for peripheral neuropathy, 75.0% for erectile dysfunction, 20.0% for nephropathy, 36.6% for retinopathy, 40% for macroangiopathy and 8.0% for foot ulcer. Factors significantly associated with high rate of complications were age above or equal to 50 years (p = 0.001), the male gender (p = 0.000), high blood pressure (p = 0.0001), the absence of familial history of diabetes (p = 0.02), the duration of the disease above 5 years (p = 0.001) and high HbA1c level (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that type 2 diabetic patients followed up in the diabetic center in Cotonou showed a high rate of chronic complications which often occurred in a younger age than in developed countries. Numerous socio-demographic and biological factors were significantly associated with the high rate of complications.

The dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) is an effective nutritional strategy to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Optimal benefit from dietary recommendations in management of hypertension depends on the compliance. This analytic cross sectional study aimed at establishing determinants of DASH among adults with hypertension treated at hospital in Benin. The study included 150 hypertensive adults selected during medical visit for blood pressure monitoring at hospital Saint-Luc in Cotonou from June 3 rd to July 1 st , 2014. Data on consumption of sodium, fruits and vegetables, alcohol, saturated and trans fat rich products were collected by questionnaire. A score of adherence to DASH was built. Determinants of adherence to DASH were identified using logistic regression model. Only 20% of subjects showed adherence to DASH. Better knowledge on hypertension OR=5.18 (95%IC 1.98-13.22) and healthy dietary habits and lifestyle prior to diagnosis of hypertension OR=4.26 (95%IC 1.67-13.18) increased the likelihood of adherence to dietary recommendations for hypertension management. Nutrition education and information of patients on hypertension and its complications during medical consultations may increase their adherence to dietary recommendations for management of the disease.

BackgroundViolence against women remains an important issue of inequality in African societies, with several consequences to health, social and economic status. This study aims to identify the factors related to the perception of intimate partner violence in Benin.MethodsData on intimate partner violence was collected by conducting live interviews, and from the Benin Demographic and Health Survey 2012. The dependent variable was acceptance of intimate partner violence. The independent variables were socio-demographic features such as age, level of education, matrimonial status, ethnicity, religion, place of residence and the index of economic well-being. Logistic regressions were performed and odds ratios (OR) with a confidence interval of 95% (CI95%) were estimated.ResultsAmong the 21,574 people who answered the questions relating to violence against women by an intimate partner, the prevalence of acceptance of intimate partner violence was 15.77%. Ethnicity, level of education, administrative department of residence, religion, and socio-economic quintile were factors associated with the respondents’ acceptance of violence against women by an intimate partner.ConclusionAcceptance of intimate partner violence could be a major obstacle to the success of some health programs. There is a need to break the norms that support the vulnerability of women in Beninese society.

How to cite this paper: Agueh, V.D., Tugoué, M.F., Sossa, C., Métonnou, C., Azandjemè, C., Paraiso, N.M., Ouendo, M.-E., Ouédraogo, L.T.

Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major public health issue in developing countries, where roads tend to be built haphazardly and accidents take a heavy toll on victims-including leaving them disabled. This study seeks to identify those factors that cause RTA victims to become disabled as a result of their injuries. Methods: This retrospective community-based study looked at RTA victims treated in five public and faith-based hospitals in Benin. Disability was evaluated using the Washington Group on Disabilities Statistics questionnaire. The independent variables were related to the victim's socio-demographic traits, the circumstances of the accident, and post-crash response mechanisms. The proportions were compared using the chi-squared test, with a threshold of 5%. Results: The prevalence of disability among road traffic accident victims is 9.59% (CI 95%: 6.86%-13.20%). The occurrence of disability is associated with age (p = 0.002), occupational group (p = 0.0077), the mode of transport used to transfer the victim (p < 0.001) and the location of the injuries (p = 0.0035). The study also found that people fail to make sufficient use of post-crash response mechanisms. Conclusion: Public policy-makers should therefore focus on stepping up interventions to get more people using both protective equipment and post-crash response services.