Factors Associated to Diagnosis Delay of Patients with Buruli Ulcer in Akonolinga District Hospital-Cameroon

Nana Sagwo Edouardo; Ngo Likeng Julienne Louise; Tchinda Fossi Cedric; Bassong Mankollo Olga Yvonne

doi:10.36437/irmhs.2022.5.2.B

Nana Sagwo Edouardo Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon.
Ngo Likeng Julienne Louise Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon.
Tchinda Fossi Cedric Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon; Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Bassong Mankollo Olga Yvonne Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36437/irmhs.2022.5.2.B

Keywords: Akonolinga District Hospital, Associated Factors, Cameroon, Diagnostic Delay, Buruli Ulcer, Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Buruli Ulcer (BU) is the most common human mycobacterial disease worldwide after tuberculosis and leprosy. The early detection and immediate recourse to the treatment centre are decisive for the progression of the disease. Despite international and national efforts for early management, there are still BU patients with disabling lesions. It is within this context that our study aims to describe the factors associated with the diagnosis delay of BU patients in Akonolinga District Hospital (ADH).

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional, retrospective, mixed descriptive study was carried out from 2015-2019 among 291 BU cases and 6 informants admitted to ADH. Quantitative data from a survey sheet were analyzed using CSPRO 7.1, SPSS 21, SPAD, and STATA 13 software while content analysis of qualitative data collected using an interview guide was investigated manually.

Results: 63.6% of patients arrived late at the centre for diagnosis and the average age was 21 years. Associated factors were female sex (68.4%), the first resort to traditional practitioners (88.6%), ulcerated forms (80.8%), and disability (91.7%). Female patients were 3.64 (95% CI. 1.15-11.53; P-value = 0.028) times more likely to have a delayed diagnosis compared to their male counterparts. Patients that resort to traditional practitioners usually experience psychological problems as they suffer from a negative self-image and self-conscience of themselves when faced with social rejection, stigma, and a downfall period from a healthy status to a BU status.

Conclusion: Emphasis should be placed on raising awareness among household heads as well as strengthening collaboration with traditional practitioners to further reduce the stigma around the disease and delays in diagnosis.

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