Research Article
Outcomes and Associated Factors of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Adult Patients Treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon
Nnoko Sona Akwo*
,
David Oben Bate,
Esembieng Esua Fomanka,
Enow Nkah Bruno Enow,
Ntungwe Ekwelle Smith,
Oben Joan Ayuk,
Yoah Aldof Tah,
Kingsley Enow Nkongho,
Maxwell Kofi Danso,
Isaac Obeng Gyasi,
Emeh Nathan Agbor
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
221-233
Received:
25 May 2026
Accepted:
8 June 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20261103.11
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Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on outcomes in Cameroon. This prospective observational study evaluated outcomes and associated factors of TBI among adult patients treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon, from January 2020 to December 2025. A total of adult patients diagnosed with TBI were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical severity (Glasgow Coma Scale scores), injury mechanisms, treatment pathways, and outcomes were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. The primary outcome was functional status at discharge assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), dichotomised into favourable (GOS 4–5) and unfavourable (GOS 1–3) outcomes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Results showed that 74% of patients achieved favourable outcomes, with road traffic injuries (60%) being the leading cause, followed by falls (23%) and assaults (10%). Most patients were young adult males (78%), consistent with global patterns. Clinical severity indicators were strongly predictive of outcomes: patients with GCS scores 13–15 had overwhelmingly favourable outcomes (79%), while those with GCS < 8 had predominantly unfavourable outcomes (χ2 = 93.605, p < 0.001). Duration of unconsciousness >24 hours and post-traumatic amnesia were significant negative predictors (p < 0.001). Socio-demographic variables showed no significant associations with outcomes. Quality of life assessments revealed 76.5% were discharged successfully, though 23.5% experienced residual complaints, including seizures (10.5%), memory loss (4.5%), and paralysis (2%). These findings highlight that TBI in BHD predominantly affects young adult males through preventable mechanisms. Clinical severity remains the most critical outcome predictor, underscoring the need for improved pre-hospital care, timely presentation, and neurosurgical capacity to reduce the burden of TBI in Cameroon.
Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on outcomes in Cameroon. This prospective observational study evaluated outcomes and associated factors of TBI among adult patients treated in Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon, from January 2020 to December 2025. A total of adu...
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Research Article
The Role of Health Policy in Enhancing Health Security:
A Case Study of Nigeria’s National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS)
Paul Imolemen Irabor*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
234-248
Received:
4 June 2026
Accepted:
17 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20261103.12
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Abstract: Health security remains a critical concern in global public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing recurrent infectious disease outbreaks. National health security plans provide the policy architecture for translating international commitments into domestic preparedness capacities, yet their operational effectiveness depends on stakeholder awareness, financing, coordination and subnational implementation. This study examines the role of health policy in enhancing health security in Nigeria, using the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) as a case study. Specifically, it assesses stakeholders’ awareness of NAPHS, perceived relevance of the policy framework, implementation effectiveness, perceived improvements in health security domains, barriers to implementation and recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness system. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design supported by documentary policy analysis was adopted. Data were collected from 380 purposively selected stakeholders using a structured questionnaire covering institutional profile, familiarity with NAPHS, perceived relevance, implementation effectiveness, preparedness improvements, funding adequacy, inter-agency coordination, One Health awareness, training exposure, barriers and recommendations. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, chi-square tests of independence and Cramér’s V were used for analysis. NAPHS was widely recognised as relevant (90.3%) and strategically aligned with national and international frameworks (81.1% and 80.8%, respectively). However, only 9.2% rated implementation as very effective, while 60.3% rated it moderately effective. Familiarity was strongly concentrated at the federal level (92.4%) compared with state (44.2%) and community/facility levels (15.8%). The strongest improvements were observed in disease surveillance (69.2%) and laboratory capacity (67.1%), whereas funding mobilisation (15.0%), workforce training (26.0%) and inter-agency coordination (26.8%) were the weakest domains. Inadequate funding (84.7%) and weak coordination (76.1%) were the most frequently reported barriers. While NAPHS provides a strong policy foundation for health security in Nigeria, its operational impact depends on sustainable domestic financing, decentralised implementation, strengthened coordination, workforce development and improved subnational awareness. The study contributes evidence-based recommendations for strengthening national preparedness planning in resource-constrained settings.
Abstract: Health security remains a critical concern in global public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing recurrent infectious disease outbreaks. National health security plans provide the policy architecture for translating international commitments into domestic preparedness capacities, yet their operational effectiveness depend...
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