Prevalence and associated factors with peripheral neuropathies in the general population in the rural area of Adjohoun in Benin

Background: Peripheral neuropathies (PN) are a group of neurological conditions related to damage to the pe-ripheral nervous system. Due to their wide diversity, few studies in sub-Saharan Africa have explored their epidemiology in general population. Our objective was to study the prevalence and associated factors with PN in general population in Adjohoun in Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted from February to March 2019 and included people aged >= 18 years old living in Adjohoun, Benin. Following a screening phase for PN (using World Health Organization questionnaire for major neurological diseases), a neurologist made a diagnosis after in-depth clinical examina-tions completed in some cases by electroneuromyography. The EFNS (European Federation of Neurological Societies) 2010 criteria was used for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy diagnosis. Data such as age, occupation, consanguinity, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension were collected. Association between independent variables and PN were investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: In total, 1 655 participants were included, mean age 41.4 +/- 16.7 years; 64.8 % are female. The overall prevalence of PN was 6.9 % (95 %CI: 5.7 %-8.2 %). The main types of PN were: polyneuropathies 4.8 % (95 %CI: 3.8 %-5.9 %); polyradiculoneuropathies 1.6 % (95 %CI: 1.0 %-2.2 %). Factors independently associated with PN were age >= 40 years (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 19.6; 95 %CI: 8.2-46.3), diabetes (aOR = 1.8; 95 %CI: 1.08-2.99) and hypertension (aOR = 1.6; 95 %CI: 1.02-2.5). Conclusion: The prevalence of PN was high in the rural commune of Adjohoun in Benin. Actions on its modifiable associated factors such as diabetes and hypertension could help reduce the proportion of PN and their potential harmful consequences.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of peripheral neuropathies (PN) in the general population of Adjohoun, Benin. The overall prevalence of PN was found to be 6.9%, with the main types being polyneuropathies (4.8%) and polyradiculoneuropathies (1.6%). Factors independently associated with PN included age greater than or equal to 40 years, diabetes, and hypertension. Taking action to reduce modifiable associated factors such as diabetes and hypertension could help reduce the occurrence of PN and their potential harmful consequences.