Within EpiMaCT, Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun explored the epidemiology of peripheral neuropathies in Benin.
Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun, chercheur·e au sein de EpiMaCT (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Ω-LIM-Biologie-Chimie-Santé (Limoges ; 2022-).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun's thesis on the epidemiology of peripheral neuropathies (PN) in Benin highlights a public health issue that is often overlooked. Indeed, with an alarming prevalence estimated between 42.4% and 59.26%, peripheral neuropathies affect a significant portion of the Beninese population, often without adequate diagnosis. This situation raises crucial questions about the management of chronic diseases in the country, particularly diabetes, which is responsible for 46% of PN cases. Diabetes, as a major risk factor, illustrates the public health challenges that Benin faces. In 2020, the country recorded an increase in diabetes cases, which led to a concomitant rise in peripheral neuropathies, thereby exacerbating patient suffering.
The ethnobotanical survey conducted in the municipalities of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi identified 75 species of plants used by traditional healers to treat these neuropathic pains. This underscores the importance of traditional medicine in the management of PN, but also the need for an integrated approach that combines modern and traditional treatments. For example, certain plants like moringa and ginger are recognized for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and their use could complement modern pharmacological treatments.
The results of this research reveal gaps in epidemiological data and diagnostic capabilities in Benin. Technical and financial challenges hinder access to accurate diagnoses, complicating patient management. Indeed, many health centers lack adequate equipment to conduct comprehensive neurological examinations. It is imperative to strengthen technical capacities and improve accessibility to care. This could involve training healthcare professionals on peripheral neuropathies and establishing standardized diagnostic protocols.
The recommendations of the thesis include the establishment of a PN management program, which could transform the way these conditions are treated. By integrating traditional knowledge and modern medical advances, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Such a program could include awareness campaigns on the symptoms of peripheral neuropathies, thus enabling early diagnosis and prompt management.
This thesis represents a significant advancement in the understanding of peripheral neuropathies in Benin and paves the way for future research and targeted public health initiatives. Policymakers must act quickly to implement these recommendations and improve the management of peripheral neuropathies in the country. Indeed, the health of populations is a key indicator of socio-economic development. By improving the management of peripheral neuropathies, Benin could not only reduce the morbidity associated with these conditions but also enhance the productivity and quality of life of its citizens.
It is also essential to consider the regional implications of this research. Peripheral neuropathies are not an isolated problem in Benin, but a growing concern throughout West Africa. Neighboring countries, facing similar health challenges, could benefit from regional collaboration to share best practices and resources. In summary, Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun's thesis is not just a simple observation, but calls for a collective mobilization to address this public health issue. It is time to act, as the health of the Beninese population depends on it.
Données clés
- 42,4% à 59,26% : prévalence des neuropathies périphériques au Bénin, indiquant un problème de santé publique majeur.
- 46% : des cas de neuropathies périphériques attribués à des causes métaboliques comme le diabète.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun. Epidémiologie des Neuropathies périphériques au Bénin (EPINEUB). Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Limoges; Université d'Abomey-Calavi UAC (Bénin), 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023LIMO0102⟩. ⟨tel-04591164⟩