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Research Article
Evaluation of the Cardiac Autonomic Control of Patients with Arterial Hypertension
Abdou Khadir Sow*
,
Joseph Salvador Mingou,
Mor Diaw,
Mouhammadou Hady Dieng,
Binta Thiaw Ann,
Fatou Ndoye,
Mame Saloum Coly,
Awa Ba,
Salimata Diagne Houndjo,
Maimouna Toure,
Fabienne Bregeon,
Stephane Delliaux,
Abdoulaye Ba
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
18-25
Received:
20 August 2026
Accepted:
4 September 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Background: Hypertension remains the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Scientific literature had found a dysregulation of heart by autonomic nervous system in hypertensive patients. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the autonomic nervous control of hypertensive Senegalese patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional evaluating the autonomic nervous control of hypertensive patients by continuous recording of heart rate, in standing and lying position, using a Holter Shiller AR4Plus® ECG. Exporting the RR duration and it’s incorporating it into the Kubios HRV Standard software made it possible to obtain the HRV parameters. HRV parameters were classified according reference values. Results: A total of 29 patients aged between 46 and 86 years were included in our study, and 21 of them were women. Controlled patients represented 27% of our population study and were, according to the use of beta-blockers, compared with patients not controlled. At rest, parasympathetic tone was found to be low in some patients. The sympathovagal balance was within normal limits except for some uncontrolled patients under beta-blockers. In orthostatic position, a significant decrease was noted in the parasympathetic tone while LF did not vary significantly. However, uncontrolled patients had a significantly higher LF in orthostatic position. But they did not show significant variation in their parameters while standing, unlike patients with good blood pressure control. Conclusion: Our results suggests that the functioning of the arterial baroreflex, which is the starting point of autonomic responses destined for the heart, is altered with rising blood pressure values.
Abstract: Background: Hypertension remains the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Scientific literature had found a dysregulation of heart by autonomic nervous system in hypertensive patients. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the autonomic nervous control of hypertensive Senegalese patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectio...
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Research Article
Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Health Sciences Students at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Fatoumata Ba*,
Abibatou Guene,
Alioune Badara Faye,
Kadiatou Diallo,
Ibrahima Diouf,
Lamine Diop,
Mbaye Sène,
El Hadji Makhtar Ba
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
26-36
Received:
30 September 2026
Accepted:
15 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: Background: Sleep plays essential homeostatic, restorative, cognitive and psychological roles, and health sciences students, who face intense academic pressure and early exposure to clinical responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable to poor sleep quality. Objectives: To assess sleep quality among health sciences students of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (Senegal) and to determine the sociodemographic, behavioural and psychological factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from May to June 2026 among 333 students (medicine, pharmacy and dental surgery) of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire assessing sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), well-being (adapted WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, IPAQ-SF). Factors associated with poor sleep quality were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Participants' mean age was 22.8 years, with 52.9% women and 79.3% medical students. Poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) was found in 62.5% of students; mean sleep duration was 6.2 h and 68.2% slept less than 7 hours per night. In multivariable analysis, poor sleep quality was independently associated with screen time before bedtime (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.06, 95% CI 1.39–6.75 for 1–2 h and aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.06–5.03 for >2 h, versus <30 min), anxiety symptoms (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.23–3.81) and low well-being (aOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.47–5.33). Depressive symptoms were associated with poor sleep quality in bivariate analysis but not after adjustment for well-being. Sex, coffee consumption and physical activity level were not independently associated. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was common among health sciences students in this faculty and was associated with longer pre-sleep screen exposure, anxiety symptoms and low psychological well-being. Given the cross-sectional design, the direction of these associations cannot be established. These findings support preventive strategies, such as sleep hygiene psychoeducation and early screening for psychological distress in university settings.
Abstract: Background: Sleep plays essential homeostatic, restorative, cognitive and psychological roles, and health sciences students, who face intense academic pressure and early exposure to clinical responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable to poor sleep quality. Objectives: To assess sleep quality among health sciences students of Cheikh Anta Diop Uni...
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Research Article
Changes in Pain and Disability After a Four-Week Exercise Program in Four Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study
Fatoumata Ba*,
Amadou Moulaye Haïdara,
Arona Koulibaly,
Djiby Guisse Diakhate
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
37-45
Received:
16 October 2026
Accepted:
26 October 2026
Published:
9 November 2026
Abstract: Non-specific low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and data on exercise programs delivered in resource-limited African settings remain scarce. This uncontrolled, single-arm, pre-post exploratory pilot study describes changes in pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who took part in a supervised exercise program at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal, in 2022. Of nine adults who started the program, four (three women, one man; aged 24-48 years) completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks combining treadmill walking, elastic-band strengthening exercises of increasing volume, and stretching; five withdrew because of travel or relocation. Pain (numerical rating scale, 0-10), disability (Oswestry Disability Index) and the pain-related impact on daily life (Dallas Pain Questionnaire) were self-reported before and two days after the program. Analyses were descriptive, with exploratory paired t tests. In the four completers, mean pain decreased from 7.00 to 2.75 (mean change - 4.25 points; 95% CI - 6.64 to - 1.86) and mean disability from 43.75% to 19.00% (- 24.75 points; 95% CI - 43.99 to - 5.51); each participant improved by more than published minimal important change thresholds for both outcomes. Dallas scores decreased in all four domains, with a confidence interval including no change for social interest. No adverse event was observed, although adverse events were not a predefined outcome. Pain and disability scores decreased after the program in these four participants. The uncontrolled design, the very small completer-only sample, the absence of assessor blinding and of longer follow-up preclude conclusions about efficacy; the observations may inform the design of a larger controlled study.
Abstract: Non-specific low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and data on exercise programs delivered in resource-limited African settings remain scarce. This uncontrolled, single-arm, pre-post exploratory pilot study describes changes in pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who took part in a supervised ...
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Research Article
Knowledge, Prevention and Preparedness for the Management of Cardiac Arrest in Senegalese Professional Football: A Study Among Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 Clubs
Fatoumata Ba*,
François Xavier Gomes,
Alioune Badara Faye,
Mamadou Seck,
Djiby Guisse Diakhate
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
46-54
Received:
16 October 2026
Accepted:
28 October 2026
Published:
11 November 2026
Abstract: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading medical cause of death in athletes during sport. In football, survival depends largely on immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation, yet data on emergency preparedness in African professional football remain scarce. This study aimed to assess knowledge, preventive measures and preparedness for SCA management among coaches, medical staff and players of Senegalese Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten clubs (five Ligue 1, five Ligue 2) during the 2024–2025 season. Group-specific structured questionnaires were completed by 10 coaches, 3 medical staff members and 30 players, and covered risk perception, knowledge, pre-participation screening, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, and AED availability. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Most coaches (80%) knew of SCA cases in football, but only 20% had been trained to recognise and manage SCA, none were regularly re-tested on emergency protocols, and 50% reported no preventive measures in their club. Nine of ten coaches and two of three medical staff members reported that an AED was never available during training or matches. Among players, 96.4% reported being aware of SCA risk, yet only 35.7% could identify its main risk factors, 25.9% had received first-aid/AED training and 22.2% reported pre-participation electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in their club. Support for regular cardiac screening was almost unanimous in all groups. Awareness of SCA in Senegalese professional football contrasts with weak operational readiness. Mandatory pre-participation cardiovascular screening, regular CPR/AED training for all stakeholders, and an AED with a rehearsed emergency action plan at every stadium and training ground should be prioritised.
Abstract: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading medical cause of death in athletes during sport. In football, survival depends largely on immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation, yet data on emergency preparedness in African professional football remain scarce. This study aimed to assess knowledge, preventive measures and ...
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