Addictology in an Urban Hospital Setting in Cameroon: Lessons from the First Year of Activity of the CSAPA at the Laquintinie Hospital of Douala

Hugo Hermann Bohongwe Divahe*, Christian Eyoum, Anne Mbong Andong, Lydie Foko Mamguem, Pechel Dongmo, Erero Njiengwe, Jacques Narcisse Doumbe, and Laurent Karila

Introduction: Psychoactive substance (PAS) use is a growing public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the sociodemographic, clinical, and outcome profiles of patients managed during the first operational year (2021) of the CSAPA at the Laquintinie Hospital of Douala (HLD), Cameroon. 

Methods: A 12-month descriptive study analyzing routine monthly indicator registers at the HLD CSAPA. Parameters evaluated among N = 155 unique new patients included age, sex, primary ICD-10 substance use diagnoses (F10–F19), secondary psychiatric comorbidities, routes of administration, and care-seeking sources. 

Results: Patients were predominantly male (98.1%, n = 152; mean age 24.8 ± 6.2 years), with young adults aged 15–29 representing 76.3% (n = 118). Polysubstance use (ICD-10 F19: 58.7%, n = 91) and cannabis use disorders (F12: 29.0%, n = 45) were primary care reasons. Inhalation/smoking was the main administration route (91.2%). Care requests were family-initiated in 88.5% of cases (64.2% mothers), while self-referrals were 7.1%. Dual diagnoses were documented in 31.0 % of patients (n = 48), led by acute psychotic disorders (16.8%) and schizophrenia (8.4%). Voluntary infectious disease screening (HIV, HBV, HCV, TB) yielded 0.0% positivity. 

Discussion: Care demand at HLD CSAPA is centered on young men presenting with cannabis and polysubstance use, frequently co-occurring with psychotic symptoms. Methodological limitations preclude causal inferences or treatment efficacy claims. Low female attendance (1.9%) reflects cultural stigma rather than low usage. 

Conclusion: The facility confirms high clinical utility. Key priorities include targeted youth prevention, parental support, and stigma-reducing outreach for female users.

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Published on: Sep 15, 2026 Pages: 4-9

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-3484.000060
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