Infant disease patterns in northern Cameroon.

The epidemiology of common diseases of infants seen in district health service clinics in a culturally heterogeneous population in northern Cameroon was studied. Significantly higher incidences were found for respiratory tract infection in infants of non-Moslem households, and for diarrhoea in infants of Moslem households. A subsequent interview survey of parents of children aged 0-5 years revealed a higher prevalence of smokers and millet stalk kitchens in the compounds of non-Moslems. Other possible risk factors were explored. The findings indicated that in this area the influence of culture on disease in infants is strong, and epidemiological differences among cultural groups should be considered in the design of disease control programmes in the community.