screening, noncommunicable diseases, health status, infectious diseases, Republic of theCongo

Introduction: The Republic of Congo remains affected by a substantial burden of infectious diseases,while the prevalence of non-communicable diseases has increased in recent years. Reliableepidemiological data from remote communities are scarce, limiting evidence-based public healthplanning. Field screening may provide valuable data on the health status of underserved populations.Aim: This study aimed to assess the health status of adults living in a remote community in the Republicof Congo and to determine the prevalence of selected infectious diseases and risk factors associated withnon-communicable diseases.Methods: A cross-sectional field screening was conducted in October 2024 in the municipality ofSembé. Adult volunteers were tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and tuberculosisantibodies. Indicators of non-communicable diseases were evaluated by measuring blood pressure,fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, anthropometric parameters.Results: A total of 100 individuals (mean age 46.77 ± 14 years; 48% men, 52% women) were included.The prevalence of HIV infection was 3%, hepatitis C 9%, hepatitis B 2% and syphilis 22%. Antibodiesto tuberculosis were detected in 61% of participants. Hypertension was identified in 19% of participantsand fasting glucose levels consistent with diabetes in 34%. The mean body mass index was 22.1 ± 4.8kg/m²; 16% of participants were undernourished and 17% were overweight or obese.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a considerable dual burden of infectious and non-communicablediseases in the studied community and underscore the need for integrated screening, prevention and datacollection strategies in remote settings of low-resource countries.

Introduction: The Republic of Congo remains affected by a substantial burden of infectious diseases,while the prevalence of non-communicable diseases has increased in recent years. Reliableepidemiological data from remote communities are scarce, limiting evidence-based public healthplanning. Field screening may provide valuable data on the health status of underserved populations.Aim: This study aimed to assess the health status of adults living in a remote community in the Republicof Congo and to determine the prevalence of selected infectious diseases and risk factors associated withnon-communicable diseases.Methods: A cross-sectional field screening was conducted in October 2024 in the municipality ofSembé. Adult volunteers were tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and tuberculosisantibodies. Indicators of non-communicable diseases were evaluated by measuring blood pressure,fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, anthropometric parameters.Results: A total of 100 individuals (mean age 46.77 ± 14 years; 48% men, 52% women) were included.The prevalence of HIV infection was 3%, hepatitis C 9%, hepatitis B 2% and syphilis 22%. Antibodiesto tuberculosis were detected in 61% of participants. Hypertension was identified in 19% of participantsand fasting glucose levels consistent with diabetes in 34%. The mean body mass index was 22.1 ± 4.8kg/m²; 16% of participants were undernourished and 17% were overweight or obese.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a considerable dual burden of infectious and non-communicablediseases in the studied community and underscore the need for integrated screening, prevention and datacollection strategies in remote settings of low-resource countries.