Factors Associated with Knowledge of Minimally Invasive Surgery Among Patients and Healthcare Professionals in Cameroon: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Using Questionnaires
Facteurs Associés à la Connaissance de la Chirurgie Mini-Invasive chez les Patients et Professionnels de Santé au Cameroun : Une Étude Transversale Multicentrique par Questionnaires
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18714120Keywords:
Chirurgie mini-invasive (CMI), professionnels de santé, facteurs limitants, Pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaireAbstract
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. La chirurgie mini-invasive (CMI) représente une avancée majeure en chirurgie moderne, offrant de nombreux avantages. Toutefois, son adoption reste limitée dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire (PRFI), notamment en raison de contraintes structurelles et d’un manque de connaissances. Méthodologie. Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale, menée dans neuf établissements de la région du Centre au Cameroun, visait à identifier les facteurs associés à une mauvaise connaissance de la CMI parmi 152 patients et 105 professionnels de santé. Résultats. 34,9 % des patients présentaient une mauvaise connaissance de la CMI. Les jeunes de moins de 24 ans (OR = 3,02 ; p = 0,01) et les personnes ayant un niveau d’éducation secondaire (OR = 1,97 ; p = 0,03) étaient les plus concernés. En revanche, avoir déjà subi une chirurgie mini-invasive était un facteur protecteur (OR ajusté = 0,31 ; p = 0,002), soulignant l’importance de l’expérience directe et de l’éducation préopératoire. Du côté des professionnels de santé, seuls 23,8 % avaient reçu une formation en CMI, bien que 87,5 % expriment un intérêt pour des formations futures. Les obstacles rapportés incluent le coût élevé des procédures, le manque de personnel formé, l’insuffisance des équipements et la faible couverture d’assurance. Conclusion. Une stratégie multidimensionnelle alliant formation continue, sensibilisation des patients, amélioration des infrastructures et soutien institutionnel est essentielle pour promouvoir l’adoption de la CMI au Cameroun, conformément aux recommandations du Global Surgery 2030.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) represents a major advancement in modern surgery, offering numerous benefits. However, its adoption remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), primarily due to structural constraints and a lack of knowledge. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional study conducted across nine healthcare facilities in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The study aimed to identify factors associated with poor knowledge of MIS among 152 patients and 105 healthcare professionals. Results. Among the patients, 34.9% demonstrated poor knowledge of MIS. Individuals under the age of 24 (OR = 3.02; p = 0.01) and those with a secondary education level (OR = 1.97; p = 0.03) were the most affected groups. Conversely, having previously undergone minimally invasive surgery was a protective factor (Adjusted OR = 0.31; p = 0.002), highlighting the importance of direct experience and preoperative education. Regarding healthcare professionals, only 23.8% had received training in MIS, although 87.5% expressed interest in future training. Reported barriers included the high cost of procedures, a lack of trained personnel, insufficient equipment, and low insurance coverage. Conclusion. A multidimensional strategy—combining continuous professional development, patient awareness, infrastructure improvement, and institutional support—is essential to promote the adoption of MIS in Cameroon, in accordance with the Global Surgery 2030 recommendations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yannick Ekani Boukar, Freddy Mertens Bombah, Jean Catherin Bessala Ohandja, Marc Leroy Guifo, Chicom Mefire
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