Therapeutic Itinerary of Patients Followed for Connectivitis in the Internal Medicine Department of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou (Benin)

Abstract

Introduction: In black Africa, connectivites have been for a long time a source of diagnostic erraticity because of their clinical polymorphism. This study aims to determine the therapeutic itinerary of patients followed for connectivitis in the Internal Medicine Department of the CNHU HKM of Cotonou. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that included patients followed for connectivitis in the HKM-Cotonou Internal Medicine Department from January 2010 to October 2018. Results: Out of 3600 patients hospitalized in the study period, 21 had connectivitis, i.e. a hospital frequency of 0.58%. Of the 21 patients collected, 18 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 40 (±11) years old and the youngest was of 21 and the oldest 58. The sex ratio was 17.9. The “Fon” ethnic group was the most represented (33.3%) and 15 (83.3%) subjects were Christians. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the most frequent connectivitis (55.6%). The average time of consultation was 38 months. Witchcraft was the most incriminating cause (78%). Ten (55.5%) patients had resorted to self-medication as their first choice of treatment, 5 (27.8%) to traditional medicine treatment and 3 (16.7%) to prayer for healing. The reasons for the first choice of treatment were satisfaction (44.4%), financial problems (27.8%), trivialization of the disease (16.7%), and advice from family and friends (11.1%). The consultation at the CNHU followed a referral from a first contact health structure (61%) or an initiative of the patient (27.8%). Conclusion: Connectivitis is a source of diagnostic error in our context. Awareness must be raised among patients for an early consultation at the first symptoms.