A survey of 211 staff from Cameroon football clubs found that only 45.5% include ECGs in cardiovascular screening, and no domestic or professional clubs reported having an AED available.
Cross-Sectional (n=211)
Yes
There are significant gaps in cardiovascular screening and emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest in Cameroon football clubs, with very low availability of AEDs and CPR training.
Objective The tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foé in 2003 triggered increased efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in football around the world. Our objective was to determine the current cardiovascular (CV) screening strategies and extent of emergency response planning in football clubs across the country of Cameroon. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed the technical and medical staff of football clubs in the Cameroon domestic professional and amateur leagues and national teams from 1 June to 30 August 2024. Questionnaires were completed in person and focused on CV screening practices and emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), including access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Results In total, 211 participants representing 54 different football clubs and six national teams completed the questionnaire. Out of the reported cardiac events, 74.9% resulted in death, 55.2% occurred during a match, 23.2% during training and 1.9% at home. Three-quarters (76.1%) of participants reported they conduct CV screening only during the precompetition medical assessment; however, only 45.5% provide screening, which includes an ECG. Moreover, only 37% of participants were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 22.7% in AED use. An AED was rarely available during matches (9.0%) or training (7.6%). In fact, no responding club from the domestic or professional leagues in Cameroon reported having an AED; only the national teams reported AED availability. Conclusion Urgent interventions are needed to improve the prevention of SCD across Cameroon football. Better CV screening strategies that include ECGs, implementing CPR training and facilitating access to AEDs are priorities.
Douryang et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Sudden cardiac death prevention (n=211). A survey of 211 staff from Cameroon football clubs found that only 45.5% include ECGs in cardiovascular screening, and no domestic or professional clubs reported having an AED available.
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