ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Int. J. Public Health
Movement Disorders in Cabo Verde: Epidemiology, Access Barriers, and Public Health Implications in an Aging Island Population
- LC
Leida C. Tolentino 1
- FM
Filipe Monteiro 2
- CB
Cláudia Brito Pires 3
- AF
Antónia Fortes 4
1. Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, United States
2. Brown University, Providence, United States
3. Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
4. Hospital Universitário Agostinho Neto, Praia, Cabo Verde
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Abstract
Objectives: Movement disorders (MDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor, are growing causes of disability globally. Yet, data on MDs in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Cabo Verde, remain scarce. This study aimed to estimate MD prevalence and incidence, identify at-risk groups, and evaluate access to care. Methods: A multi-site, country-level cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2024, including 110 adults with confirmed MDs. Data were obtained via clinical record reviews, interviews, and a structured questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and thematic analysis of open-text responses. Results: The age-standardized MD prevalence was 17 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 13–20), with higher rates in men (19 [14–25]) and in those over 60 (117 [89–145]). PD accounted for 79% of cases. While 78% used pharmacotherapy, 70% faced moderate or severe difficulties accessing medication, and 35% of those who sought therapy reported facing barriers. Fifty-one percent experienced a significant life impact. Conclusions: Findings reveal significant access challenges and rising MD burden, underscoring the need for early diagnosis, decentralized services, and public health system strengthening in LMICs.
Summary
Keywords
Parkinson's disease, neuroepidemiology, aging population, healthcare access, sub-Saharan Africa
Received
22 May 2025
Accepted
19 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Tolentino, Monteiro, Pires and Fortes. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Leida C. Tolentino, lctolentino@sbcc.edu
Disclaimer
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