Objective To identify the major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among the population of the capital city Male. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional survey among the 25-64-year-age group using a multi-stage sampling method with households as sampling unit. Information on behavioral, physiological, and biochemical risk factors was obtained through standardized methods as recommended by the STEPS survey guideline of the World Health Organization. Age-adjusted prevalence was calculated using the census figures for the year 2000. Results Among 2,028 individuals who participated in the survey, complete biochemical data were available for 1,506 subjects. The prevalence of NCD risk factors was high among both men and women in low education group: current smoking (39.9, 9.9%); overweight (BMI C 23 kg/ m 2 ) (60.8, 65.5%); abdominal obesity (24.2, 54.1%); raised blood pressure (29.7, 32.9%); raised blood glucose (4.3, 4.7%); hypercholesterolemia (53.7, 54.9%). Conclusion The significant burden posed by the NCD risk factors along with the gender and socioeconomic differentials point to the need for public health action. The Ministry of Health has already initiated a comprehensive response to this threat. The experience and lessons from this survey will be useful for developing a comprehensive and sustainable surveillance system in the country.
This evaluation shows the performance of the dengue surveillance system was good overall. However, clinicians need more regular feedback. The performance could be improved significantly by written protocols, legislature and assigning the responsibility of surveillance in hospitals to ward managers in addition to doctors.
b andrews. Office of the Prime Minister, Port-of Spain, Trinidad and TobagoBackground In the Caribbean, young women are particularly at risk of being infected with HIV due to social, economic and behavioural vulnerabilities. However despite these vulnerabilties, few female young adults have been tested for HIVand know their status. Moreover there is a general paucity of studies examining the HIV testing behaviours, preferences and barriers faced among Caribbean youth. This study explores the patterns and factors associated with HIV testing behaviours among female youth aged 15-24 in three Caribbean countries: Guyana, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The analysis is guided by Andersen's Behavioural Model. Methods Data from population based surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys, the AIDS Indicator Survey are used to explore the determinants of HIV testing behaviour among young women. Independent variables were classified according to Andersen's Behavioural Model and includes: traditional predisposing variables (age, educational attainment, region of residence), vulnerable predisposing factors (age at first sex, recent sexual activity, lifetime partners, condom use, consistent condom use), predisposing variables (HIV knowledge, personal stigma attitudes, knowledge of persons living with HIV/AIDS) and enabling factors (socioeconomic status, exposure to print and non-print media, history of an STI). Statistical methods include bivariate analysis using chi-square and stepwise logistic regression modelling.Results Proportion of youth ever tested was17% in Haiti, 37% in Guyana and 48% in Dominican Republic. Factors associated with HIV testing were marital status, residence, age at first sex, socioeconomic status. Rural, poorer and unmarried young women were less likely to report that they were tested for HIV. Conclusion Policies and programmes should address the structural, economic and other barriers to HIV testing faced by young women who reside in rural areas, and are poor. Messages promoting the benefits of HIV testing should target these women who are more vulnerable to HIV infection.
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