Impact of COVID-19 on the intimate relationships of young adults between the ages of 18-30 years in Trinidad and Tobago

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sudden halt in normal day-today movements & interactions across the world. Restrictive measures were implemented to lessen the spread of the virus, however, it altered social interactions. In times of stress, persons usually turn to social support for comfort. However, this pandemic has forced individuals to be isolated. Although the physical health of individuals has been addressed somewhat, their mental health has not been prioritized. Young adults in relationships were either isolated with or away from their partner, while single young adults were generally without a stable companion. With the impacts discovered from this research, new measures can be adopted in society & health facilities to mediate the harmful effects this pandemic caused & will cause on the mental health of young adults with respect to dating and relationships.

Effects of PCOS on the quality of life of women ages 18-45: A Systematic Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder with an unknown aetiology that manifests in women of reproductive age. ➢ Excessive insulin levels, genetic predisposition, inflammation, and excessive androgen levels are involved in its development. ➢ PCOS can affect the quality of life (QoL) of women through characteristics like amenorrhea, excess androgens, polycystic ovaries, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and drastic weight gain. ➢ Associated complications like endometrial cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, miscarriages, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, eating disorders, and depression may also arise, which can further lower QoL.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate students at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

▪ During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online education led to behavioural/lifestyle changes, whichcan affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ▪ HRQoL is an individual's perceived physical and mental health over time, and highlights how these changes can impact health.

A Comparison Between Online and Traditional Methods of Curriculum Delivery in the COVID-19 Era to Dental and Medical Students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, St Augustine Campus, UWI

▪ With the inability to conduct classes in the traditional classroom setting due to the Covid-19 pandemic, students have been forced to adapt to an online curriculum delivery. ▪ There is limited data about the impact of e-learning on students enlisted in medical programmes within the Caribbean. ▪ Recent research has found that many students' mental health were affected, and it is crucial for this data to gathered and understood to take steps in combating mental health challenges.

A web-based cross-sectional survey on computer-related visual and ocular symptoms and perceived stress, amid the COVID-19 transitional online learning among students in the Faculty of Medical Sciences: A Caribbean perspective

The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various sectors of human life, in unprecedented ways. Inevitably, many educational institutions transitioned to online learning due to worldwide 'lockdowns'. Digital technology is significant. However, studies have been reported that it has short- and long-term negative effects on people's biopsychosocial wellbeing; particularly, mental and visual issues. The current study focused on the effects of the transitional online learning mode on the ocular and mental health of students.

The Impact of Online Schooling due to the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Mental and Socioeconomic Well-being of Parents and Guardians of Primary School Students

• COVID-19 caused extensive economic recession and Trinidad is no exception. Whilst lockdown slowed the spread of COVID-19, it also resulted in the closure of schools and retrenchment of workers. • Therefore, it was imperative that the parental population be investigated to determine the impact of this pandemic on their livelihood, since challenges they encountered impacted the quality of education received by their children. • Many families faced financial constraints in purchasing electronic devices and internet connectivity to facilitate their children's online learning. This overwhelming stress coupled with lack of technological competence had the possibility of increasing the prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety and depression

An investigation into the Mental, Social and Physical impacts of online learning on the students at The University of The West Indies, St Augustine

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many educational institutions worldwide to a mandatory online format. The sudden switch to online learning courses from traditional face-to-face classes has been noted to come at a great cost, especially concerning students. The effects of this sudden transition was noted both internationally and regionally especially regarding student internet accessibility and usage. However, this study attempts to delve into online learning's impacts on students' mental, social and physical health.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students' clinical training, their learning behaviours, perceived stress and performance as future medical professionals

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global lockdown of all levels and types of educational institutions, prompting the implementation of online education worldwide. Undoubtedly, the traditional delivery of medical education was directly affected by this development. Challenges created compromised the proper delivery of clinical training as face-to-face teaching was restricted due to social distancing measures. Inevitably, this sudden change affected the learning behaviours and stress levels of medical students in their penultimate years, as well as the standard of their clinical training and their perception of their performance as future medical professionals.

Self-perceived stress among medical students in relation to their perceptions on virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Medical education has shifted from the traditional face-toface method to virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it many challenges. Medical students already experience high levels of stress due to may stressors such as excessive workload. This together with the new challenges encountered during virtual learning, such as technological barriers, can cause physiological distress which can affect the mental health of medical students.

Investigating the Impact of Face-to-Face vs Online Learning on the Eating Habits of Non-Clinical Students Registered at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, St. Augustine

University students lack adequate and balanced meals due to the separation from their families, insufficient funds, or lack of time and information about healthy nutrition. Most university students' diets are not nutritionally adequate or balanced during their school years. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of schools and the implementation of lockdowns, resulting in isolation at home to curb the spread of the virus. The transition to online school disrupted the normal routine of most students making it difficult to maintain a healthy eating habit. However, not all students reported an unhealthy change. Information gathered can be used to promote healthy eating amongst students and make them aware of eating habits that would promote better health and wellbeing.

Demographic and Lifestyle Factors that affect HbA1c awareness amongst type II diabetic patients in Trinidad

• Trinidad and Tobago is amongst the countries with the greatest burden of type II diabetes in the western hemisphere • Educating type II diabetic patients in controlling their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are recommended as measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with type II diabetic complications • Measurement of HbA1c in type II diabetic patients represents their glycemic history for the former 8 ­ 12 weeks and should be tested every 3 months to monitor patients' metabolic control • This study is aimed at measuring HbA1c awareness amongst T2D population in Trinidad and making recommendations based on results

An investigation on the knowledge, attitudes and practice towards vaginal candidiasis amongst women of reproductive age attending the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

From 20th century, our views, understanding and treatment of pathogenic infections have drastically changed. Pathogenic organisms were discovered, classified and treatments were subsequently implemented. Candidiasis spp. was discovered and linked to the condition; Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), commonly known as yeast infection, which affects the female lower genital tract, vulva and vagina. Symtoms of such an infection include itching, burning, soreness and a creamy vaginal discharge. Given the nature, location and symptoms of such an infection, individuals are often self-conscious and hesitant to discus it or seek medical attention until symptoms become unbearable. VVC is one of the most common infections in reproductive age females with 75% of women experiencing infection at least once in their lives. Due to the qualitative gap in literature toward women affected by VVC in our country, this study aimed to highlight the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards VVC among reproductive age in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prevalence of bacteriuria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Trinidad and Tobago

Urinary tract infection (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases ranking next to upper respiratory tract infection and are often linked with significant morbidity and mortality. They are caused by the colonization of pathogenic microbes along urinary tract as well as tissue invasion of any part of the urinary tract. Microbes that cause UTIs include bacteria, fungi, parasites, protozoa and viruses. Bacteriuria is a problem among the pregnant women. The UTI's in pregnancy has been associated with morbidities such as cystitis, pyelonephrities, pre-eclampsia, polyhydramnios, pre-term birth and low birth weight. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria among the pregnant women of Trinidad.

An Assessment of the Risk Factors and Concerns of Postpartum Depression amongst Mothers Seeking Healthcare in North Central Trinidad

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating mental disorder which affects 13% of females, usually after giving birth. • Predisposing factors increase the possibility of mothers acquiring PPD, some of which include lack of support, prior PPD, a history of mood changes with menstrual cycles or oral contraceptives, a family history and mental illness. • This illness can have long-term effects on a child causing the behavioural, cognitive and academic development to be impaired. • Currently, there are no screening techniques at the hospitals in Trinidad. Therefore, we have designed this study to assess the risk factors and concerns of PPD and to increase public awareness of PPD.

Men's Perspectives on 'Male Sensitive' Health Services

Men, in general, are more likely to hold negative views and be unwilling to access health services (Hawkes and Buse, 2013) except in circumstances when they view their lives qas being imperilled (Novak, et al., 2019). However, this is associated with the social constructionof masculinity an the expectations of how masculinity should be performed (Novak, et al 2019.) Being concerned about one's health is perceived as a female concern and creates cognitive dissonance for men in deciding whether they should behave as though they don't care or should care for their health (Robertson and Williams, 2010, Elliott. 2015, Bonhomme, Brott and Fadich, 2017, Novak, et al., 2019). In spite of the growing body of literature on masculinity and health; addressing issues of men's health is challening since there is an absence of agreement on what constitutes 'men's health', in spite of attempts to do so (Bardehle, Dinges and Whitw, 2016). Although a number of studies have been conducted on men in the Caribbean, there is a dearth of literature on men and their perceptions of 'male sensitive' health services among men between the ages of 18 yeas to 65 years in Trinidad and Tobago. The research questions was: What are men's perceptions about masculinity and its implications for 'male sensitive' health services?

Nurses' preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership­A Caribbean perspective

Aim: To explore perspectives of nurse managers about their preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership. Background: There have been serious concerns about the level of preparation as well as availability of support systems for transitioning of nurses into positions of authority. Methods: This was a quantitative study conducted in four Caribbean countries targeting nurses promoted to leadership positions within the last 5 years. Data were collected using a 30-item questionnaire. Ethical approvals were received from the University of the West Indies and the participating countries. Results: Most participants were female, had 15 or more years' experience and an associate degree/diploma in nursing. They felt prepared through training and acting opportunities although many were not preceptored/mentored into the position. Preparation by training was positively correlated to acting opportunities, preceptorship programme and having a preceptor. Conclusion: Transitioning into positions of leadership requires readiness from a personal as well as an organisational perspective. There must be investment in the development opportunities to support nurses' transition into leadership positions. Implications for Nursing Management: Organisational continuity and effectiveness will be dependent on a balance between investing in experienced nursing personnel while encouraging personal development of less-experienced nurses. Peer mentorship must be utilized to facilitate nurse transition.

Post­World War II epidemiological transitions in Caribbean Societies: Interpretive insights based on age-associated mortality profiles

Objective: Life expectancy at birth is a robust indicator of the mortality profile in any spatial unit. The paper draws on age-associated life expectancy estimates from six Caribbean nations between 1950 and 2015 to assess variable gain in longevity of life at various stages of human lifespan and make claims about the variable impact of nation-specific sociomedical interventions as well as likely lessons to be learned. Design and Methodology: Using Mixed Methodology, secondary data are drawn from the United Nations Population Databases that reflect mortality profiles at national and regional levels. The data relate to six Caribbean nations ­ Cuba, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Haiti and permit the detection of changes in age-associated life expectancy over 20-year intervals including four time points ­ 1955, 1975, 1995 and 2015. Descriptive statistics are used to discern variable national trends that could be understood drawing on qualitative evidence obtained from documentary research and elite interviews. Results: Three distinct mortality profiles emerge with the most favourable being in Cuba and Barbados, the least favourable in Guyana and Haiti, and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago being located between the two extremes. The timing and magnitude of gains in infant, child, adult and geriatric health states can be discerned from the results. Conclusion: The paper is heuristic and constitutes a basis comparing the effectiveness of primary, secondary and tertiary health care in promoting human resilience to mortality. As such, the paper provides important ameliorative lessons that have implications for critically informing the administration of health policies.

Knowledge levels, attitude and beliefs of men towards the Digital Rectal Examinations (DRE): A study in Trinidad

Objective: To determine knowledge levels, attitudes and beliefs of men 40 years and over regarding Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). The investigators considered this crucial following the scourge of prostate cancer in Trinidad and Tobago, and seeming lack of the use of the DRE, a noted method of screening for the condition for early detection. Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken using all men totaling 216, who were 40 years and over, and who gave their informed consent, attending a central mall in Trinidad in the month of April 2018. Data was collected using researchers'- designed self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected and collated manually but analysed with the aid of the SPSS version 20. Result: Results indicate that the men (a) were knowledgeable (95.8%) about DRE, (b) had positive belief (96.3%) about DRE and its medical significance, and (c) had good attitudes (73.6%) towards DRE. Further, men's knowledge levels and beliefs were not significantly associated with their selected demography, namely age, religion, educational level, marital status and ethnicity (p>0.05. However, their attitudes were associated with their ethnicity only (p<0.03). Conclusion: Results suggest that perhaps the attitudes and beliefs are better predictors of intentions than knowledge. This needs to be explored further given the need to curb the prevalence of prostate cancer among men in Trinidad and Tobago.

The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity among adult patients attending a university dental clinic

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) in an adult population and explore association with sociodemographic variables, dietary habits and oral health behaviours. Design and Methodology: Cross-sectional survey of consecutive dental patients (18 years and over) attending the UWI School of Dentistry polyclinic. Following informed consent, dental examinations were undertaken by two calibrated dentists. Presence of DH was assessed clinically by sensitivity to an air syringe on individual teeth. Patients were also administered a questionnaire which included age, gender, occupation, medical and dental history, brushing and dietary history. Data were processed using statistical software (SPSS version 24). Association between variables were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: 300 patients participated. Age range 18 ­ 81years, mean 44.7 years (SD 15.69). 69% were female and the main ethnic groups were African (45.7%),Indian (30%) and mixed (23%). 48.3% were in employment. Over half of the participants (54.9%) reported a history of sensitive teeth and 52% reported sensitivity to the air syringe on one or more teeth. A history of sensitive teeth was significantly associated with gender (female), frequent consumption of citrus fruits and citrus juice, history of teeth grinding or clenching and twice daily tooth brushing (Chi-square test p <0.05). Conclusions: Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity was high among this sample of dental patients and associated with gender, dietary practices, tooth grinding and brushing frequency. Management of this condition should include dietary advice, modification of oral habits and advice on tooth brushing techniques.

Quality of sleep in Trinidad among the adult population

Objective: Sleep is a determinant of a positive life which is heavily influenced by the individual's lifestyle. The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the quality of sleep among the Trinidad population and effects of associated demographics; (ii) assess the determinants of poor sleep quantity and quality; and (iii) evaluate participant's knowledge about sleep and importance of sleep. Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study among the residents of Trinidad aged 18 and above was conducted from 18th May 2018 to 30th June 2018. Nonprobability convenience sampling was utilized to obtain information at public malls including: Trincity Mall, Gulf City Mall, Long Circular Mall, West mall and Valpark Mall. Results: 1505 participants were interviewed with 56.1% being poor sleepers while 43.9% were good sleepers. Participants over 40 years were found to have the lowest percentage of good sleepers. Diabetes Mellitus and sex were not found to be a significant determinant of sleep quality (p= 0.865; p=0.351 respectively). Employment status was associated with sleep quality (p <0.001). Night shift workers were more likely than other persons to report bad sleep quality was. Persons who lived in noisy areas and were also poor sleepers. Conclusion: The determinants of sleep quality in the adult Trinidad population were found to be older age, night shift workers and persons who lived in noisy areas or streets.