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

COVID-19 and ethnicty: Does reduced responsiveness to glucocorticiods explain the more aggressive nature of disease among minorities?

Marked ethnic variations in complications and mortality have been noted following infection with COVID-19, In the United States, the age-adjusted mortality rate among Blacks is 3.8 times, Hispanics 2.5 times, and Asians 1.5 times higher than Whites. In the United Kingdom, the age-adjusted mortality rate among Blacks is 2.9 times, Pakistani and Bangladeshi 2.2 times, and South Indians 1.8 times than that of Whites. One should consider that the increased mortality seen in BAME may be a consequence of impaired glucocorticoid sensitivity stemming from several intrinsic reasons such as chronic social stress and lower circulating levels of Vitamin D. This study aims to evaluate the effect, or lack thereof, of glucocorticoids on Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups (BAME) when compared to White populations in the setting of COVID-19 treatment.

Estimates of African, European and Native American ancestry in Afro-Caribbean men on the island of Tobago

BACKGROUND/AIMS:The Tobago Afro-Caribbean population is a valuable resource for studying the genetics of diseases that show significant differences in prevalence between populations of African descent and populations of other ancestries. Empirical confirmation of low European and Native American admixture may help in clarifying the ethnic variation in risk for such diseases. We hypothesize that the degree of European and Native American admixture in the Tobago population is low.METHODS:Admixture was estimated in a random sample of 220 men, from a population-based prostate cancer screening survey of 3,082 Tobago males, aged 40 to 79 years. We used a set of six autosomal markers with large allele frequency differences between the major ethnic populations involved in the admixture process, Europeans, Native Americans and West Africans.RESULTS:The ancestral proportions of Tobago population are estimated as 94.0+/-1.2% African, 4.6+/-3.4% European and 1.4+/-3.6% Native American.CONCLUSIONS:We conclude that Tobago Afro-Caribbean men are predominantly of West African ancestry, with minimal European and Native American admixture. The Tobago population, thus, may carry a higher burden of high-risk alleles of African origin for certain diseases than the more admixed African-American population. Conversely, this population may benefit from a higher prevalence of protective alleles of African origin.

Grenada national population report

Presents an outline of the status of the population of Grenada, including the main population/development concerns, the institutional mechanisms in place, and plans and programmes to incorporate population into the development planning process. Population growth is identified as the main stimulus and at times, an obstacle to economic growth. However, it is widely agreed that policy decisions should reflect a pragmatic approach in dealing with population/development issues. It is also recognised that higher population growth increases pressure on the provision of basic services, the use of space and natural resources, and the environment. The quality of human resources for development, is of equal importance, but can be hindered by significant population increases

Guyana and the demographic transition

Examines how the theory of demographic transition affects population trends in present-day Guyana. Guyana stands well into the period of transition with a low death-rate and falling birth-rate and a population which has ceased growing. This situation needs to be understood in order for policy-making in relation to new patterns of economic and welfare demand, labour supply and resources allocation to be more than guess work and so facilitate effective planning. Examines population trends and the major influences on demographic trends in the 1980s such as fertility, the shape of the age structure, mortality rates and migration. (AU)

Populations of St.Christopher/Nevis, 1980: a demographic study

Provides a demographic analysis of the 1980 census and survey data of St. Kitts/Nevis. Aims to assist non-technical administrators, planners and policy-makers develop indigenous solutions for population problems and socio-economic development. Descriptive and statistical analyses examine: components for population change such as migration and age-specific fertility rates; population distribution and composition; economic activity and labour force; and future trends. Concludes that trends point to depopulation implications for employment, health and education policies are discussed. Recommends more employment generation to accomodate the working age group which will form the greater proportion of the population; a more viable socio-economic infrastructure to stem outward migration flows; development of a classification scheme for collecting data on the complex Caribbean domestic unions outside of marriage; and centralization of data collection to standardize quality. (AU)

Report of the National Population Task Force in collaboration with CARICOM/USAID Population and Development Project

Demographic pressures threaten progress aimed at improving the standard of living of St. Lucians and providing employment and educational opportunities. These pressures stretch the nation's limited resources and inhibit future advancement. The question asked in this report was whether the carrying capacity of the island suffice to meet the needs of an increasing population and yet achieve higher living standards

Hypertension in a West Indian population

We used survey methods to characterize hypertension in a relatively isolated West Indian population. Results indicated that excellent discrimination between hospitalized and nonhospitalized hypertensives and controls was available using the following variables: age, gender, weight, family history, herb usage, salt intake, anxiety, and personal problems. These findings support previous work on high blood pressure in populations from other Western nations (AU)

Laboratory and field trials of a slow-release copper molluscicide in St. Lucia

Tests of a slow-release molluscicide containing 50 percent copper sulfate were undertaken in laboratory and field situations in St. Lucia. In laboratory trials, a granule form of the molluscicide produced 100 percent mortality of Biomphalaria glabrata down to 4 mg.liter active ingredient (a.i), while the pellet form produced 100 percent mortality down to 8 mg/liter a.i. In field trials, a dose of 100 mg/liter a.i. in granule form caused mortality of B. glabrata in banana drains but had no effect on B. glabrata populations in a marsh habitat. In both habitats, the dose of 100mg/liter produced mortality of other molluscan fauna which caused changes in the molluscan diversity indices. This failure in field trials may have been due to dilution of copper levels caused by flooding and also by uptake of copper by mud and algae (AU)

The aged population in the Caribbean

There is at present more than a quarter million people over the age of 60 years in the English-speaking Caribbean, and deaths in adults now exceed those in children under 5 years. Thus there should be a change in emphasis in medical programmes aimed at catering for the needs of the region. It is felt that the aged population, previously neglected in favour of the pediatric age group, require urgent attention by policymakers. Public Health programmes must include screening for diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, cervical cancer, and other disorders which if detected early can reduce morbidity and mortality in the Aged. (Summary)

The aged population in the Caribbean

There is at present more than a quarter million people over the age of 60 years in the English-speaking Caribbean, and deaths in adults now exceed those in children under 5 years. Thus there should be a change in emphasis in medical programmes aimed at catering for the needs of the region. It is felt that the aged population, previously neglected in favour of the pediatric age group, require urgent attention by policymakers. Public Health programmes must include screening for diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, cervical cancer, and other disorders which if detected early can reduce morbidity and mortality in the Aged. (Summary)

Nutrition studies in Surinam

An impression is given of the activities in the field of food studies in Suriname, such as: studies of somatometric data, nutritional status, protein, calcium and fat metabolism, cholesterol and miscellaneous problems. In 1968, as a result of these studies, food composition tables for Suriname were published. The primary objective was to improve, where necessary, the nutritional conditions and hence the health of the population. Another important point was to obtain more interest in specifically indigenous foodstuffs. It also emphasizes that Suriname is a particularly suitable study setting for deepening our insight into a number of nutritional problems

Futurologie van de gezondheid in Suriname dl.I: rede / Futurology of the health in Suriname Pt.I: oration

With futurology (forecasting) it is attempted to reach a scientific prognosis on the development of health care in Suriname. First some general reflections are given, after which the Surinamese population is being discussed. The organization of health services, and environmental hygiene, are also put forward. Various communicable and parasitic diseases are discussed, as well as some of the future perspectives. Health in Suriname appears to be still in its infancy, but it shall soon overcome all childhood diseases, provided that it receives the necessary care