Knowledge and awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccines among Caribbean youth: the case of the Bahamas.

There is a high burden of cervical cancer in the Caribbean region, particularly in the Bahamas, yet there are few studies of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine in the region. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among school-aged youth (15-18 years) living in the Bahamas.Cross-sectional data were obtained from the "Getting to Zero" HIV study in the Bahamas conducted in 2014/2015 (n = 1553). The questionnaire elicited information on knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines, using previously validated scales. Data analysis included Chi-square tests and Mann Whitney U test.In this sample of school-aged youth, only 10.7% (146/1364) had ever heard of HPV. With respect to those who were sexually active (n = 685), only 10.7% had ever heard of HPV. For those who had heard of HPV, knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines was assessed on an HPV Knowledge and HPV Vaccine Knowledge scale, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean HPV knowledge score between males and females, or HPV vaccine knowledge scores, between males and females.There was a general lack of awareness of HPV and HPV vaccines among school-aged youth in the Bahamas. This is an important gap in the HPV vaccine strategy and cancer prevention, as this is the age at which most people acquire HPV. It emphasizes the importance of developing a careful implementation plan, with an evaluation of knowledge and attitudes, in order to have an effective HPV vaccine uptake.

"Getting to Zero New HIV Infections in the Caribbean": Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Male Circumcision Among Adolescent Males in The Bahamas.

Male circumcision (MC) plays a significant role in reducing new HIV infections, particularly in high prevalence countries. This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of MC and attitudes toward MC among youth aged 15-18 years in The Bahamas, a medium HIV prevalence country. The survey included 797 young men who completed a questionnaire on MC. Data analyses included chi-squared tests. The self-reported prevalence of MC among youth was 16.7% (121/759). Most of the circumcised youth were circumcised as infants, 84% (107/121) were pleased with their circumcision, and 71% would recommend it to others. For uncircumcised youth, 35% (189/533) would consider voluntary male circumcision (VMC) and 26% would recommend MC to others. In all scenarios, circumcised youth were more likely to be positive about MC. Among uncircumcised young men, being older (17-18 years compared to 15-16 years) was the only variable statistically associated with considering MC or recommending MC. After being presented with information on the benefits of MC for HIV prevention, the number of men who were positive about MC increased. Most of the young men in this cohort would consider VMC for reducing HIV incidence. Also, many stated that, if they had a male child, they would have him circumcised. The attitudes of these youth emphasize the need to provide information on HIV in addition to general health benefits of MC if there were to be a sustainable MC program within this population.

Intracranial tuberculomas: an unusual cause of altered mental status in a pediatric patient.

A 2-year-old boy was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) with a complaint of 3-week history of increasing lethargy, weight loss, intermittent low grade fever, and right-sided tremor. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head, ordered by the patient's pediatrician, was interpreted as abnormal and the patient was referred to the ED for further evaluation. Physical examination was remarkable for somnolence requiring tactile stimulation to arouse the patient. Neurologic examination revealed right-sided choreoathetosis and unsteady gait. A contrast CT scan of the head demonstrated multiple ring-enhancing lesions throughout the brain and mild to moderate third and lateral ventricular enlargement. In view of the positive purified protein derivative test, chest X-ray study, and gastric aspirates positive for tuberculosis, a diagnosis of intracranial tuberculomas was made. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of intracranial tuberculomas are reviewed.