Leprosy control in CAREC member countries: epidemiology and future prospects - abstract

The most recent Annual Reports of the Leprosy Control Programme of CAREC member countries were reviewed to determine the current epidemiology of this disease in the sub-region. These data were supplemented with site visit reports and data concerning numbers of persons on multi-drug therapy. This epidemiological analysis, combined with a current knowledge of the human and financial resources available to, or required by, each country for their respective programmes, will serve as the first phase of a strategic plan for the long-term goal of eradication of leprosy in the Caribbean (AU)

Epidemiological indicators and epidemiology of measles in the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname

The main purpose of this article is to discuss the definitions and limitations of the indicators used to study the epidemiology of measles in the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname. In addition, the epidemiology of measles over the past ten years is briefly reviewed, with a focus on recent epidemics. The predicted epidemioogical picture of measles over the next few years is also discussed and, finally, the difference between elimination and eradiction of measles is explained. (AU)

A study of the use and impact of pesticides in St. Lucia - abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey of 130 pesticide users designed to identify attitudes, gaps in knowledge, and unsafe practices which contribute to the risk of pesticide usage to health. A tintometric field method was compared to a standard laboratory method to detect cases of cholinesterase inhibition (pesticide poisoning). Sixty-five per cent of the agricultural workers and vector control officers never wear protective clothing. Their knowledge of routes of absorption was inadequate, but even if warnings are printed boldly on the product labels, <50 percent of the users were capable of consistently understanding written warnings. However, <60 percent of the individuals who understood the labels generally followed the advice provided. The 53 percent of respondents who had received training were no more likely than their untrained colleagues to adhere to safety practices. No significant differences existed between the cholinesterease levels of the exposed and the unexposed workers, but this may be the result of several conservative biases (AU)