Factors associated with prostate cancer screening among Indo-Guyanese men.

INTRODUCTION: Health screening is considered a vital intervention in public health practices. Despite the strong emphasis on the need for preventative health screenings, little attention is focused on many immigrant populations. Indo-Guyanese immigrants are one of the ethnically minoritized populations facing these challenges. This study aims to identify factors associated with the likelihood that Indo-Guyanese men will undergo screening for prostate cancer. METHODS: This study is guided by a mixed-method approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A total of 20 participants were recruited via a snowball technique. Correlation between variables was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27, while the qualitative data underwent a rigorous process of analysis and interpretation. RESULTS: Education, income, understanding of risk factors, and considering self at risk were positively correlated with screening. Knowledge of prostate cancer and knowledge of the screening process was negatively correlated with screening. CONCLUSION: Immigrant health has a significant impact on the U.S. public health system. Timely identification of potential barriers and providing culturally competent solutions and services will ensure a safe and healthy nation.

Two new species and two new records for cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from French Guiana, with an updated faunal list of French Guiana and the first synoptic list for Guyana.

Zammara conflutrimacula n. sp. and Fidicinoides ininiensis n. sp. are described as new. The first records of Guyalna polypaga Sanborn, 2019 and Taphura dolabella Sanborn, 2017 are reported for French Guiana. Cicada clarisona Hancock, 1834 nomen nudum, revised status, is shown to be unavailable. The first synoptic list of cicadas for Guyana is provided. The currently known cicada fauna for French Guiana is 73 species, 20 genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies. The known fauna of Guyana is 12 species, nine genera, two tribes and one subfamily.

Exposure to Electronic Media, Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Among Guyanese Adults.

Use of electronic media has been shown to be associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption behavior among adult population. Currently, not much is known about the risk factors of tobacco and alcohol consumption in Guyana. The present study aimed to explore the association between exposure to electronic media and tobacco and alcohol consumption by adjusting for the sociodemographic correlates. Methods: Data were obtained from the sixth round of Guyana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2019-20). Sample population were 2,208 men and 5,872 women aged between 15 and 49 years. Outcome variables were self-reported lifetime use of tobacco and alcohol, and the main explanatory variables were the use of electronic media such as internet, television and radio. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariable regression analysis in Stata version 17. Results: Overall, 55.5% (95% CI = 53.4, 57.6) men and 44.5% (95% CI = 42.4, 46.6) women reported ever smoking tobacco, while the percentage of ever drinking alcohol was 34.2% (95% CI = 32.9, 35.4) and 65.8% (95% CI = 64.6, 67.1) among men and women, respectively. Internet users had significantly higher odds of ever consuming tobacco and alcohol, however, the association was not uniform across the sociodemographic variables. For smoking, the positive association with internet use was observed for women only (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.59), whereas, for alcohol consumption the association with internet use was significantly positive among both men (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.58, 2.09) and women (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.70). Men and women who ever tried alcohol drinking had (OR = 4.64, 95% CI = 3.16, 6.82) and (OR = 10.62, 95% CI = 7.83, 14.40) times higher odds of trying tobacco smoking. Conclusion: Current findings indicate over a quarter of the participants reported ever smoking tobacco and more than three-fifths ever drinking alcohol. Electronic media use, especially that of internet, is a strong predictor of tobacco and alcohol consumption among Guyanese adults. Results also revealed a strong interrelation between alcohol and tobacco smoking, and suggesting that strengthening the tobacco prevention programs may reduce the prevalence of alcohol drinking as well.

[MRI of the axial skeleton for evaluation of prostate cancer extent in french Guyana]. / IRM du squelette axial pour le bilan du cancer de prostate en Guyane française.

INTRODUCTION: Spread evaluation of Prostate Cancer (PC) in French Guyana is bothered by the lack of bone scintigraphy. The availability of 4 MRI allows to develop alternatives using Axial Skeleton MRI (AS MRI). We report the related results. MATERIAL: AS MRI was done in patients with diagnosis of high risk PC: PSA>=10ng/ml and/or Gleason Score>=7 (predominant Gleason grade 4) and/or clinical T2b and/or T2b/T3 MRI and/or >50% positive biopsies. AS MRI was including spine, pelvis and skull assessement.The results were systematically compared to the clinical, biological and biopsy features. RESULTS: Amongst 163 AS MRI performed, 30 were positive and 133 negative. Of these 133 patients, 60 were submited to radical prostatectomy with or without lymphadenectomy. In these 133 patients with negative AS MRI, median PSA was 11ng/ml (1-51) and 27 (20,3%) had PSA>20ng/ml. In patients with positive AS MRI, only 1 had PSA<20ng/ml and predominant Gleason grade 3. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that AS MRI assessement is especially usefull in patients who are most likely to have bone metastasis that is to say those with PSA>20ng/ml and/or predominant Gleason grade 4. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The Rise in Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Chronic Diseases in Guyana: A Narrative Review.

Background: Guyana experiences health challenges related to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common non-communicable disease in Guyana. The main causes of the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases are modifiable risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, unhealthy dietary patterns) and non-modifiable risk factors (e.g. age and genetics). Objective: The aim of this review is to understand CVD and risk factor data, in the context of ethnicity in Guyana. Methods: A review of the published literature as well as government and international health agency reports was conducted. All publications from 2002-2018 describing CVD and related risk factors in Guyana were screened and extracted. Findings: The population of Guyana is comprised of six ethnic groups, of which East Indian (39.8%) and African (29.3%) are the majority. CVD accounts for 526 deaths per 100,000 individuals per year. Among Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese, CVD is the primary cause of death affecting 32.6% and 22.7% of the populations, respectively. Within the Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese communities there is a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among individuals over the age of 50. There is a lack of available data describing ethnic disparities in CVD and related risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet in Guyana. Conclusions: Important knowledge gaps remain in understanding the ethnic disparities of CVD and related risk factors in Guyana. Future research should focus on high risk populations and implement widespread screening and treatment strategies of common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol to curb the epidemic of CVD in Guyana.

An Assessment of the Accuracy of Creatinine Measurements in Guyana

ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is relatively high in Guyana. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reporting allows for early-stage CKD identification when therapeutic interventions can prevent CKD progression. Accurate creatinine measurements are essential for valid eGFR calculations. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of creatinine measurements in Guyana prior to implementing routine eGFR reporting. Methods: Sixteen Guyanese laboratories participated in this study. Each laboratory received a common set of blinded human serum samples (n = 3) containing clinically relevant creatinine concentrations, assigned by an international reference method (ID-GCMS). Laboratories performed repeated measurements of creatinine in each sample. These data were used to calculate bias, precision and total error (TE) for each creatinine method. Linear regression was used to compare measured creatinine results to assigned reference sample values and to post-analytically correct calibration bias, a priori, for recent patient results from each laboratory. Patient eGFR profiles were compared before and after bias correction. Results: The mean across samples CV and bias for all labs were 9% (range 2.5%-39.3%) and 11% positive (range 0.4%-29.1%), respectively. The mean TE was 28.6%. If the mean TE from a subset of the better performing laboratories (CV < 7%) was to apply nationally, an 'all stage' eGFR misclassification rate of 36% would result. Conclusion: There is a pressing need to improve the accuracy of creatinine measurements in Guyana as, at this time, routine reporting of eGFR by Guyanese laboratories cannot be recommended based on the accuracy data presented in this study.

Barriers to Prostate Cancer Screening Among Indo-Guyanese.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in many industrialized countries and is among the leading causes of death. Ranking among one of the top three forms of cancer, it is unfortunate that prostate cancer screening is not routinely recommended. This study attempts to explore the barriers to prostate cancer screening among Indo-Guyanese men. We conducted in-depth, one on one interviews among 20 Indo-Guyanese men between the ages of 45 and 75 years old, residing in the New York City neighborhood of Queens. Qualitative analysis was performed using multiple coders. Detailed analysis of the data found four major themes to be the culprit associated with a decrease in prostate cancer screening in this population: (1) lack of knowledge about the disease, (2) fear of diagnosis, (3) embarrassment and, (4) personal reservations with the rectal exam. The findings of this research suggest that Indo-Guyanese immigrants are lacking the basic understanding of prostate cancer and the importance of screening. It is possible that this deficiency is also applicable to many other disease states. By collaborating with healthcare providers and other stakeholders, such as community leaders and elected officials, we can develop culturally appropriate services specific to this population, to address these barriers to healthcare services.

Global Pathology Training in Residency and Fellowship: A Mutually Beneficial Intervention.

CONTEXT.­: Most cancers occur in lower and middle income countries, where pathologists are scarce. Despite this, few pathology training programs offer global health electives, and trainees are not exposed to challenges associated with practicing in resource-restricted settings. OBJECTIVE.­: To implement a global health elective model aimed at exposing trainees to global health while alleviating overburdened pathologists in resource-restricted settings. DESIGN.­: For 1 year, trainees at 2 US institutions reviewed cases shipped weekly from a pathology lab serving Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Turnaround time, specimen type, and trainee and clinician satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS.­: Trainees reviewed an average of 16 cases per week. Average turnaround time was 6 days. There was no significant difference between the turnaround time for the US trainees and the pathologist based in the lab in Trinidad. Trainees and clinicians reported a high level of satisfaction, and the collaboration was fruitful, resulting in the publication of a case report. CONCLUSIONS.­: We demonstrate that collaboration between US trainees and laboratories in resource-restricted settings, in the form of a global health elective, is mutually beneficial.

Factors Influencing the Postgraduate Training Choices of Medical Interns and Junior Medical Officers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the specialty preferences and the reasons for those choices among medical interns and junior medical doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana. Methods: A cross-sectional study of recent medical graduates at GPHC using anonymous self-administered questionnaires was used. Results: Of the study population of 66, 60 of the questionnaires that were filled were returned (response rate of 91.5%). The females comprised 60% of the respondents and 98% of the respondents were interested in Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME). Paediatrics was the most popular programme (25% of the respondents) followed by internal medicine (21%), and the main reason among the respondents for their choice of training programme was personal interest (69%). Gender differences occurred in paediatrics and ophthalmology where the females were predominant, and in orthopaedics and anaesthesia, where the males were predominant. Conclusion: To ensure an adequate and balanced medical specialists workforce for the future, information on medical graduates' perceptions and preferences of PGME and the factors influencing their choices is important to policy planners and medical educators and efforts must be made to correct any of the maldistributions noted.

Prevalence and Risks of Syphilis among Commercial Sex Workers in Georgetown, Guyana

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) and prevalence of syphilis and to investigate the sexual health practices and constraints among commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Guyana. Methods: The participants were randomly selected from CSWs participating in support group meetings held in Georgetown and Berbice. The survey was cross-sectional, and SPSS 20.0 was used to perform the data analysis. Results: The majority (92.9%) of CSWs tested negative for syphilis, whereas two (2.9%) of the five (7.1%) reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory cases indicated prior history of syphilis infection. In the study, 54.3% of participants always used condoms, whereas 74.3% did not use drugs and only 2.9% consumed alcohol every day. The participants had a fair KAP towards syphilis but few misconceptions exist. Stigma and discrimination was identified as the major constraint faced by male sex workers, and 97.1% of CSWs indicated that they preferred giving up sex work. Conclusion: Syphilis was not prevalent among the selected CSWs in Georgetown and Berbice. Prevention programmes should be continued through the support groups to maintain and increase safe sexual practices among female sex workers. Strategies should also be tailored to provide rehabilitation to the CSWs, especially for those willing to give up sex work.

Exploring the determinants and outcomes of intimate partner violence during pregnancy for Guyanese women: Results from a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey / Análisis de los determinantes y las consecuencias de la violencia de pareja durante el embarazo en mujeres de Guyana: resultados de una encuesta domiciliaria transversal representativa a nivel nacional / Conhecendo os determinantes e os desfechos da violência por parceiro íntimo contra mulheres na gravidez na Guiana: resultados de uma pesquisa transversal domiciliar com representatividade nacional

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine predictors associated with physical violence during pregnancy, and to determine the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and women's health and suicide ideation in Guyana. Methods. A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional household survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to the data to estimate the association between physical violence during pregnancy, controlling partner behavior, and other predictors. Ordered logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the association between physical violence during pregnancy and women's health, and lifetime physical partner violence and overall health. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate associations between physical violence during pregnancy and lifetime physical partner violence and overall health and suicide ideation. Results. The prevalence of lifetime physical/sexual intimate partner violence was 38.8%, current physical/sexual intimate partner violence 11.1%, and violence during pregnancy 9.2%. Controlling partner behavior was significantly and positively associated with maternal experience of physical violence during pregnancy. Experiencing physical partner violence during pregnancy, but not lifetime physical partner violence, was associated with significantly increased odds of poor overall health. Physical violence during pregnancy and lifetime physical violence were both significantly associated with increased odds of suicide ideation. Conclusions. The prevalence of violence during pregnancy in Guyana is high and is associated with adverse health outcomes. These findings suggest the need for intimate partner violence prevention, and for integrating intimate partner violence screening and treatment into antenatal care, reproductive health services, and maternal and child health programs and services to identify and treat at-risk women.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar los factores predictivos relacionados con la violencia física durante el embarazo y determinar la relación entre la exposición a la violencia de pareja durante el embarazo y la ideación suicida y la salud de las mujeres en Guyana. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis secundario de los datos obtenidos de una encuesta domiciliaria transversal. Se adaptaron modelos multifactoriales de regresión logística a los datos para calcular la asociación entre la violencia física durante embarazo, comportamiento controlador de la pareja y otros factores predictivos. Se emplearon modelos ordenados de regresión logística para calcular la asociación entre la violencia física durante el embarazo y la salud de la mujer, y la violencia de pareja a lo largo de la vida y la salud en general. Se aplicaron modelos de regresión logística para calcular la asociación entre la violencia física durante el embarazo y la violencia de pareja a lo largo de la vida y la ideación suicida y la salud en general. Resultados. La prevalencia de la violencia física o sexual infligida por la pareja a lo largo de la vida fue 38,8%, la violencia física o sexual infligida por la pareja en la actualidad fue 11,1% y la violencia durante el embarazo fue 9,2%. El comportamiento controlador de la pareja mostró una asociación positiva y significativa con una experiencia materna de violencia física durante el embarazo. Sufrir violencia física durante el embarazo, aunque no a lo largo de la vida, se asoció significativamente con mayores probabilidades de un estado de salud general deficiente. Tanto la violencia física durante el embarazo como la violencia física a lo largo de la vida se asociaron significativamente con mayores probabilidades de ideación suicida. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la violencia durante el embarazo en Guyana es alta y está relacionada con consecuencias adversas en materia de salud. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de prevenir la violencia de pareja y de integrar su detección y tratamiento en la atención prenatal, los servicios de salud reproductiva y los programas y servicios de salud maternoinfantil para detectar y tratar a las mujeres en riesgo.

RESUMO Objetivo. Determinar as variáveis preditivas associadas à violência física contra mulheres na gravidez e avaliar a relação entre exposição à violência por parceiro íntimo na gravidez e saúde e ideação suicida em mulheres na Guiana. Métodos. Foi realizada uma análise dos dados secundários de uma pesquisa transversal domiciliar. Modelos de regressão logística multivariada foram ajustados ao conjunto de dados para estimar a associação entre violência física na gravidez, controlando-se o efeito do comportamento do parceiro e outras variáveis preditivas. Modelos de regressão logística ordinal foram ajustados para estimar a associação entre violência física na gravidez e saúde das mulheres e violência física por parceiro íntimo ao longo da vida e saúde geral. Modelos de regressão logística foram ajustados para estimar a associação entre violência física na gravidez e violência física por parceiro íntimo ao longo da vida e saúde geral e ideação suicida. Resultados. Observou-se uma prevalência de 38,8% de violência física/sexual por parceiro íntimo ao longo da vida, 11,1% de violência física/sexual por parceiro íntimo no momento presente e 9,2% de violência física/sexual na gravidez. Controlando-se o efeito do comportamento do parceiro, verificou-se uma associação positiva significativa com experiência materna de violência física na gravidez. Sofrer violência física por parceiro íntimo na gravidez, mas não violência física por parceiro íntimo ao longo da vida, foi associado a uma chance significativamente maior de saúde geral ruim. Verificou-se uma associação significativa entre violência física na gravidez e violência física ao longo da vida e uma maior chance de ideação suicida. Conclusões. A prevalência da violência contra mulheres na gravidez na Guiana é alta e está associada a desfechos de saúde adversos. Esses resultados apontam para a necessidade de prevenir a violência por parceiro íntimo e integrar a avaliação da violência por parceiro íntimo e o tratamento das mulheres aos serviços de assistência pré-natal e de saúde reprodutiva e programas e serviços de saúde materno-infantil para identificar e tratar as mulheres em risco.

Conducting an international curriculum review meeting in the age of COVID-19.

SUMMARY: The Canadian Network for International Surgery (CNIS) hosted a workshop in May of 2020 with a goal of critically evaluating Trauma Team Training courses. The workshop was held virtually because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Twenty-three participants attended from 8 countries: Canada, Guyana, Kenya, Nigeria, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda and the United States. More participants were able to attend the virtual meeting than the traditional in-person meetings. Web-based videoconference software was used, participants presented prerecorded PowerPoint videos, and questions were raised using a written chat. The review proved successful, with discussions and recommendations for improvements surrounding course quality, lecture content, skills sessions, curriculum variations and clinical practical scenarios. The CNIS's successful experience conducting an online curriculum review involving international participants may prove useful to others proceeding with collaborative projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pseudoflowers produced by Fusarium xyrophilum on yellow-eyed grass (Xyris spp.) in Guyana: A novel floral mimicry system?

Pseudoflower formation is arguably the rarest outcome of a plant-fungus interaction. Here we report on a novel putative floral mimicry system in which the pseudoflowers are composed entirely of fungal tissues in contrast to modified leaves documented in previous mimicry systems. Pseudoflowers on two perennial Xyris species (yellow-eyed grass, X. setigera and X. surinamensis) collected from savannas in Guyana were produced by Fusarium xyrophilum, a novel Fusarium species. These pseudoflowers mimic Xyris flowers in gross morphology and are ultraviolet reflective. Axenic cultures of F. xyrophilum produced two pigments that had fluorescence emission maxima in light ranges that trichromatic insects are sensitive to and volatiles known to attract insect pollinators. One of the volatiles emitted by F. xyrophilum cultures (i.e., 2-ethylhexanol) was also detected in the head space of X. laxifolia var. iridifolia flowers, a perennial species native to the New World. Results of microscopic and PCR analyses, combined with examination of gross morphology of the pseudoflowers, provide evidence that the fungus had established a systemic infection in both Xyris species, sterilized them and formed fungal pseudoflowers containing both mating type idiomorphs. Fusarium xyrophilum cultures also produced the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the cytokinin isopentenyl adenosine (iPR). Field observations revealed that pseudoflowers and Xyris flowers were both visited by bees. Together, the results suggest that F. xyrophilum pseudoflowers are a novel floral mimicry system that attracts insect pollinators, via visual and olfactory cues, into vectoring its conidia, which might facilitate outcrossing of this putatively heterothallic fungus and infection of previously uninfected plants.

A case of concomitant intussusception and appendicitis managed at a regional hospital in Guyana.

Appendicitis and intussusception are two potentially fatal surgical pathologies occurring at different peak age groups. Simultaneous presentation of both is rare. We present such a case in an eight-month-old infant who required successful emergency laparotomy with right hemicolectomy and primary anastomosis. Appendicitis was confirmed histologically.

Anibamine and Its Analogues: Potent Antiplasmodial Agents from Aniba citrifolia.

In our continuing search for novel natural products with antiplasmodial activity, an extract of Aniba citrifolia was found to have good activity, with an IC50 value less than 1.25 µg/mL. After bioassay-directed fractionation, the known indolizinium alkaloid anibamine (1) and the new indolizinium alkaloid anibamine B (2) were isolated as the major bioactive constituents, with antiplasmodial IC50 values of 0.170 and 0.244 µM against the drug-resistant Dd2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The new coumarin anibomarin A (3), the new norneolignan anibignan A (5), and six known neolignans (7-12) were also obtained. The structures of all the isolated compounds were determined based on analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data, and the absolute configuration of anibignan A (5) was assigned from its ECD spectrum. Evaluation of a library of 28 anibamine analogues (13-40) indicated that quaternary charged analogues had IC50 values as low as 58 nM, while uncharged analogues were inactive or significantly less active. Assessment of the potential effects of anibamine and its analogues on the intraerythrocytic stages and morphological development of P. falciparum revealed substantial activity against ring stages for compounds with two C-10 side chains, while those with only one C-10 side chain exhibited substantial activity against trophozoite stages, suggesting different mechanisms of action.

The impact of imported malaria by gold miners in Roraima: characterizing the spatial dynamics of autochthonous and imported malaria in an urban region of Boa Vista

BACKGROUND The number of malaria cases in Roraima nearly tripled from 2016 to 2018. The capital, Boa Vista, considered a low-risk area for malaria transmission, reported an increasing number of autochthonous and imported cases. OBJECTIVES This study describes a spatial analysis on malaria cases in an urban region of Boa Vista, which sought to identify the autochthonous and imported cases and associated them with Anopheles habitats and the potential risk of local transmission. METHODS In a cross-sectional study at the Polyclinic Cosme e Silva, 520 individuals were interviewed and diagnosed with malaria by microscopic examination. Using a global positional system, the locations of malaria cases by type and origin and the breeding sites of anopheline vectors were mapped and the risk of malaria transmission was evaluated by spatial point pattern analysis. FINDINGS Malaria was detected in 57.5% of the individuals and there was a disproportionate number of imported cases (90.6%) linked to Brazilian coming from gold mining sites in Venezuela and Guyana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The increase in imported malaria cases circulating in the west region of Boa Vista, where there are positive breeding sites for the main vectors, may represent a potential condition for increased autochthonous malaria transmission in this space.

New species of Bannoa described from the tropics and the first report of the genus in South America.

The genus Bannoa consists of four described species associated with dead leaves in southwestern Japan. In this study, we describe three new species, Bannoa guamensis, B. rosea, and B. tropicalis, from the South Pacific island of Guam and Guyana in South America. Isolates were obtained from surfaces of diseased and healthy leaves of plants in the Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. DNA sequences from four gene regions, including nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), nuc 18S rDNA (18S), and a portion of tef1, which encodes translation elongation factor 1-alpha, were produced for phylogenetic analysis. Intercompatibility tests were performed, and subsequent development of clamp connections and basidia were documented for B. tropicalis. Potential life history strategies and association with diseased leaves, including rust-infected leaves, were evaluated across the genus. This is the first report of a species of Bannoa from South America.

[Tabacco, alcohol and pemba consumption during pregnancy in French Guyana]. / Les consommations de tabac, d'alcool et de pemba pendant la grossesse en Guyane française.

INTRODUCTION: The risks to the unborn child from maternal consumption of alcohol, tobacco and substances during pregnancy are well documented in the medical literature. Data on such consumption in Frensh Guyana are scattered and scarce, which prevents prevention policies from being adapted to the local context. METHOD: To compensate for the inadequacy of the data, a questionnaire survey was conducted in 2017-2018 in Guyana's three maternity units with 789 mothers. Among other things, this survey aimed at gathering data about consumption, about information received on substance consumption during pregnancy, and about the interest of professionals met by the women in these matters. RESULTS: Tobacco and alcohol consumption at the end of pregnancy were respectively 2% and 17%. Two profiles of alcohol consumers emerged: in Cayenne, French women with a high school level of education or more consuming on occasion wine and in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, regular beer consumers among women speaking a language of the river, born in Guyana. Finally, Pemba (clay) was used by 15% of the pregnant women. Although the percentage of smokers is much lower than that of metropolitan France, the percentage of alcohol consumers is significantly higher in Guyana. Women speaking in Creole and French or/and those with a high school level education and more would be less asked about their alcohol consumption. Finally, these women with a high school degree or more believe that they have had information about alcohol risk during school or through prevention campaigns, while those with a primary education level would have been better informed by health professionals. DISCUSSION: The low tobacco consumption of women in Guyana is in line with that of all the FODs. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy seems slightly higher than in metropolitan France. Alcohol users have specific profiles, linked to the isolation of the municipality of residence, a low level of education, traditional consumption of Pemba and previous experience of miscarriage. The prevalence of Pemba use is a source of concern for professionals, especially when associated with beer consumption. Mobilization of local teams on the issue of alcohol during pregnancy is strong. However, professionals tend to interview women in lower Professions and Socioprofessional Categories, or PCS, more often, as in metropolitan France, with a level of education below the high school degree or whose mother tongue differs from French or French Creole.