Gender Differences in Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Small Island Developing State of Barbados.

Objective To determine trends, identify predictors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence and mortality, and explore performance metrics for AMI care in Barbados. Methods Data on all cases diagnosed with AMI were collected by the Barbados National Registry for Non-Communicable Diseases (BNR) from the island's only tertiary hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the National Vital Registration Department. Participants who survived hospital admission were then followed up at 28 days and one year post event via telephone survey and retrieval of death certificates. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated. Determinants of mortality at 28 days were examined in multivariable logistic regression models. Median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated for performance metrics (e.g., time from pain onset to reperfusion). Results In a 10-year period between 2010 and 2019, 4,065 cases of myocardial infarction were recorded. The median age of the sample was 73 years (IQR: 61,83), and approximately half (47%) were female. Over a 10-year period, standardized incidence increased in women on average yearly by three per 100,000 (95% CI: 1 to 6; p=0.02), while in men, the average increase per year was six per 100,000 (95% CI: 4 to 8; p<0.001). There was no increase in 28-day mortality in women; mortality in men increased each year by 2.5 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.4 to 4.5; p=0.02). The time from arrival at the hospital to the ECG was 44 minutes IQR (20,113). Conclusion AMI incidence and mortality are increasing in Barbados, and men have a higher velocity of mortality rate increase than women, which contradicts global data.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hand Hygiene, Mask Use, and Social Distancing among Public Hospital and Polyclinic Nurses in Barbados during the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are essential members of the healthcare workforce and were among the first-line carers for patients in community and hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they were at a heightened risk of infection, resulting in several reported deaths among nursing staff. Several preventive measures were adopted to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses regarding hand hygiene, mask wearing, and social distancing measures in healthcare settings in Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: An online survey of nurses working in public hospitals and polyclinics (public primary care clinics) in Barbados from March 2021 to December 2021 was conducted. A nonsystematic convenience sampling method was employed to recruit nurses who were readily available and willing to participate. A questionnaire captured the sociodemographic information and knowledge and practices related to hand hygiene, the use of face masks, and social distancing. Each correct response received one mark. Overall knowledge scores were categorized as poor (<60%), average (60-80%), or good (>80-100%). RESULTS: Of the 192 participants, the majority were female (82.8%) and had >5 years of experience (82%). The findings revealed that 45.8% had poor knowledge of hand hygiene, and that the knowledge of 43.8% of respondents was average. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for age and gender, registered nurses had 2.1 times increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.0, 4.2) of having good knowledge compared to other nursing categories. Regarding mask wearing, 53.6% of nurses had average knowledge, and 27.1% had good knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for age and gender, registered nurses had 3.3 times increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.5, 7.4) of having good knowledge compared to nursing assistants. A total of 68.6% of respondents followed the correct steps of handwashing every time, and 98.3% wore a mask in public places. More than half of the nurses (51.2%) kept a safe distance from others to avoid spreading SARS-CoV-2; one-third were in a crowded place(s) in the past three months, and 55.8% usually followed guidelines for social isolation as recommended by the WHO. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified knowledge deficiencies related to hand hygiene and wearing masks among nurses. It is imperative to provide additional training on infection control measures.

Faith-based leaders' perceptions on the implementation of programs to promote healthy lifestyles in churches in Barbados-a mixed-methods analysis.

Background: There is a high burden of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in small island developing states (SIDS). SIDS governments have committed to a range of public health, healthcare, and fiscal measures to reduce this burden including community-based health education in collaboration with civil society organizations. We sought to explore perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of implementing self-management health programs in 20 faith-based organizations in the small island developing state of Barbados. Methods: This was a concurrent mixed methods study - a quantitative online survey and a qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interviews. Acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the intervention were assessed using the following quantitative assessment tools: Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted virtually, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis based on deductive codes from Proctor's implementation outcomes definitions. Results: From the 52 respondents of the survey, the median and interquartile ranges for the AIM, IAM and FIM scales were 16 (15-20), 16 (16-20) and 16 (15-17) (out of 20), respectively. We found high levels of acceptability, 82% (95% CI (69%, 95%)) of leaders indicating that health programs in churches met with their approval; and high levels of appropriateness-90% (95% CI (80%, 100%)) indicating health programs in churches were "fitting" and "a good match". Feasibility scores were lower, with 60% (95% CI (44%, 76%)) indicating that health programs in churches would be easy to use. In interviews, leaders expressed acceptance of healthy lifestyle programs in churches and described their appropriateness through alignment with church doctrines stating, "the body is the temple of God". They felt that economic impacts from COVID-19 were likely to be a barrier to the success of programs. Leaders expressed the need for support from healthcare providers who are sensitive and respectful of church culture. Conclusion: We found that health-based programs in churches align well with church doctrines, but the success of these programs will depend on establishing trust through the engagement of church-based champions, tailoring programming to include a biblical perspective and engaging entire households.

A Phenomenological Exploration of Experiences Related to Learning Styles Among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Barbadian Medical School.

Introduction: Learning style (LS) frameworks have been implemented by educators to promote participatory learning in order to strengthen learner engagement and to enhance learning outcomes. Self-efficacy has been shown to have an association with learning style and is a predictor of clinical performance and other qualities in medical students. This study examined the perspectives of second and final year medical students in a Caribbean-based medical school, relative to their learning approaches, teaching exposures and preparation for assessments. Methods: An interpretivist qualitative approach was used to analyze data from two focus groups, conducted as part of a sequential mixed-methods study (November 2018-February 2019) with medical students in the second and final year of study. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and inductively coded with in-depth thematic analysis assisted by NVivo software. Results: Six Year 2 (Female: Male = 5:1) and seven Year 5 (Female: Male = 5:2) participants, ranging between 18 and 34 years and with a range of LS were recruited into the study. Analysis and data reduction produced three organizing themes: "Dynamics of information delivery and acquisition", "Pivoting", and "LS identification, awareness and mutability", and the global construct "Individual and environmental factors modulate the influence of LS preference in triggering self-efficacy". In managing information received in class, students used textbooks, YouTube videos, and collaborative learning to augment perceived gaps in lectures and their personal notes. Learning style self-awareness is useful for facilitating self-efficacy throughout medical school, especially at points of transition within the programme of study. Conclusion: LS theory and testing appear to be useful for student and teacher awareness. In practice, honing students' adaptability to varying learning settings may be more relevant in helping students achieve self-efficacy.

Real-World Data and Paper-Based Disease Registries in the Small Island Developing State of Barbados During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Significant data is being produced on the impact of COVID-19 on aspects of clinical care. However, less is known about the impact on real-world health data. The US Food and Drug Administration defines real-world data as "data relating to patient health status and/or the delivery of health care routinely collected from a variety of sources," including disease registries.1 The methodology used by the Barbados National Registry (BNR)-active pursuit of first-hand clinical data using paper-based charts from multiple sources-makes it an ideal example of real-world data. Real-world data can overcome the barriers to clinical trials often present in small island developing states. This paper reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the data of the BNR within the context of the real-world data cycle. Data collected retrospectively for 2016-2018, undergoing traceback during the pandemic, demonstrated a greater reliance on death certificate registration. A 38% reduction in the collection of new cases was noted in the postpandemic period compared to data collected in previous periods. The lack of access to source data delayed cancer registry reporting. We conclude that, given the challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, more effort should be placed on providing timely access to real-world data for public health decision-making, particularly in small island developing states.

Revising primary and secondary school curricula in the Caribbean to enhance education on the risks for noncommunicable diseases.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, an estimated 46% of men and 61% of women are currently overweight or obese, and 8% of children younger than 5 years are also overweight. To combat this worsening epidemic, driven by unhealthy dietary patterns, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued the 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration, which included mandates on the provision of healthy school meals, promotion of healthy dietary patterns, and reintroduction of physical education in schools. These mandates are aligned with evidence-based approaches used in childhood obesity prevention programs. School-based interventions, including curriculum revisions, are part of a multipronged approach to improve nutrition in children and are designed to complement and reinforce other interventions in schools. However, formal evaluation of the Port-of-Spain Declaration showed that most CARICOM member countries had difficulty implementing the mandates related to schools and diet. The Improving Household Nutrition Security and Public Health in the CARICOM project, in collaboration with regional institutions, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Caribbean Examinations Council, sought to enhance nutrition education through revision of region-wide primary and secondary school curricula to increase the focus on prevention of noncommunicable diseases. This paper describes the process of revising the Caribbean Examinations Council's Human and Social Biology syllabus for secondary schools and the CARICOM Health and Family Life Education Regional Curriculum Framework for primary schools, which was achieved through multisectoral collaboration. We used the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model to describe the process through which the modifications were made.

Se calcula que, en el Caribe de habla inglesa, el 46% de los hombres y el 61% de las mujeres tienen sobrepeso o son obesos, así como el 8% de los menores de 5 años. Para combatir esta epidemia creciente, debida a los hábitos de alimentación poco saludables, los Jefes de Gobierno de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM) emitieron en el 2007 la Declaración de Puerto España, que incluía mandatos relativos al suministro de comidas escolares saludables, la promoción de hábitos de alimentación saludables y la reintroducción de la educación física en las escuelas. Estos mandatos están en consonancia con los enfoques basados en la evidencia que se aplican en los programas de prevención de la obesidad infantil. Las intervenciones en los centros escolares, entre ellas la revisión de los planes de estudios, forman parte de una estrategia multidimensional dirigida a mejorar la nutrición infantil, y tienen la finalidad de complementar y reforzar otras intervenciones en las escuelas. Sin embargo, los resultados de la evaluación formal de la Declaración de Puerto España mostraron que la mayoría de los países miembros de la CARICOM tuvieron dificultades para poner en práctica los mandatos relativos a las escuelas y la alimentación. El proyecto "Mejorar la seguridad nutricional de los hogares y la salud pública en la Comunidad del Caribe", en colaboración con instituciones regionales, la Secretaría de la CARICOM y el Caribbean Examinations Council, se propuso mejorar la educación nutricional por medio de la revisión de los planes de estudio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias de toda la región, para prestar mayor atención a la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles. En este artículo se describe el proceso de revisión del temario del Caribbean Examinations Council en materia de Biología Humana y Social para las escuelas secundarias, así como del marco curricular regional de educación para la salud y la vida familiar de la CARICOM para las escuelas primarias, que se llevó a cabo mediante una colaboración multisectorial. Para describir el proceso por el cual se realizaron las modificaciones, los autores usaron el modelo ampliado del marco para informar las adaptaciones y modificaciones (FRAME, por su sigla en inglés).

No Caribe anglófono, estima-se que atualmente 46% dos homens e 61% das mulheres estejam com sobrepeso ou obesidade e que 8% das crianças menores de 5 anos também estejam com sobrepeso. Para combater essa epidemia que se agrava, impulsionada por padrões alimentares pouco saudáveis, os chefes de governo da Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM) emitiram a Declaração de Port-of-Spain de 2007, que incluía mandatos sobre o fornecimento de refeições saudáveis nas escolas, a promoção de padrões alimentares saudáveis e a reintrodução da educação física nas escolas. Esses mandatos são consistentes com abordagens baseadas em evidências usadas em programas de prevenção da obesidade infantil. Intervenções realizadas nas escolas, incluindo revisões curriculares, fazem parte de uma abordagem multifacetada para melhorar a nutrição das crianças, com o objetivo de complementar e reforçar outras intervenções nas escolas. Entretanto, a avaliação formal da Declaração de Port-of-Spain mostrou que a maioria dos países membros da CARICOM teve dificuldade em implementar os mandatos relacionados às escolas e à dieta. O projeto Melhorando a Segurança Nutricional das Famílias e a Saúde Pública na CARICOM, em colaboração com instituições regionais, a Secretaria da CARICOM e o Conselho de Exames do Caribe, buscou aprimorar a educação nutricional por meio da revisão dos currículos do ensino fundamental e médio em toda a região para aumentar o foco na prevenção de doenças não transmissíveis. Este artigo descreve o processo de revisão do programa de Biologia Humana e Social do Conselho de Exames do Caribe (para escolas do ensino médio) e da Estrutura Curricular Regional de Educação em Saúde e Vida Familiar da CARICOM (para escolas do ensino fundamental), que foi alcançado por meio de colaboração multissetorial. Usamos o modelo avançado da Estrutura para Informar Adaptações e Modificações (FRAME) para descrever o processo utilizado para fazer as modificações.

Revising primary and secondary school curricula in the Caribbean to enhance education on the risks for noncommunicable diseases

[ABSTRACT]. In the English-speaking Caribbean, an estimated 46% of men and 61% of women are currently overweight or obese, and 8% of children younger than 5 years are also overweight. To combat this worsening epidemic, driven by unhealthy dietary patterns, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued the 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration, which included mandates on the provision of healthy school meals, promotion of healthy dietary patterns, and reintroduction of physical education in schools. These mandates are aligned with evidence-based approaches used in childhood obesity prevention programs. School-based interventions, including curriculum revisions, are part of a multipronged approach to improve nutrition in chil- dren and are designed to complement and reinforce other interventions in schools. However, formal evaluation of the Port-of-Spain Declaration showed that most CARICOM member countries had difficulty implementing the mandates related to schools and diet. The Improving Household Nutrition Security and Public Health in the CARICOM project, in collaboration with regional institutions, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Caribbean Examinations Council, sought to enhance nutrition education through revision of region-wide primary and secondary school curricula to increase the focus on prevention of noncommunicable diseases. This paper describes the process of revising the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Human and Social Biology syllabus for secondary schools and the CARICOM Health and Family Life Education Regional Curriculum Framework for primary schools, which was achieved through multisectoral collaboration. We used the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model to describe the process through which the modifi- cations were made.

[RESUMEN]. Se calcula que, en el Caribe de habla inglesa, el 46% de los hombres y el 61% de las mujeres tienen sobrepeso o son obesos, así como el 8% de los menores de 5 años. Para combatir esta epidemia creciente, debida a los hábitos de alimentación poco saludables, los Jefes de Gobierno de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM) emitieron en el 2007 la Declaración de Puerto España, que incluía mandatos relativos al suministro de comidas escolares saludables, la promoción de hábitos de alimentación saludables y la reintroducción de la educación física en las escuelas. Estos mandatos están en consonancia con los enfoques basados en la evidencia que se aplican en los programas de prevención de la obesidad infantil. Las intervenciones en los centros escolares, entre ellas la revisión de los planes de estudios, forman parte de una estrategia multidimensional dirigida a mejorar la nutrición infantil, y tienen la finalidad de complementar y reforzar otras intervenciones en las escuelas. Sin embargo, los resultados de la evaluación formal de la Declaración de Puerto España mostraron que la mayoría de los países miembros de la CARICOM tuvieron dificultades para poner en práctica los mandatos relativos a las escuelas y la alimentación. El proyecto “Mejorar la seguridad nutricional de los hogares y la salud pública en la Comunidad del Caribe”, en colaboración con instituciones regionales, la Sec- retaría de la CARICOM y el Caribbean Examinations Council, se propuso mejorar la educación nutricional por medio de la revisión de los planes de estudio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias de toda la región, para prestar mayor atención a la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles. En este artículo se describe el proceso de revisión del temario del Caribbean Examinations Council en materia de Biología Humana y Social para las escuelas secundarias, así como del marco curricular regional de educación para la salud y la vida familiar de la CARICOM para las escuelas primarias, que se llevó a cabo mediante una colaboración multi- sectorial. Para describir el proceso por el cual se realizaron las modificaciones, los autores usaron el modelo ampliado del marco para informar las adaptaciones y modificaciones (FRAME, por su sigla en inglés).

[RESUMO]. No Caribe anglófono, estima-se que atualmente 46% dos homens e 61% das mulheres estejam com sobrepeso ou obesidade e que 8% das crianças menores de 5 anos também estejam com sobrepeso. Para combater essa epidemia que se agrava, impulsionada por padrões alimentares pouco saudáveis, os chefes de governo da Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM) emitiram a Declaração de Port-of-Spain de 2007, que incluía mandatos sobre o fornecimento de refeições saudáveis nas escolas, a promoção de padrões alimentares saudáveis e a reintrodução da educação física nas escolas. Esses mandatos são consistentes com abordagens baseadas em evidências usadas em programas de prevenção da obesidade infantil. Intervenções realizadas nas esco- las, incluindo revisões curriculares, fazem parte de uma abordagem multifacetada para melhorar a nutrição das crianças, com o objetivo de complementar e reforçar outras intervenções nas escolas. Entretanto, a aval- iação formal da Declaração de Port-of-Spain mostrou que a maioria dos países membros da CARICOM teve dificuldade em implementar os mandatos relacionados às escolas e à dieta. O projeto Melhorando a Segu- rança Nutricional das Famílias e a Saúde Pública na CARICOM, em colaboração com instituições regionais, a Secretaria da CARICOM e o Conselho de Exames do Caribe, buscou aprimorar a educação nutricional por meio da revisão dos currículos do ensino fundamental e médio em toda a região para aumentar o foco na pre- venção de doenças não transmissíveis. Este artigo descreve o processo de revisão do programa de Biologia Humana e Social do Conselho de Exames do Caribe (para escolas do ensino médio) e da Estrutura Curricular Regional de Educação em Saúde e Vida Familiar da CARICOM (para escolas do ensino fundamental), que foi alcançado por meio de colaboração multissetorial. Usamos o modelo avançado da Estrutura para Informar Adaptações e Modificações (FRAME) para descrever o processo utilizado para fazer as modificações.

Revising primary and secondary school curricula in the Caribbean to enhance education on the risks for noncommunicable diseases / Revisión de los planes de estudio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias del Caribe para mejorar la educación sobre los riesgos de las enfermedades no transmisibles / Revisão dos currículos do ensino fundamental e médio no Caribe para melhorar a educação sobre os riscos de doenças não transmissíveis

ABSTRACT In the English-speaking Caribbean, an estimated 46% of men and 61% of women are currently overweight or obese, and 8% of children younger than 5 years are also overweight. To combat this worsening epidemic, driven by unhealthy dietary patterns, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued the 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration, which included mandates on the provision of healthy school meals, promotion of healthy dietary patterns, and reintroduction of physical education in schools. These mandates are aligned with evidence-based approaches used in childhood obesity prevention programs. School-based interventions, including curriculum revisions, are part of a multipronged approach to improve nutrition in children and are designed to complement and reinforce other interventions in schools. However, formal evaluation of the Port-of-Spain Declaration showed that most CARICOM member countries had difficulty implementing the mandates related to schools and diet. The Improving Household Nutrition Security and Public Health in the CARICOM project, in collaboration with regional institutions, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Caribbean Examinations Council, sought to enhance nutrition education through revision of region-wide primary and secondary school curricula to increase the focus on prevention of noncommunicable diseases. This paper describes the process of revising the Caribbean Examinations Council's Human and Social Biology syllabus for secondary schools and the CARICOM Health and Family Life Education Regional Curriculum Framework for primary schools, which was achieved through multisectoral collaboration. We used the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced model to describe the process through which the modifications were made.

RESUMEN Se calcula que, en el Caribe de habla inglesa, el 46% de los hombres y el 61% de las mujeres tienen sobrepeso o son obesos, así como el 8% de los menores de 5 años. Para combatir esta epidemia creciente, debida a los hábitos de alimentación poco saludables, los Jefes de Gobierno de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM) emitieron en el 2007 la Declaración de Puerto España, que incluía mandatos relativos al suministro de comidas escolares saludables, la promoción de hábitos de alimentación saludables y la reintroducción de la educación física en las escuelas. Estos mandatos están en consonancia con los enfoques basados en la evidencia que se aplican en los programas de prevención de la obesidad infantil. Las intervenciones en los centros escolares, entre ellas la revisión de los planes de estudios, forman parte de una estrategia multidimensional dirigida a mejorar la nutrición infantil, y tienen la finalidad de complementar y reforzar otras intervenciones en las escuelas. Sin embargo, los resultados de la evaluación formal de la Declaración de Puerto España mostraron que la mayoría de los países miembros de la CARICOM tuvieron dificultades para poner en práctica los mandatos relativos a las escuelas y la alimentación. El proyecto "Mejorar la seguridad nutricional de los hogares y la salud pública en la Comunidad del Caribe", en colaboración con instituciones regionales, la Secretaría de la CARICOM y el Caribbean Examinations Council, se propuso mejorar la educación nutricional por medio de la revisión de los planes de estudio de las escuelas primarias y secundarias de toda la región, para prestar mayor atención a la prevención de las enfermedades no transmisibles. En este artículo se describe el proceso de revisión del temario del Caribbean Examinations Council en materia de Biología Humana y Social para las escuelas secundarias, así como del marco curricular regional de educación para la salud y la vida familiar de la CARICOM para las escuelas primarias, que se llevó a cabo mediante una colaboración multisectorial. Para describir el proceso por el cual se realizaron las modificaciones, los autores usaron el modelo ampliado del marco para informar las adaptaciones y modificaciones (FRAME, por su sigla en inglés).

RESUMO No Caribe anglófono, estima-se que atualmente 46% dos homens e 61% das mulheres estejam com sobrepeso ou obesidade e que 8% das crianças menores de 5 anos também estejam com sobrepeso. Para combater essa epidemia que se agrava, impulsionada por padrões alimentares pouco saudáveis, os chefes de governo da Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM) emitiram a Declaração de Port-of-Spain de 2007, que incluía mandatos sobre o fornecimento de refeições saudáveis nas escolas, a promoção de padrões alimentares saudáveis e a reintrodução da educação física nas escolas. Esses mandatos são consistentes com abordagens baseadas em evidências usadas em programas de prevenção da obesidade infantil. Intervenções realizadas nas escolas, incluindo revisões curriculares, fazem parte de uma abordagem multifacetada para melhorar a nutrição das crianças, com o objetivo de complementar e reforçar outras intervenções nas escolas. Entretanto, a avaliação formal da Declaração de Port-of-Spain mostrou que a maioria dos países membros da CARICOM teve dificuldade em implementar os mandatos relacionados às escolas e à dieta. O projeto Melhorando a Segurança Nutricional das Famílias e a Saúde Pública na CARICOM, em colaboração com instituições regionais, a Secretaria da CARICOM e o Conselho de Exames do Caribe, buscou aprimorar a educação nutricional por meio da revisão dos currículos do ensino fundamental e médio em toda a região para aumentar o foco na prevenção de doenças não transmissíveis. Este artigo descreve o processo de revisão do programa de Biologia Humana e Social do Conselho de Exames do Caribe (para escolas do ensino médio) e da Estrutura Curricular Regional de Educação em Saúde e Vida Familiar da CARICOM (para escolas do ensino fundamental), que foi alcançado por meio de colaboração multissetorial. Usamos o modelo avançado da Estrutura para Informar Adaptações e Modificações (FRAME) para descrever o processo utilizado para fazer as modificações.

Student Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy in a Novel Online Clinical Clerkship Curriculum Delivered During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to medical education and clinical training and resulted in stressors that impede student learning. This study aimed to assess student satisfaction and self-efficacy in a novel online clinical clerkship curriculum delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Fourth- and fifth-year medical students completed an online survey in January 2021 covering the following areas: student satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived effectiveness of online versus face-to-face learning. Results: Just over half of students (51%) were satisfied with online clerkship delivery. However, fewer than half of students (46%) believed online learning effectively increased their knowledge, compared to 56% of students who believed face-to-face learning was effective. The perception of the effectiveness of online learning and face-to-face teaching for clinical skills was 18% and 89%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Few students perceived online teaching to be effective for developing social competencies (27%) compared to face-to-face instruction (67%) (p < 0.001). In addition, mean self-efficacy scores were higher for persons who perceived online teaching to be effective for increasing knowledge, improving clinical skills, and developing social competencies. Overall, students' perception of online learning was strongly associated with online self-efficacy. Conclusion: Student satisfaction and perceived self-efficacy in online learning were higher than reported acceptance of online clerkship curriculum.

Adaptation of a community-based type-2 diabetes mellitus remission intervention during COVID-19: empowering persons living with diabetes to take control.

BACKGROUND: The Barbados Diabetes Remission Study-2 reported that a low-calorie diet for weight loss and diabetes remission implemented within the community and supported by trained community health advocates was both an acceptable implementation strategy and a clinically effective intervention. This study aimed to examine the adaptability of the face-to-face protocol into an online modality. METHODS: The Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA) framework guides researchers in examining the necessity of the adaptation and the preservation of core intervention elements during the adaptation process. Adaptation outcomes were documented using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-Based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). Implementation outcome was determined by fidelity to core elements. Intervention effectiveness was determined from the analysis of clinical data. RESULTS: We decided that an adaptation was needed as COVID-19 control measures prohibited in-person interactions. The core elements-i.e. 12-week intervention duration, daily 840-kcal allowance, and weekly monitoring of weight and blood glucose-could be preserved during the adaptation process. Adaptations were made to the following: (1) the context in which data were collected-participants self-measured at home instead of following the original implementation strategy which involved being measured by community health advocates (CHA) at a community site; (2) the context in which data were entered-participants posted their measurements to a mobile application site which was accessible by CHAs. As with the original protocol, CHAs then entered the measurements into an online database; (3) the formulation of the low-calorie diet-participants substituted the liquid formulation for a solid meal plan of equivalent caloric content. There was non-inferiority in fidelity to attendance with the online format (97.5% visit rate), as compared to the face-to-face modality (95% visit rate). One participant deviated from the calorie allowances citing difficulty in estimating non-exact portion sizes and financial difficulty in procuring meals. Weight change ranged from - 14.3 to 0.4 kg over the 12-week period, and all group members achieved induction of diabetes remission as determined by a FBG of < 7mmol/l and an A1C of < 6.5%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this adapted online protocol-which includes changes to both the implementation strategy and the evidence-based practice-is clinically effective whilst maintaining fidelity to key elements. Utilization of the IDEA and FRAME-IS adaptation frameworks add scientific rigour to the research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03536377 . Registered on 24 May 2018.

Exploring ways to respond to rising obesity and diabetes in the Caribbean using a system dynamics model.

Diabetes and obesity present a high and increasing burden of disease in the Caribbean that have failed to respond to prevention policies and interventions. These conditions are the result of a complex system of drivers and determinants that can make it difficult to predict the impact of interventions. In partnership with stakeholders, we developed a system dynamics simulation model to map the system driving diabetes and obesity prevalence in the Caribbean using Jamaica as a test case. The study aims to use the model to assess the magnitude changes necessary in physical activity and dietary intake to achieve global targets set by the WHO Global Action plan and to test scenarios for interventions to reduce the burden of diabetes and obesity. Continuing current trends in diet, physical activity, and demographics, the model predicts diabetes in Jamaican adults (20+ years) to rise from 12% in 2018 to 15.4% in 2030 and 20.9% by 2050. For obesity, it predicts prevalence to rise from 28.6% in 2018 to 32.1% by 2030 and 39.2% by 2050. The magnitude change necessary to achieve the global targets set by the World Health Organization is so great as to be unachievable. However, a combination of measures both upstream (including reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and ultra processed foods, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and increasing moderate-to-vigorous activity) at the population level, and downstream (targeting people at high risk and with diabetes) can significantly reduce the future burden of diabetes and obesity in the region. No single intervention reduces the prevalence of these conditions as much as a combination of interventions. Thus, the findings of this model strongly support adopting a sustained and coordinated approach across various sectors to synergistically maximise the benefits of interventions.

COVID-19 Vaccine Intent Among Health Care Professionals of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados.

INTRODUCTION: Due to increased exposure risk and the potential impact of COVID-19 infection, health care professionals (HCP) are a target group for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to examine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among HCP at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of HCP was conducted between February 14 and 27, 2021 using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic information, knowledge of novel coronavirus, intention to accept the COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine literacy (VL), and perceptions and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Mean VL scores were calculated. The relationship between socio-demographic variables and vaccine intent was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 343 HCPs, 55.1% indicated they would accept the COVID-19 vaccine if it were available; 44.9% expressed hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine. We assessed the impact of socio-demographic factors and previous vaccine behavior on vaccine intent; after adjustment of the multivariable logistic regression model, non-Barbadian nationality and previous flu vaccine uptake were statistically significant predictors of reported intent to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Persons who indicated that they would take the vaccine had a higher mean vaccine literacy score [3.46 95% CI (3.40, 3.52)] than those who were not ready to take the vaccine immediately [3.23 95% CI (3.15, 3.30)]. VL scores were higher among the 29.5% of HCPs who believed vaccines should be mandatory. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted vaccine hesitancy among HCPs in the sole public tertiary hospital of Barbados. As HCP perceptions may help or hinder the campaign to promote vaccine uptake in Barbados, vaccine promotion programs targeting HCPs are needed to ensure the success of the country's COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Heterogeneity in head and neck cancer incidence among black populations from Africa, the Caribbean and the USA: Analysis of cancer registry data by the AC3.

BACKGROUND: Africa and the Caribbean are projected to have greater increases in Head and neck cancer (HNC) burden in comparison to North America and Europe. The knowledge needed to reinforce prevention in these populations is limited. We compared for the first time, incidence rates of HNC in black populations from African, the Caribbean and USA. METHODS: Annual age-standardized incidence rates (IR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) per 100,000 were calculated for 2013-2015 using population-based cancer registry data for 14,911 HNC cases from the Caribbean (Barbados, Guadeloupe, Trinidad & Tobago, N = 443), Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, N = 772) and the United States (SEER, Florida, N = 13,696). We compared rates by sub-sites and sex among countries using data from registries with high quality and completeness. RESULTS: In 2013-2015, compared to other countries, HNC incidence was highest among SEER states (IR: 18.2, 95%CI = 17.6-18.8) among men, and highest in Kenya (IR: 7.5, 95%CI = 6.3-8.7) among women. Nasopharyngeal cancer IR was higher in Kenya for men (IR: 3.1, 95%CI = 2.5-3.7) and women (IR: 1.5, 95%CI = 1.0-1.9). Female oral cavity cancer was also notably higher in Kenya (IR = 3.9, 95%CI = 3.0-4.9). Blacks from SEER states had higher incidence of laryngeal cancer (IR: 5.5, 95%CI = 5.2-5.8) compared to other countries and even Florida blacks (IR: 4.4, 95%CI = 3.9-5.0). CONCLUSION: We found heterogeneity in IRs for HNC among these diverse black populations; notably, Kenya which had distinctively higher incidence of nasopharyngeal and female oral cavity cancer. Targeted etiological investigations are warranted considering the low consumption of tobacco and alcohol among Kenyan women. Overall, our findings suggest that behavioral and environmental factors are more important determinants of HNC than race.

Assessing the effectiveness and implementation of a chronic disease self-management programme in faith-based organisations in Barbados: protocol for a cluster randomised parallel trial.

INTRODUCTION: In the COVID-19 environment of reduced patient interaction with the healthcare system, evidenced-based self-care of chronic disease is vital. We will evaluate the effect of an online chronic disease self-management programme (CDSMP) plus medication adherence tools on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (primary aim) and, seek to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementation of this modified CDSMP in faith-based organisations (FBOs) (secondary aim). METHODS: We will conduct an unblinded cluster randomised trial in FBOs throughout Barbados. Eligibility: Persons ages 35-70 years; a previous diagnosis of hypertension or currently on antihypertensive therapy and the occurrence of two or more blood pressure readings above 130 mm Hg (systolic) or 80 mm Hg (diastolic) on the day of recruitment. Persons not known to have hypertension but who have two or more blood pressure readings at or above 130 mm Hg (systolic) or 80 mm Hg (diastolic) on two recruitment days at least 1 week apart will also be eligible. The unit of randomisation is a church cluster which consists of 7-9 churches. We will perform block randomisation to assign 24 clusters to intervention or control. The intervention has three components: modified CDSMP workshops, distribution of medication pill boxes and use of social media (WhatsApp V.2.0) to encourage medication adherence. Controls will receive one didactic lecture only. We will determine the mean changes in SBP levels for the intervention group versus controls and compare differences in outcomes 6 months' post intervention using mixed effects regression models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project has received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Dissemination will use peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs to government and guidelines to leaders of FBOs. We aim to increase the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension and inform implementation of self-management programmes in small populations. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04437966.

Implementation of a community-based low-calorie dietary intervention for the induction of type-2 diabetes and pre-diabetes remission: a feasibility study utilising a type 2 hybrid design.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this feasibility study were to (1) examine the implementation of a community-based health advocate (CHA) training programme to develop the clinical skills needed to support a diabetes remission protocol based on a low-calorie diet (LCD) and (2) investigate if participant weight loss can be achieved and diabetes remission induced under these conditions. METHODS: This tripartite study followed a type 2 implementation-effectiveness design. Three faith-based organisations (FBOs) were purposively selected as study sites. Implementation outcomes were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. During the pre-implementation phase, site 'readiness' to facilitate the intervention was determined from a site visit and an interview with the FBOs' leadership. During the implementation phase, congregants could volunteer for the 10-week CHA training which included practical exercises in weight, glucose and blood pressure (BP) measurement, and a summative practical assessment. Acceptability and implementation effectiveness were assessed via survey. During the intervention phase, other congregants and community members with T2DM or pre-diabetes and overweight were invited to participate in the 12-week LCD. Anti-diabetic medication was discontinued on day 1 of the intervention. Clinical effectiveness was determined from the change in weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and BP which were monitored weekly at the FBO by the CHA. HbA1C was performed at weeks 1 and 12. RESULTS: The FBOs were found to be ready as determined by their adequate resources and engagement in health-related matters. Twenty-nine CHAs completed the training; all attained a passing grade at ≥1 clinical station, indicating implementation effectiveness. CHA feedback indicated that the programme structure was acceptable and provided sufficient access to intervention-related material. Thirty-one persons participated in the LCD (11 T2DM:20 pre-diabetes). Mean (95%CI) weight loss was 6.0 kg (3.7 to 8.2), 7.9 kg in males vs 5.7 kg in females; A1C (%) decreased from 6.6 to 6.1, with a greater reduction in those with T2DM when compared to pre-diabetes. FBG decreased from 6.4 to 6.0mmol/L. T2DM remission rates were 60% and 90% by A1C<6.5% and FBG<7mmol/L respectively. Pre-diabetes remission was 18% and 40% by A1C<5.7% and FBG<5.6 respectively. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a community-based diabetes remission protocol is both feasible and clinically effective. Its sustainability is to be determined. Adaptability to other disorders or other settings should be investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03536377 registered on 24 May 2018.

Understanding the need for a whole-of-society approach in school nutrition policy implementation: a qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Only three of twenty Caribbean Community (CARCICOM) countries have mandatory school nutrition policies despite one third of the region's children being overweight or obese. In Barbados, there are nutrition guidelines which lack the legal mandate of a formal policy. We aim to assess the comprehensiveness of current national nutrition guidelines and to understand the factors operating in the inner and outer school setting that may influence the implementation of a mandatory school nutrition policy from the perspectives of school administrators. METHODS: A documentary analysis of existing nutritional guidelines was conducted along with qualitative semi-structured interviews in primary (elementary) and secondary (high) schools in Barbados. We purposively sampled six primary and four secondary school administrators (principals, deputy principals or senior teachers) to explore their knowledge and views on the National School Nutrition Guidelines. The deterministic implementation paradigm, Consolidated Framework for Implementation (CFIR), was used to explore the complexities within the inner and outer settings of schools. Documentary analysis used a theory-based framework informed by the Wellness School Assessment Tool-school policy analysis questionnaire. Interview transcripts were team coded using thematic analysis with constant comparison facilitated by NVIVO software version12. RESULTS: School administrators were unaware of the existing National School Nutrition Guidelines which documentary analysis found to be restrictive and weak for implementation. Administrators envisioned a government-led (outer setting), whole of society approach as the most effective strategy for the development and implementation of a proposed mandatory school nutrition policy. School administrators identified lack of financial and human resources as barriers to nutrition policy implementation. Formal and informal food vendors are institutionalized in schools and are influential determinants of the school food environment. Schools have individually reached into the outer setting to work with civil society organizations and private individuals to provide financial support and nutrition expertise to their institutions. Mass media campaigns in the outer setting may influence child and parental food choices. CONCLUSION: School administrators describe that government-led, CSO supported policy development using a whole-of-society approach has implications for improving nutrition policy implementation. Our findings demonstrate the use of a deterministic implementation framework in the pre-implementation phase of school nutrition policy development.

Diabetes prevention in the Caribbean using Lifestyle Intervention and Metformin Escalation (LIME): Protocol for a hybrid Type-1 effectiveness-implementation trial using a quasi-experimental study design.

BACKGROUND: Globally, several diabetes prevention interventions have been shown to be cost-effective, yet they have had limited adaptation, implementation, and evaluation in the Caribbean and among Caribbean-descent individuals, where the burden of type 2 diabetes is high. We report on the protocol for the Lifestyle Intervention with Metformin Escalation (LIME) study - an evidence-based diabetes prevention intervention to reduce the incidence of diabetes among Caribbean-descent individuals with prediabetes. METHODS: LIME is a hybrid type-I effectiveness-implementation quasi-experimental study taking place in 4 clinical sites in Barbados, Trinidad, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. LIME targets individuals who self-identify as Caribbean or Caribbean-descent and have high-risk prediabetes with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between 6 and 6.4%. Eligible participants in the intervention arm are enrolled in a six-week lifestyle modification workshop. Six months later, individuals who have not lost at least 5% of their bodyweight or continue to have an HbA1c of 6% or higher are prescribed metformin medication. In total, participants are followed for one year. The primary effectiveness outcome is proportion of individuals who lower their HbA1c below 6%. DISCUSSION: LIME is a unique diabetes prevention intervention for Caribbean and Caribbean-descent individuals. LIME utilizes a tailored lifestyle change curriculum, incorporates appropriate metformin prescribing when lifestyle change alone is insufficient, targets the highest-risk individuals with prediabetes, and is based in a clinical setting to ensure sustainability.

COVID-19 in Children in the United States: Intensive Care Admissions, Estimated Total Infected, and Projected Numbers of Severe Pediatric Cases in 2020.

IMPORTANCE: A surge in severe cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in children would present unique challenges for hospitals and public health preparedness efforts in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based estimates of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and projected cumulative numbers of severely ill pediatric COVID-19 cases requiring hospitalization during the US 2020 pandemic. DESIGN: Empirical case projection study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Adjusted pediatric severity proportions and adjusted pediatric criticality proportions were derived from clinical and spatiotemporal modeling studies of the COVID-19 epidemic in China for the period January-February 2020. Estimates of total children infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States through April 6, 2020, were calculated using US pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) cases and the adjusted pediatric criticality proportion. Projected numbers of severely and critically ill children with COVID-19 were derived by applying the adjusted severity and criticality proportions to US population data, under several scenarios of cumulative pediatric infection proportion (CPIP). RESULTS: By April 6, 2020, there were 74 children who had been reported admitted to PICUs in 19 states, reflecting an estimated 176 190 children nationwide infected with SARS-CoV-2 (52 381 infants and toddlers younger than 2 years, 42 857 children aged 2-11 years, and 80 952 children aged 12-17 years). Under a CPIP scenario of 5%, there would be 3.7 million children infected with SARS-CoV-2, 9907 severely ill children requiring hospitalization, and 1086 critically ill children requiring PICU admission. Under a CPIP scenario of 50%, 10 865 children would require PICU admission, 99 073 would require hospitalization for severe pneumonia, and 37.0 million would be infected with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Because there are 74.0 million children 0 to 17 years old in the United States, the projected numbers of severe cases could overextend available pediatric hospital care resources under several moderate CPIP scenarios for 2020 despite lower severity of COVID-19 in children than in adults.

Are there gender differences in acute management and secondary prevention of acute coronary syndromes in Barbados? A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: In Barbados, high case fatality rates have been reported after myocardial infarction (MI) with higher rates in women than men. To explore this inequality, we examined documented pharmacological interventions for ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable and chronic angina in women and men. DESIGN: Prospective cohort registry data for STEMI and NSTEMI and retrospective chart review for unstable and chronic angina. SETTING: Tertiary care (acute coronary syndromes) and primary care (chronic angina) centres in Barbados. PARTICIPANTS: For the years 2009-2016, a total of 1018 patients with STEMI or NSTEMI were identified via the prospective study. For unstable and chronic angina, 136 and 272 notes were reviewed respectively for the years 2010-2014. OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportions of patients prescribed recommended medication during the first 24 hours after an acute event, at discharge and for chronic care were calculated. Prescribed proportions were analysed by gender after adjustment for age. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2016, for the acute management of patients with NSTEMI and STEMI, only two (aspirin and clopidogrel) of six drugs had documented prescription rates of 80% or more. Patients with STEMI (n=552) had higher prescription rates than NSTEMI (n=466), with gender differences being more pronounced in the former. Among patients with STEMI, after adjustment for age, diabetes, hypertension and smoking, men were more likely to receive fibrinolytics acutely, OR 2.28 (95% CI 1.24 to 4.21). Compared with men, a higher proportion of women were discharged on all recommended treatments; this was only statistically significant for beta-blockers: age-adjusted OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.16 to 3.00). There were no statistically significant differences in documented prescription of drugs for chronic angina. CONCLUSION: Following acute MI in Barbados, the proportion of patients with documented recommended treatment is relatively low. Although women were less likely to receive appropriate acute care than men, by discharge gender differences were reversed.