Rural Vincentians' (Caribbean) beliefs about the usage of non-prescribable medicines for treating Type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To explore beliefs among persons in St. Vincent, a rural Caribbean Community, regarding the usage of non-prescribable medicines for treating Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A phenomenological enquiry explored people's experiences and the manner in which they interpret these. One focus-group interview was conducted of persons attending a rural diabetes clinic in St Vincent to generate insights into the phenomenon. Analysis was undertaken using the four steps utilized in phenomenological studies of bracketing, intuiting, analysis and description. The findings result in deeper understanding and definition of the phenomenon. RESULTS: A variety of non-prescribable, predominantly herbal and folk, medicines were commonly used as a means of self care in diabetes. Usage was underpinned by a system of lay beliefs about diabetes and beliefs in the treatment efficacy of folk medicine. A strong religious influence formed the basis of diabetes treatment and offered some symptom relief and therefore treatment satisfaction through spiritual revelations about remedies. Conventional medicines were taken in conjunction with non-prescribable treatments or else not at all. CONCLUSIONS: Non-prescribable medicines were believed by participants to be efficacious. Conventional medication was perceived as an access to medical care. Study findings may be relevant to other rural populations with strong social and religious mores.

Dental caries prevalence and treatment need in Chiriqui Province, Panama.

A pathfinder pilot survey was conducted in rural Chiriqui Province, Panama, using standard WHO methodology, in order to estimate dental caries prevalence and treatment need. Examinations for caries and treatment need were performed by six trained, experienced examiners. From a convenience sample of 2,597 subjects, a stratified cluster sample was constructed using index ages 12 and 15 years and age groups 35-44 and 65-74 years. The results showed a mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT) of 4.08 for 12 year olds, 6.40 for 15 year olds, 13.20 for the 35-44 age group, and 18.88 for the 65-74 age group (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences by gender were found. These findings rank rural Panama with Mexico and Haiti when compared to the results of other Central American community studies. The percentage of caries free 12 year olds was 6.8 per cent. Of the total sample, 74.7 per cent of individuals would require one or multiple surface restorations and 47.9 per cent would require at least one extraction. Restorative need was greatest in the 15 year olds. The severity of dental caries in this sample was moderately severe and the treatment need extraordinarily high.