Readiness of primary care centres for a community-based intervention to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases in the Caribbean: A participatory, mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological transition to NCDs is a challenge for fragile health systems in the Caribbean. The Congregations Taking Action against NCDs (CONTACT) Study intervention proposes that trained health advocates (HAs) from places of worship (PoWs), supervised by nurses at nearby primary healthcare centres (PHCs), could facilitate access to primary care among vulnerable communities. Drawing on participatory and systems thinking, we explored the capacity of local PHCs in three Caribbean countries to support this intervention. METHODS: Communities in Jamaica (rural, urban), Guyana (rural) and Dominica (Indigenous Kalinago Territory) were selected for CONTACT because of their differing socio-economic, cultural, religious and health system contexts. Through mixed-method concept mapping, we co-developed a list of perceived actionable priorities (possible intervention points ranked highly for feasibility and importance) with 48 policy actors, healthcare practitioners and civic society representatives. Guided in part by the concept mapping findings, we assessed the readiness of 12 purposefully selected PHCs for the intervention, using a staff questionnaire and an observation checklist to identify enablers and constrainers. RESULTS: Concept mapping illustrated stakeholder optimism for the intervention, but revealed perceptions of inadequate primary healthcare service capacity, resources and staff training to support implementation. Readiness assessments of PHCs identified potential enablers and constrainers that were consistent with concept mapping results. Staff support was evident. Constraints included under-staffing, which could hinder supervision of HAs; and inadequate essential NCD medicines, training in NCDs and financial and policy support for embedding community interventions. Despite a history of socio-political disadvantage, the most enabling context was found in the Kalinago Territory, where ongoing community engagement activities could support joint development of programmes between churches and PHCs. CONCLUSION: Multi-sectoral stakeholder consultation and direct PHC assessments revealed viability of the proposed POW-PHC partnership for NCD prevention and control. However, structural and policy support will be key for implementing change.

Intestinal parasitoses.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitoses is a clinical problem in the developing world and severe parasitaemia may be associated with retroviruses. OBJECTIVE: Studies on intestinal parasitoses were conducted in Dominica, and the health implications in an HTLV-1 endemic area were discussed. METHOD OF STUDY: A retrospective study of data of stool samples analysed at the parasitology unit of the medical laboratory services of Princess Margaret Hospital, Dominica, was conducted in January-December 1999. RESULTS: Parasites were found in 393 out of 3,752 stool samples (10.47%). The main parasites were Entamoeba coli, 1.4% (51/3,752); hookworm, 1.5% (56/3,752); Giardia lamblia, 1.4% (51/3,752); Strongyloides stercoralis, 1.0% (37/3,752); Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.8% (28/3,752); and Trichuris trichiura, 0.9% (34/3,752). CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasites are still endemic in Dominica, but significant reduction in prevalence has occurred over the last two decades.