Seroprevalence of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus-1 in a Jamaican Antenatal Population and Assessment of Pooled Testing as a Cost Reduction Strategy for Implementation of Routine Antenatal Screening.

Mother to child transmission (MTCT) of human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 is associated with increased risk of adult T-cell leukemia and can be unrecognized without routine antenatal screening. We assessed the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 among pregnant women attending The University Hospital of the West Indies Antenatal Clinic, 2019, and validated a cost-effective strategy to screen antenatal clinic attendees for HTLV-1/2. Residual antenatal samples from 370 women were tested for HTLV-1/2 by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Six samples were confirmed HTLV-1 positive by Western blot (none for HTLV-2) for a prevalence of 1.62%. Four mother-child pairs were able to be recruited for HTLV testing of children, with two children testing HTLV-1/2 positive. Medical records of HTLV-1-infected women revealed that all women breastfed, indicating an unrecognized risk for HTLV MTCT. To assess whether pooling of samples as a cost-reduction strategy could be introduced, we pooled all antenatal samples received between November and December 2021 into 12 pools of eight samples/pool. Two pools were CMIA positive, and de-pooling of samples identified two CMIA-positive samples (one per pool), both confirmed as HTLV-1 by Western blot. These results indicate that HTLV-1 remains prevalent in pregnant Jamaican women and that sample pooling can be a cost-effective strategy to limit MTCT in Jamaica.

Detection of Potential Arbovirus Infections and Pregnancy Complications in Pregnant Women in Jamaica Using a Smartphone App (ZIKApp): Pilot Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence of the benefits of mobile health technology, which include symptom tracking apps for research, surveillance, and prevention. No study has yet addressed arbovirus symptom tracking in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the use of a smartphone app (ZIKApp) to self-report arbovirus symptoms and pregnancy complications and to assess compliance with daily symptom diaries during pregnancy in a cohort of women in an arbovirus-endemic, subtropical, middle-income country (Jamaica). METHODS: Pregnant women aged ≥16 years, having a smartphone, and planning on giving birth at the recruiting center were enrolled between February 2020 and July 2020. ZIKApp comprised a daily symptom diary based on algorithms to identify potential episodes of arbovirus infection and pregnancy complications. Sociodemographic, epidemiological, and obstetric information was collected at enrollment, with additional review of medical records, and users' perception was collected through an exit survey. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression analysis of possible factors associated with diary adherence were performed. RESULTS: Of the 173 women enrolled, 157 (90.8%) used ZIKApp for a median duration of 155 (IQR 127-173) days until pregnancy end, 6 (3.5%) used the app for <7 days, and 10 (5.8%) exited the study early. For each successive 30-day period from enrollment up to 150 days after enrollment, of these 157 women, 121 (77.1%) to 129 (82.2%) completed their daily symptom diary; 50 (31.8%) to 56 (35.7%) did so on the same day. Overall, 31.8% (50/157) of the women had good adherence to diary reporting (ie, they completed the task on the same day or 2 to 3 days later for ≥80% of the days enrolled). There were 3-fold higher odds of good adherence for participants aged >34 years versus those aged 25 to 29 years (adjusted odds ratio 3.14, 95% CI 1.10-8.98) and 2-fold higher odds for women with tertiary versus secondary education (adjusted odds ratio 2.26, 95% CI 1.06-4.83). Of the 161 women who ever made a diary entry, 5454 individual symptom reports were made (median 17 per woman; IQR 4-42; range 0-278); 9 (5.6%) women reported symptom combinations triggering a potential arbovirus episode (none had an adverse pregnancy outcome) and 55 (34.2%) reported painful uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding, mainly in the month before delivery. Overall, 51.8% (71/137) of the women rated the app as an excellent experience and were less likely to be poor diary adherers (P=.04) and 99.3% (138/139) reported that the app was easy to understand and use. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot found a high adherence to ZIKApp. It demonstrated the feasibility and usability of the app in an arbovirus-endemic region, supporting its future development to contribute to surveillance and diagnosis of arbovirus infections in pregnancy and to optimize maternal care.

Sexual Abuse and Sexually-Transmitted HIV/AIDS in Jamaican Children and Adolescents Aged 6-19 Years.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors and outcomes of sexually-acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection were characterized in Jamaican children and adolescents. METHODOLOGY: Management was carried out by multidisciplinary teams in Infectious Diseases clinics during August 2003 through February 2019 using modified World Health Organization HIV criteria. RESULTS: There were 78 clients, aged 6 to 19 years, with females:males = 4:1 (p < 0.05). Sexual-initiation occurred in 60%, 47 before < 16 years (median 13 years, with four < 10 years; females:males = 7:1). Sexual-initiation preceded HIV diagnosis in all cases (median 2 years). Secondary education 93% (69/77) and living with non-parental relatives 17% (13/78) were associated with early sexual-initiation (p < 0.042); as was later imprisonment in 6% (3/52). Other sexually transmitted infections 36% (19/53) were associated with sexual-initiation ≥ 16 years (p < 0.01). Risks for ongoing HIV-transmission included infrequent condom use 74% (39/53), body-piercings 50% (24/48), illicit drug use 37% (28/76), tattoos 36% (19/52), transactional sex 14% (7/53) and pregnancy 56% of girls. 77% (59/77) had Centres for Diseases Control's Category A HIV infection; 82% (61/75) initiated anti-retroviral therapy; 75% (56/75) had first-line drugs, with helper T lymphocyte counts ≥ 500 cells/µL in 61% (48/78) and HIV viral load of < 1,000 copies/µL in 63% (40/64). Complications included dermatological 39% (20/52), respiratory 25% (13/52) and neurological 15% (8/52). Early sexual initiation was associated with depression 43% (33/76; p < 0.004) and suicidal attempt or ideation 23% (18/77; p < 0.096). Four (5%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS in children and adolescents should preempt prompt medical, legal and psychosocial interventions.

Transfer is not a transition - voices of Jamaican adolescents with HIV and their health care providers.

Increasing access to antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings (RLS) has resulted in the survival of perinatally HIV-infected children into adulthood. We characterized the transition process from pediatric to adult care by conducting semi-structured interviews of HIV-infected adolescents and health care providers in Jamaica. Using an inductive content analytic approach, four themes emerged: (1) Transition should be holistic and a process; (2) Pediatric clinics were like families; (3) Rootedness in the pediatric clinic; and (4) Need for adolescent-centered services to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult-centered services. Adolescent informed- and centered-transition approach may result in better outcomes for HIV-infected adolescents.

Immunity After Childhood Vaccinations in Perinatally HIV-exposed Children With and Without HIV Infection in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) children are at risk for under-vaccination and poor vaccine response at 4 years of age. Childhood vaccine coverage and immune response were compared between PHIV and HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children in Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS: PHIV and HEU children were enrolled prospectively at 15 sites from 2002 to 2009. Full vaccination by age 4 years was defined as: 3 hepatitis B virus vaccine doses; 4 tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine doses; 3 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine by age 12 months or ≥1 dose given after age 12 months; one measles-containing vaccine dose; one rubella-containing vaccine dose. Immunity was defined by serum antibody titer. Fisher exact test (for categorical measures) and t test (for continuous measures) were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Among 519 children seen at age 4 years, 191 had serum specimens available (137 PHIV, 54 HEU). Among those with specimens available, 29.3% initiated combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) <12 months of age, 30.9% initiated at ≥12 months of age, and 39.8% had not received cART by the time they were seen at 4 years of age. At 4 years of age, 59.9% were on PI-containing cART (cART/PI), and 20.4% were on no ART. PHIV children were less likely than HEU children to be fully vaccinated for tetanus (55.5% vs. 77.8%, P = 0.005) and measles and rubella (both 70.1% vs. 94.4%, P < 0.001). Among those fully vaccinated, immunity was significantly lower among PHIV than HEU for all vaccines examined: 20.9% versus 37.8% for hepatitis B virus (P = 0.04), 72.0% versus 90.5% for tetanus (P = 0.02), 51.4% versus 68.8% for H. influenzae type b (P = 0.05), 80.2% versus 100% for measles (P < 0.001) and 72.9% versus 98.0% for rubella (P < 0.001) vaccine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with HEU, PHIV children were significantly less likely to be immune to vaccine-preventable diseases when fully vaccinated. Strategies to increase immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases among PHIV require further study.

Infectious disease morbidity and growth among young HIV-exposed uninfected children in Jamaica / Morbilidad por enfermedades infecciosas y crecimiento en niños pequeños no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en Jamaica

Objective. There is a growing body of data that demonstrates increased infectious disease outcomes for HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU) infants as compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. We hypothesized that these HIV-EU infants are at greater risk for infectious morbidity and mortality when compared to the general childhood population. We therefore aimed to characterize infections and growth outcomes among HIV-EU infants in Jamaica during their first two years of life. By identifying these outcomes, specific interventions could be implemented to mitigate this risk of morbidity and mortality. Methods. HIV-EU infants born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006 in Kingston, Jamaica, were enrolled and followed in multicenter health facilities, using standardized protocols. HIV status was determined by RNA/DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmatory HIV enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Data were collected on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, infectious morbidity and mortality, and hospitalizations. Outcomes (incidence of infections and hospitalizations; growth (z scores for weight)) were determined, using univariate analyses. Results. Of 195 HIV-EU infants followed for 25.9 months (standard deviation, 10.9 months), 102 (52%) were male, 185 (95%) were non-breast-fed, 161 (83%) experienced at least one infection, and 58 (30%) were hospitalized at least once. Infectious disease incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included upper respiratory tract infection of 7.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.92–8.90), otitis media of 4.12 (3.21–5.20), and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of 1.92 (1.35–2.65). Hospitalization incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) of 0.89 (0.53– 1.40), sepsis of 0.48 (0.23–0.89), and AGE of 0.43 (0.20–0.81). These infection incidence rates among the HIV-EU infants were higher than those for published community controls. Among the HIV-EU infants, the low-birthweight ones and those born via cesarean section had significantly higher hospitalization rates from LRTI and sepsis than did published community controls. The mean z score for weight during the infants’ first 6 months ranged from -0.06 to 0.78 in this predominantly non-breast-fed population. That score trended upwards to 24 months of age. Conclusions. Infectious disease morbidity was higher but growth was normal in this cohort of HIV-EU non-breast-fed infants, in comparison to published community controls. Specific interventions should be implemented to mitigate the risk in this setting.

Objetivo. Existe un volumen cada vez mayor de datos que muestran un aumento de casos de enfermedades infecciosas en lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en comparación con lactantes no expuestos al virus. Formulamos la hipótesis de que los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos presentan mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad por enfermedades infecciosas comparados con la población general de niños. Por consiguiente, nos propusimos caracterizar las infecciones y los resultados de crecimiento en lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en Jamaica durante sus dos primeros años de vida. Al determinarse estos resultados, podrían ejecutarse intervenciones específicas para mitigar este riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Métodos. Se inscribieron lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al HIV nacidos entre el 1 de enero del 2004 y el 31 de diciembre del 2006 en Kingston (Jamaica), y se les hizo seguimiento en establecimientos multicéntricos de salud, con protocolos estandarizados. El estado con respecto a la infección por el VIH se determinó mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para ARN/ADN y prueba confirmatoria de inmunoadsorción enzimática (ELISA). Se recopilaron datos sobre características demográficas y antropométricas, morbilidad y mortalidad por infecciones y hospitalizaciones. Los resultados (incidencia de infecciones y hospitalizaciones; crecimiento [puntuaciones z para el peso]) se determinaron usando un análisis de una sola variable. Resultados. De 195 lactantes no infectados pero expuestos a los que se les dio seguimiento durante 25,9 meses (desviación estándar, 10,9 meses), 102 (52%) eran de sexo masculino, 185 (95%) no fueron amamantados, 161 (83%) presentaron al menos una infección y 58 (30%) fueron hospitalizados por lo menos una vez. La incidencia de enfermedades infecciosas por 1 000 niño-semanas incluyó infecciones de las vías respiratorias superiores de 7,25 (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95%: 5,92–8,90), otitis media de 4,12 (3,21–5,20) y gastroenteritis aguda (AGE) de 1,92 (1,35–2,65). La incidencia de hospitalización por 1 000 niño-semanas incluyó infecciones de las vías respiratorias inferiores de 0,89 (0,53–1,40), septicemia de 0,48 (0,23–0,89) y gastroenteritis aguda de 0,43 (0,20–0,81). Estas tasas de incidencia de infecciones en los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos fueron más altas que las de los controles comunitarios publicados. En los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos, aquellos con peso bajo al nacer y aquellos nacidos por cesárea registraron tasas de hospitalización significativamente más altas por infecciones de las vías respiratorias inferiores y septicemia que los controles comunitarios publicados. La media de la puntuación z para el peso durante los 6 primeros meses de los lactantes se ubicó entre -0,06 y 0,78 en esta población que en su mayoría no fue amamantada. Esa puntuación mostró una tendencia ascendente a los 24 meses de edad. Conclusiones. La morbilidad por enfermedades infecciosas fue mayor, pero el crecimiento fue normal en esta cohorte de lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH y no amamantados, en comparación con los controles comunitarios publicados. Deben realizarse intervenciones específicas para mitigar el riesgo en este entorno.

Infectious disease morbidity and growth among young HIV-exposed uninfected children in Jamaica / Morbilidad por enfermedades infecciosas y crecimiento en niños pequeños no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en Jamaica

ABSTRACT Objective There is a growing body of data that demonstrates increased infectious disease outcomes for HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU) infants as compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. We hypothesized that these HIV-EU infants are at greater risk for infectious morbidity and mortality when compared to the general childhood population. We therefore aimed to characterize infections and growth outcomes among HIV-EU infants in Jamaica during their first two years of life. By identifying these outcomes, specific interventions could be implemented to mitigate this risk of morbidity and mortality. Methods HIV-EU infants born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006 in Kingston, Jamaica, were enrolled and followed in multicenter health facilities, using standardized protocols. HIV status was determined by RNA/DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmatory HIV enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Data were collected on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, infectious morbidity and mortality, and hospitalizations. Outcomes (incidence of infections and hospitalizations; growth (z scores for weight)) were determined, using univariate analyses. Results Of 195 HIV-EU infants followed for 25.9 months (standard deviation, 10.9 months), 102 (52%) were male, 185 (95%) were non-breast-fed, 161 (83%) experienced at least one infection, and 58 (30%) were hospitalized at least once. Infectious disease incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included upper respiratory tract infection of 7.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.92–8.90), otitis media of 4.12 (3.21–5.20), and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of 1.92 (1.35–2.65). Hospitalization incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) of 0.89 (0.53–1.40), sepsis of 0.48 (0.23–0.89), and AGE of 0.43 (0.20–0.81). These infection incidence rates among the HIV-EU infants were higher than those for published community controls. Among the HIV-EU infants, the low-birthweight ones and those born via cesarean section had significantly higher hospitalization rates from LRTI and sepsis than did published community controls. The mean z score for weight during the infants’ first 6 months ranged from -0.06 to 0.78 in this predominantly non-breast-fed population. That score trended upwards to 24 months of age. Conclusions Infectious disease morbidity was higher but growth was normal in this cohort of HIV-EU non-breast-fed infants, in comparison to published community controls. Specific interventions should be implemented to mitigate the risk in this setting.

RESUMEN Objetivo Existe un volumen cada vez mayor de datos que muestran un aumento de casos de enfermedades infecciosas en lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en comparación con lactantes no expuestos al virus. Formulamos la hipótesis de que los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos presentan mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad por enfermedades infecciosas comparados con la población general de niños. Por consiguiente, nos propusimos caracterizar las infecciones y los resultados de crecimiento en lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH en Jamaica durante sus dos primeros años de vida. Al determinarse estos resultados, podrían ejecutarse intervenciones específicas para mitigar este riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Métodos Se inscribieron lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al HIV nacidos entre el 1 de enero del 2004 y el 31 de diciembre del 2006 en Kingston (Jamaica), y se les hizo seguimiento en establecimientos multicéntricos de salud, con protocolos estandarizados. El estado con respecto a la infección por el VIH se determinó mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para ARN/ADN y prueba confirmatoria de inmunoadsorción enzimática (ELISA). Se recopilaron datos sobre características demográficas y antropométricas, morbilidad y mortalidad por infecciones y hospitalizaciones. Los resultados (incidencia de infecciones y hospitalizaciones; crecimiento [puntuaciones z para el peso]) se determinaron usando un análisis de una sola variable. Resultados De 195 lactantes no infectados pero expuestos a los que se les dio seguimiento durante 25,9 meses (desviación estándar, 10,9 meses), 102 (52%) eran de sexo masculino, 185 (95%) no fueron amamantados, 161 (83%) presentaron al menos una infección y 58 (30%) fueron hospitalizados por lo menos una vez. La incidencia de enfermedades infecciosas por 1 000 niño-semanas incluyó infecciones de las vías respiratorias superiores de 7,25 (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95%: 5,92–8,90), otitis media de 4,12 (3,21–5,20) y gastroenteritis aguda (AGE) de 1,92 (1,35–2,65). La incidencia de hospitalización por 1 000 niño-semanas incluyó infecciones de las vías respiratorias inferiores de 0,89 (0,53–1,40), septicemia de 0,48 (0,23–0,89) y gastroenteritis aguda de 0,43 (0,20–0,81). Estas tasas de incidencia de infecciones en los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos fueron más altas que las de los controles comunitarios publicados. En los lactantes no infectados pero expuestos, aquellos con peso bajo al nacer y aquellos nacidos por cesárea registraron tasas de hospitalización significativamente más altas por infecciones de las vías respiratorias inferiores y septicemia que los controles comunitarios publicados. La media de la puntuación z para el peso durante los 6 primeros meses de los lactantes se ubicó entre -0,06 y 0,78 en esta población que en su mayoría no fue amamantada. Esa puntuación mostró una tendencia ascendente a los 24 meses de edad. Conclusiones La morbilidad por enfermedades infecciosas fue mayor, pero el crecimiento fue normal en esta cohorte de lactantes no infectados pero expuestos al VIH y no amamantados, en comparación con los controles comunitarios publicados. Deben realizarse intervenciones específicas para mitigar el riesgo en este entorno.

Infectious disease morbidity and growth among young HIV-exposed uninfected children in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE: There is a growing body of data that demonstrates increased infectious disease outcomes for HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU) infants as compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. We hypothesized that these HIV-EU infants are at greater risk for infectious morbidity and mortality when compared to the general childhood population. We therefore aimed to characterize infections and growth outcomes among HIV-EU infants in Jamaica during their first two years of life. By identifying these outcomes, specific interventions could be implemented to mitigate this risk of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: HIV-EU infants born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006 in Kingston, Jamaica, were enrolled and followed in multicenter health facilities, using standardized protocols. HIV status was determined by RNA/DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmatory HIV enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Data were collected on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, infectious morbidity and mortality, and hospitalizations. Outcomes (incidence of infections and hospitalizations; growth (z scores for weight)) were determined, using univariate analyses. RESULTS: Of 195 HIV-EU infants followed for 25.9 months (standard deviation, 10.9 months), 102 (52%) were male, 185 (95%) were non-breast-fed, 161 (83%) experienced at least one infection, and 58 (30%) were hospitalized at least once. Infectious disease incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included upper respiratory tract infection of 7.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.92-8.90), otitis media of 4.12 (3.21-5.20), and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of 1.92 (1.35-2.65). Hospitalization incidence per 1 000 child-weeks included lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) of 0.89 (0.53-1.40), sepsis of 0.48 (0.23-0.89), and AGE of 0.43 (0.20-0.81). These infection incidence rates among the HIV-EU infants were higher than those for published community controls. Among the HIV-EU infants, the low-birthweight ones and those born via cesarean section had significantly higher hospitalization rates from LRTI and sepsis than did published community controls. The mean z score for weight during the infants' first 6 months ranged from -0.06 to 0.78 in this predominantly non-breast-fed population. That score trended upwards to 24 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious disease morbidity was higher but growth was normal in this cohort of HIV-EU non-breast-fed infants, in comparison to published community controls. Specific interventions should be implemented to mitigate the risk in this setting.

Family relationships and sexual orientation disclosure to family by gay and bisexual men in Jamaica.

Gay and bisexual men in Jamaica encounter stigma and discrimination due to criminalization of and negative attitudes towards same-sex sexuality. Disclosure of sexual orientation may be self-affirming, but could increase exposure to negative responses and stressors. Outcomes of an online survey among 110 gay and bisexual Jamaican men ages 18 to 56 years suggest that disclosure to family is affected by level of economic independence. Furthermore, negative familial responses to sexual identity significantly predicted depression. Social and structural interventions, and efforts to strengthen positive family relationships, are needed to foster an environment that enables well-being among sexual minorities in Jamaica.

Analysis of reverse transcriptase and protease genes of HIV for antiretroviral drug resistance in treatment-exposed Jamaican pediatrics.

This study reports on the drug resistance profiles for HIV-infected pediatrics in Jamaica who have been exposed to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The genetic diversity of HIV-1 found in these patients was also determined using phylogenetic analysis. The protease-reverse transcriptase (Pro-RT) region of the genome was amplified from 40 samples, sequenced, and analyzed for the identification of antiretroviral resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). All isolates belonged to subtype B and 39 possessed multiple RAMs in the reverse transcriptase genes that would compromise the efficacy of drugs being used to treat these patients. Four isolates possessed RAMs in the protease genes. The overall frequency of HIV drug resistance was 95%. The high frequency of drug resistance is supported by epidemiological data that revealed an equally high frequency of treatment failure (98%) among the study participants. The results of this study indicate the urgent need for greater access to drug resistance testing in Jamaica.

Undervaccination of perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed uninfected children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: Perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) children may be at risk of undervaccination. Vaccination coverage rates among PHIV and HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children in Latin America and the Caribbean were compared. METHODS: All PHIV and HEU children born from 2002 to 2007 who were enrolled in a multisite observational study conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean were included in this analysis. Children were classified as up to date if they had received the recommended number of doses of each vaccine at the appropriate intervals by 12 and 24 months of age. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the data. Covariates potentially associated with a child's HIV status were considered in multivariable logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Of 1156 eligible children, 768 (66.4%) were HEU and 388 (33.6%) were PHIV. HEU children were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to be up to date by 12 and 24 months of age for all vaccines examined. Statistically significant differences persisted when the analyses were limited to children enrolled before 12 months of age. Controlling for birth weight, sex, primary caregiver education and any use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy did not contribute significantly to the logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: PHIV children were significantly less likely than HEU children to be up to date for their childhood vaccinations at 12 and 24 months of age, even when limited to children enrolled before 12 months of age. Strategies to increase vaccination rates in PHIV are needed.

Adolescent health screening practices by physicians in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE: To review Jamaican physicians' adolescent health screening practices by determining their frequency in areas of biomedical, psychological, social, and educational health; the factors that influence these practices; and physicians' perceived level of self-efficacy and their awareness of screening tools and guidelines. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to general practitioners, family medicine specialists, and pediatricians in Jamaica. The primary outcome variable was the frequency of physician screening for a range of biomedical, psychosocial, and educational developmental issues in the majority (≥ 50%) of adolescent patients. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine differences between professional groups. RESULTS: The response rate was 32.3% (n = 213), with 209 responders being suitable for further analysis. The sample comprised 48.8% general practitioners, 33.0% family medicine specialists, and 18.2% pediatricians. Physicians more often screened for biomedical risks than for psychosocial risks, with very low frequencies of screening for psychosocial issues such as mood, suicidal ideation, sexual orientation, and safety concerns. Physicians reported high levels of confidence in discussing most psychosocial issues with adolescent patients. Time limitation and an insufficient knowledge base were the main factors identified as influencing screening practices. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest unsatisfactory frequency of adolescent health screening by Jamaican physicians, in particular for psychosocial factors. The primary factors identified by physicians as influencing their screening practices have potential for improvement through continued medical education.

Mode of delivery and neonatal respiratory morbidity among HIV-exposed newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean: NISDI Perinatal-LILAC Studies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate respiratory morbidity (RM) in HIV-exposed newborns according to mode of delivery. METHODS: The NISDI Perinatal/LILAC prospective cohort studies enrolled HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean. Associations between RM and delivery mode or other characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Between September 2002 and December 2009, 1630 women were enrolled, and 1443 mother-infant pairs met the inclusion criteria. There were 561 vaginal (VD), 269 cesarean before labor and membrane rupture (SCS) for preventing mother-to-child transmission (SCS-PMTCT), 248 other SCS, and 365 cesarean after labor and/or ruptured membranes (NSCS) deliveries. In total, 108 (7.5%) newborns had RM: 49 had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), 39 had transient tachypnea (TTN), and 28 had other events (7 newborns had >1 RM event). Delivery mode was associated with RDS (P<0.005) and TTN (P<0.001). The proportion with RDS and TTN was lowest for VD (1.6% and 0.5%, respectively), highest for NSCS (4.9% and 4.7%), and intermediate for SCS-PMTCT (3.0% and 2.6%). Newborns with RDS or TTN were hospitalized longer (median +1day) than those without. A minority required ventilatory support (RDS, 24.5%-28.6%; TTN, 2.6%-15.4%). CONCLUSIONS: SCS-PMTCT is relatively safe for newborns of HIV-infected women.

Adolescent health screening practices by physicians in Jamaica / Prácticas de examen sistemático de la salud de los adolescentes por parte de los médicos en Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: To review Jamaican physicians' adolescent health screening practices by determining their frequency in areas of biomedical, psychological, social, and educational health; the factors that influence these practices; and physicians' perceived level of self-efficacy and their awareness of screening tools and guidelines. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to general practitioners, family medicine specialists, and pediatricians in Jamaica. The primary outcome variable was the frequency of physician screening for a range of biomedical, psychosocial, and educational developmental issues in the majority (> 50 percent) of adolescent patients. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine differences between professional groups. RESULTS: The response rate was 32.3 percent (n = 213), with 209 responders being suitable for further analysis. The sample comprised 48.8 percent general practitioners, 33.0 percent family medicine specialists, and 18.2 percent pediatricians. Physicians more often screened for biomedical risks than for psychosocial risks, with very low frequencies of screening for psychosocial issues such as mood, suicidal ideation, sexual orientation, and safety concerns. Physicians reported high levels of confidence in discussing most psychosocial issues with adolescent patients. Time limitation and an insufficient knowledge base were the main factors identified as influencing screening practices. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest unsatisfactory frequency of adolescent health screening by Jamaican physicians, in particular for psychosocial factors. The primary factors identified by physicians as influencing their screening practices have potential for improvement through continued medical education.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las prácticas de examen sistemático de la salud de los adolescentes por parte de los médicos de Jamaica mediante la determinación de la frecuencia con la que llevan a cabo reconocimientos sistemáticos de salud en las áreas biomédica, psicológica, social y educativa; los factores que afectan dichas prácticas sistemáticas; el nivel de autoeficacia percibida por los médicos respecto a ellas y su conocimiento de los instrumentos y las recomendaciones con respecto a los exámenes sistemáticos. MÉTODOS: Se envió por correo un cuestionario a médicos generales, especialistas en medicina familiar y pediatras de Jamaica. La principal variable de evaluación fue la frecuencia con la que los médicos llevan a cabo exámenes sistemáticos sobre varios aspectos biomédicos, psicosociales y del desarrollo educativo en la mayoría (> 50 por ciento) de los pacientes adolescentes. Se realizaron análisis bifactoriales a fin de establecer las diferencias entre los grupos de profesionales. RESULTADOS: La tasa de respuesta fue de 32,3 por ciento (n = 213) y se consideró que 209 participantes eran adecuados para el análisis posterior. En la muestra, 48,8 por ciento eran médicos generales, 33,0 por ciento eran especialistas en medicina familiar y 18,2 por ciento eran pediatras. Los médicos llevaban a cabo exámenes sistemáticos con más frecuencia para evaluar los riesgos biomédicos que los riesgos psicosociales, y los exámenes sobre aspectos psicosociales como el estado de ánimo, la presencia de ideas suicidas, la orientación sexual y temas relacionados con la seguridad se exploraron muy poco. Los médicos informaron altos niveles de confianza para tratar la mayoría de los temas psicosociales con los pacientes adolescentes. Los principales factores que afectaran las prácticas de examen sistemático fueron la falta de tiempo y la carencia de conocimientos suficientes. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos indican que la frecuencia con la que los médicos de Jamaica llevan a cabo prácticas de examen sistemático relacionadas con la salud de los adolescentes es insuficiente, en particular en lo que respecta a los factores psicosociales. Los principales factores que, según los médicos, afectan sus prácticas con respecto a este tema pueden mejorarse mediante programas de formación médica continua.

Maternal antiretroviral use during pregnancy and infant congenital anomalies: the NISDI perinatal study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the association between maternal antiretrovirals (ARVs) during pregnancy and infant congenital anomalies (CAs), utilizing data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative Perinatal Study. METHODS: The study population consisted of first singleton pregnancies on study, > or =20 weeks gestation, among women enrolled in NISDI from Argentina and Brazil who delivered between September 2002 and October 2007. CAs were defined as any major structural or chromosomal abnormality, or a cluster of 2 or more minor abnormalities, according to the conventions of the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. CAs were identified from fetal ultrasound, study visit, and death reports. Prevalence rates [number of CAs per 100 live births (LBs)] were calculated for specific ARVs, classes of ARVs, and overall exposure to ARVs. RESULTS: Of 1229 women enrolled, 995 pregnancy outcomes (974 LBs) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 60 infants (59 LBs and 1 stillbirth) had at least 1 CA. The overall prevalence of CAs (per 100 LBs) was 6.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6 to 7.7]. The prevalence of CAs after first trimester ARVs (6.2; 95% CI 3.1 to 9.3) was similar to that after second (6.8; 95% CI 4.5 to 9.0) or third trimester (4.3; 95% CI 1.5 to 7.2) exposure. The rate of CAs identified within 7 days of delivery was 2.36 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAs after first trimester exposure to ARVs was similar to that after second or third trimester exposure. Continued surveillance for CAs among children exposed to ARVs during gestation is needed.

Student evaluation of an OSCE in paediatrics at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: The Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies first implemented the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the final MB Examination in Medicine and Therapeutics during the 2000-2001 academic year. Simultaneously, the Child Health Department initiated faculty and student training, and instituted the OSCE as an assessment instrument during the Child Health (Paediatric) clerkship in year 5. The study set out to explore student acceptance of the OSCE as part of an evaluation of the Child Health clerkship. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by successive groups of students immediately after the OSCE at the end of each clerkship rotation. Main outcome measures were student perception of examination attributes, which included the quality of instructions and organisation, the quality of performance, authenticity and transparency of the process, and usefulness of the OSCE as an assessment instrument compared to other formats. RESULTS: There was overwhelming acceptance of the OSCE in Child Health with respect to the comprehensiveness (90%), transparency (87%), fairness (70%) and authenticity of the required tasks (58-78%). However, students felt that it was a strong anxiety-producing experience. And concerns were expressed regarding the ambiguity of some questions and inadequacy of time for expected tasks. CONCLUSION: Student feedback was invaluable in influencing faculty teaching, curriculum direction and appreciation of student opinion. Further psychometric evaluation will strengthen the development of the OSCE.

Is the management of acute otitis media in children by primary care physicians in Kingston consistent with evidenced-based medicine?

OBJECTIVE: to explore the knowledge and actual management practice of acute otitis media (AOM) by primary care physicians. METHODS: A 19-item questionnaire was administered to all Kingston-based general practitioners and pediatricians currently listed by two major pharmaceutical companies. Data obtained included knowledge, diagnostic and therapuetic practice, and reported involvment in continuing medical education. There were 91 responders, consisting of 53 percent of the general practitioners (GPs) and 90 percent of the paediatricians listed. RESULTS: All the physicians except three of the GPs were participating in some aspect of continuing medical education. Fifty-two different criteria were used for the diagnosis of AOM. Only 15 of these were consistent with current best management guidelines. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic ability between the two groups of physicians. The four major causative agents of AOM were correctly listed by 7 percent GPs and 23 percent pediatricians (p=0.05). Amoxicillin was prescribed as first line agent for treatment of AOM by 62 percent of pediatricians and 22 percent of GPs. Trimethoprimsulfmethoxazole was still being used as first line agent by 17 percent of GPs. All physicians considered the use of analgesics as appropriate and steroids inappropriate in the management of AOM. There was significant difference between groups concerning the use of antihistamines (84 percent GPs, 53 percent paediatricians) and decongestants (91 percent GPs, 52 percent paediatricians, p<0.001) in the management of AOM. Most physicians recommeneded routine follow-up of patients at the end of the course of antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Factors other than evidence-based medicine influence the current management of otitis media by primary care physicians. Exploration of the factors that determine management practice is being proposed. The results under-score the need for a re-accreditation process for physicians in the Caribbean region. (AU)

Chronic disease control and compliance - the HOPE worldwide Jamaica experience

HOPE worldwide Jamaica has provided mobile curative and preventative services to fourteen rural government clinics since 1994. The patients records of 1,091 chronic disease patients, aged>30 years between January and December 1999 were reviewed. They were all above 30 years of age with an average age of 64 years; 81 percent were female and 60 percent were hypertensive, 16 percent diabetic and 24 percent had both diabetes and hypertension. There were 2,390 visits for hypertension, with an average of 2 visits per patient. Thirty-four per cent of patients had BP of < 140/90 mmHg while 43 percent had BP < 160/95 mmHg. Compliance was defined as daily consistency in taking prescribed medication. Forty-four per cent of hypertensive were non-compliant at the time of their visit. Anti-hypertensive treatment included thiazide diuretics (65 percent), reserpine (50 percent), ACE inhibitors (30 percent) and methyldopa (5 percent). There were 1,129 visits for diabetes, with an average of 2 visits for diabetes, with an average of 2 visits per patient. Twenty-four per cent of diabetic patients were controlled to fasting blood glucose FBG levels of <6.7 mmol/l and 38 percent controlled to (FBG) levels <8 mmol/l. Thirty per cent of diabetics were non-complaint at the time of their visit. The most frequently used oral hypoglycaemic agents were metformin (78 percent), glyburide (43 percent) and chlorpropamide (30 percent). Fourteen per cent of diabetics were on treatment with insulin 70/30 (12 percent) and lente insulin (2 percent). Electrocardiograms (ECG) were done on 24 percent (n=267) of patients in the previous two years. Thirty-six percent had evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy and 15 percent had evidence of ischaemic heart disease. The level of blood pressure and blood glucose control is inadequate, despite the provision of regular monitoring, surveillance and improved access to pharmaceuticals. It is perceived that poor socioeconomic conditions, lack of education, cultural beliefs, in addition to other factors, continue to militate against improved compliance and control.(Au)