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1.
Res Sq ; 2024 Mar 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38496638

ABSTRACT

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.

2.
Washington, D.C.; PAHO; 2024-03-08. (PAHO/NMH/RF/24-0004).
in English | PAHO-IRIS | ID: phr-59344

ABSTRACT

The fact sheet facilitates the dissemination of evidence in Barbados on the potential impact of industrially produced trans-fatty acids elimination best practice policies in mortality, productivity and reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases. This information may help inform Member States' policy formulation in advancing food labeling regulations in the Region.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Nutrition Disorders , Nutrition Policy , Risk Factors , Noncommunicable Diseases , Barbados
3.
Sci Total Environ ; 914: 169789, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38181957

ABSTRACT

In recent years, pelagic sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans - henceforth sargassum) macroalgal blooms have become more frequent and larger with higher biomass in the Tropical Atlantic region. They have environmental and socio-economic impacts, particularly on coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and on public health. Despite these challenges, sargassum biomass has the potential to offer commercial opportunities in the blue economy, although, it is reliant on key chemical and physical characteristics of the sargassum for specific use. In this study, we aim to utilise remotely sensed spectral profiles to determine species/morphotypes at different decomposition stages and their biochemical composition to support monitoring and valorisation of sargassum. For this, we undertook dedicated field campaigns in Barbados and Ghana to collect, for the first time, in situ spectral measurements between 350 and 2500 nm using a Spectra Vista Corp (SVC) HR-1024i field spectrometer of pelagic sargassum stranded biomass. The spectral measurements were complemented by uncrewed aerial system surveys using a DJI Phantom 4 drone and a DJI P4 multispectral instrument. Using the ground and airborne datasets this research developed an operational framework for remote detection of beached sargassum; and created spectral profiles of species/morphotypes and decomposition maps to infer biochemical composition. We were able to identify some key spectral regions, including a consistent absorption feature (920-1080 nm) found in all of the sargassum morphotype spectral profiles; we also observed distinction between fresh and recently beached sargassum particularly around 900-1000 nm. This work can support pelagic sargassum management and contribute to effective utilisation of the sargassum biomass to ultimately alleviate some of the socio-economic impacts associated with this emerging environmental challenge.


Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Sargassum , Biomass , Barbados , Aquaculture
4.
Vet World ; 16(11): 2244-2249, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38152269

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Estrus synchronization of ewes has been accomplished using several protocols with various degrees of success in improving reproductive efficiency and obtaining the most effective protocol used in sheep farming. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three treatment protocols and to record the intensity and duration of estrus signs and pregnancy rate in Barbados Black Belly (BBB) sheep. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two primipara BBB ewes aged 18-24 months were equally divided into three treatment groups. T1: the ewes were injected intramuscularly with 2 mL Lutalyse (PGF2α) (10 mg) on days 0 and 10. T2: 1 mL Fertiline (50 µg; Gonadorelin acetate) on day 0 and 2 mL lutalyse (10 mg) on day 7. T3: 1 mL fertiline (50 µg) on day 0, 2 mL lutalyse (10 mg) on day 7, and 1 mL Fertiline (50 µg) on day 9. Estrus response was assessed using naturally mating rams and ewes. Pregnancy was determined using ultrasonography between 55 and 80 days after the last hormonal injection. The following estrus signs were noted: Swollen vulva, mucus discharge, sniffing, excitement, loss of appetite, mounting, and rapid tail movement. Results: Of the expressed signs, swollen vulva was most frequent, whereas loss of appetite and mucus discharge were the least overt signs recorded. The estrus response (%), onset (%), and duration (h) in ewe synchronization of the three treatment protocols were 100%, 58.3 ± 23.4%, and 48.0 ± 18.2 h (T1), 100%, 61.7 ± 41.2%, and 45.0 ± 27.0 h (T2), and 37.5%, 32.1 ± 1.7%, and 29.2 ± 1.25 h (T3), respectively. The pregnancy rates were 87.5%, 87.5%, 37.5%, and 50.0% in T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Conclusion: Prostaglandin F2α+PGF2α and GnRH+PGF2α synchronization protocols were more effective in the fertilization of BBB ewes with better expression of estrus signs compared with the GnRH+PGF2α+GnRH (OVS) protocol.

5.
Transgend Health ; 8(6): 550-557, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38130985

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study explored medical educators' understanding of the term transgender and their attitudes and perspectives regarding (1) health system responsiveness to transgender needs and (2) transgender curriculum in medical education. Methods: The study employed purposive sampling of medical educators responsible for design and delivery of curriculum. Fifteen of 18 eligible educators participated in Zoom focus groups (FG1 n=7, FG2 n=8). FGs averaged 93 min and were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative interpretivist methodology with deductive and inductive coding assisted by NVivo 12 Pro software. Results: Educators were knowledgeable about the term transgender and the physical and psychosocial needs of transgender people. Participants viewed transgender care as a significant emerging health area. However, infrequent personal or clinical contact, coupled with constraints in human and other resources, resulted in the perception that transgender content as a stand-alone component of curriculum is difficult to justify. Participants articulated a need for broad-based diversity content, including disabilities, primarily at the undergraduate level. Educators saw transgender health as relevant for undergraduate-level psychiatry and postgraduate medical specializations. Analysis and discussion framed participant perspectives in the context of stigma, discrimination, and medicolegal and health systems that impede access to health care for transgender people. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated knowledge of transgender and transgender health care needs. Areas for improvements in health care responsiveness were identified, particularly related to structural stigma and discrimination. Although participants expressed interest in including transgender health in the curriculum, this would require pragmatic optimization of teaching resources.

6.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37947579

ABSTRACT

This paper tackles the question of how female leaders at national levels of government managed COVID-19 response and recovery from the first COVID-19 case in their respective countries through to 30 September 2021. The aim of this study was to determine which COVID-19 mitigations were effective in lowering the viral reproduction rate and number of new cases (per million) in each of the fourteen female presidents' countries-Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, and Taiwan. We first compared these countries by finding a mean case rate (29,420 per million), mean death rate (294 per million), and mean excess mortality rate (+1640 per million). We then analyzed the following mitigation measures per country: school closing, workplace closing, canceling public events, restrictions on gatherings, closing public transport, stay-at-home requirements, restrictions on internal movement, international travel controls, income support, debt/contract relief, fiscal measures, international support, public information campaigns, testing policy, contact tracing, emergency investment in healthcare, investment in vaccines, facial coverings, vaccination policy, and protection of the elderly. We utilized the random forest approach to examine the predictive significance of these variables, providing more interpretability. Subsequently, we then applied the Wilcoxon rank-sum statistical test to see the differences with and without mitigation in effect for the variables that were found to be significant by the random forest model. We observed that different mitigation strategies varied in their effectiveness. Notably, restrictions on internal movement and the closure of public transportation proved to be highly effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Embracing qualities such as community-based, empathetic, and personable leadership can foster greater trust among citizens, ensuring continued adherence to governmental policies like mask mandates and stay-at-home orders, ultimately enhancing long-term crisis management.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Aged , Humans , Female , Pandemics/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Leadership , Bangladesh , Barbados
7.
Obes Pillars ; 6: 100060, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37990655

ABSTRACT

Overweight and obesity continues to be a burden to the health and well-being of Caribbean residents. The rise of childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases within the Caribbean is a major public health challenge for policymakers, educators and health professionals. These alarming rates of obesity also pose a threat to the sustainability of existing health systems particularly in small island developing states like the Caribbean. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate existing policies and create policy solutions to address these problems and reduce the potential impact later on. This systematic review explored existing policies among countries within the Anglophone Caribbean to identify trends within the region. The literature search focused on the following themes: (i) national policies (ii) school nutrition policies and programs (iii) physical activity among youth, and (iv) food import bill and food security. An analysis was conducted on literature from national, regional and international institutions including but not limited to the World Health Organization, Ministries of Health and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition. Countries throughout the region has acknowledged the challenges with overweight and obesity in the region. Collectively decisions have been made to address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours through policy changes. There's still a need for Caribbean countries to work together to create effective policy solutions in collaboration with community service organizations and other stakeholders. As small island developing states grappling with the same issues, pooling resources to create effective regional policies can help to address this public health crisis.

8.
Washington, D.C.; PAHO; 2023-09-14. (PAHO/NMH/RF/23-0040).
in English | PAHO-IRIS | ID: phr-57989

ABSTRACT

Unhealthy eating has been driven largely by the widespread availability, affordability, and promotion of ultra-processed and processed food products that are excessive in sugars, fats, and sodium. As such, an essential part of the solution requires the use of laws and regulations to reduce the demand for and offer of products that contain excessive amounts of critical nutrients. One of the key policy tools to regulate such products to prevent them from unbalancing diets is the use of front-of-package labeling (FOPL) to indicate to consumers which products contain excessive amounts of sugars, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and/or sodium. This publication presents evidence on the expected impact of the adoption of octagonal warning labels on health and economy of a country. It features results from Barbados, showing warning labels have the potential to avert 16% of the deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases and save the country USD 732.8 million.


Subject(s)
Food, Processed , Food, Processed , Food Labeling , Noncommunicable Diseases , Barbados
9.
J Registry Manag ; 50(1): 40-42, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37577281

ABSTRACT

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.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Barbados , Retrospective Studies , Registries
10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37623140

ABSTRACT

Visual impairment (VI) negatively affects a child's quality of life. The prevalence of VI in the Caribbean is nearly three times higher than in the United States, but the causes remain uncertain. This study leverages Barbados' unique eye care system to survey the eye diseases and VI prevalence in Barbadian children. Medical records of all patients aged <19 years who received ophthalmic care in Barbados' two public eye care centers between January and December 2019 were reviewed, capturing the entirety of public pediatric eye care within the study period. Age at the first visit to the clinic and at the final visit in 2019, sex, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), past medical history, and clinical diagnoses were extracted and analyzed. VI was defined as a BCVA of 6/12 or worse in the better-seeing eye. There were 3278 patient records with a mean age at the first visit of 7.8 ± 3.9 years. There were 80 (2.4%) children with VI, 62.5% of which were attributed to amblyopia. A total of 94% of VI was preventable or treatable. The most common diagnoses were refractive error (87.5%), strabismus (27.5%), and allergic eye disease (20.0%). Amblyopia is the major cause of pediatric VI in Barbados and is largely avoidable.


Subject(s)
Amblyopia , Hypersensitivity , Vision, Low , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Barbados/epidemiology , Quality of Life , Ambulatory Care Facilities
11.
Perfil de carga de enfermedad por diabetes 2023OPS/NMH/NV/23-0008.
Monography in Spanish | PAHO-IRIS | ID: phr-57834

ABSTRACT

El propósito fundamental de esta serie de perfiles nacionales de la carga de enfermedad por diabetes y de enfermedad renal crónica debida a diabetes es apoyar a los países de la Región de las Américas en el seguimiento de las estrategias puestas en marcha para enfrentar la diabetes. Esta primera versión de los perfiles, que abarca el período comprendido entre el 2000 y el 2019, muestra la tendencia de la mortalidad, los años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura, los años vividos con discapacidad y los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad de ambas enfermedad. Se han elaborado con los últimos datos disponibles de las estimaciones mundiales de salud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y tiene como objetivo convertirse en una herramienta útil para llevar a cabo el monitoreo de las estrategias conexas.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Kidney Diseases , Sanitary Profiles , Barbados
12.
Zootaxa ; 5314(1): 1-62, 2023 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37518623

ABSTRACT

Here we provide an illustrated and annotated checklist of brachyuran crabs associated with shallow water marine habitats (nearshore rubble and subtidal) in Barbados, West Indies (13.1939°N, 59.5432°W). Twenty-one (21) survey sites in nearshore rubble and shallow subtidal habitats were surveyed between October 2018 to September 2021. Nearshore rubble habitats were surveyed at low tide during the day and night periods. Shallow nearshore subtidal habitats were surveyed every 9-12 days from February to October 2019 using crab traps placed ~ 4 m deep on sandy and rocky bottoms. A total of 1,640 specimens were recorded, belonging to nine (9) superfamilies, 14 families, 34 genera, and 44 species. The genera Charybdis De Haan, 1833, Pitho Bell, 1835, Thoe Bell, 1835, and Uhlias Stimpson, 1871 are here reported for the first time for Barbados. Thirteen (13) species are first records for Barbados, thus extending their geographic range. The most abundant and widespread species collected was Mithraculus coryphe Herbst, 1801, which accounted for 35% (N = 570) of the specimens, occurring in both nearshore rubble and subtidal habitats.


Subject(s)
Brachyura , Lice Infestations , Humans , Animals , Barbados , Water , West Indies
13.
J Health Care Poor Underserved ; 34(1): 58-73, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37464481

ABSTRACT

This study explored oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, and sexual behavior of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Barbados. Factors associated with PrEP use were examined using Pearson chi-square and logistic regression. Of the 171 male participants who completed the survey, 22% were under 25 years old, 70% identified as gay/homosexual, and 59% were single. PrEP awareness was 77%, and of these 29% were current PrEP users. Users were more likely to have stable living arrangements (p < .05) and to identify as gay/homosexual (p=.03). Uptake by current PrEP users was attributed to non-judgmental and confidential PrEP services. Barriers identified by former PrEP users included cost and risks of STIs. Since the PrEP program is free, as is general health care for STIs, this suggests that there may be a knowledge gap. Further studies are needed to explore perceived barriers to the program.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Male , Humans , Adult , Homosexuality, Male , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Barbados , Latin America , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Caribbean Region
14.
Mar Pollut Bull ; 192: 115064, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37207389

ABSTRACT

Tropical Atlantic blooms of pelagic Sargassum spp. present major socioeconomic and ecological challenges for Caribbean and West African nations. Valorisation of sargassum provides an opportunity to ameliorate some of the damage to national economies; however, the active uptake of arsenic by pelagic sargassum creates significant barriers to its use. When defining valorisation pathways, it is important to understand arsenic speciation in pelagic sargassum, given the different levels of toxicity associated with different arsenic species. In this study, we assess the temporal variability of total arsenic and inorganic arsenic in pelagic sargassum arriving in Barbados; and test whether arsenic concentrations are linked to oceanic sub-origins. Results indicate that inorganic arsenic, the most toxic form, represents a consistent and substantial percentage of the total arsenic present in pelagic sargassum, and that variability in arsenic concentration does not appear to be driven by sample months, years or oceanic sub-origins/transport pathways.


Subject(s)
Arsenic , Arsenicals , Sargassum , Barbados , West Indies , Caribbean Region
15.
Dialogues Health ; 2: 100111, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36778667

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a major health concern in Barbados. In 2013, the reported prevalence (18.7%) was double global levels, with diabetes accounting for 10.4% of total deaths in 2016. Barbados has a rapidly aging population and older adults living with diabetes are more at risk of developing complications. Poorly managed diabetes represents a high burden for individuals and society due to direct healthcare costs for treatment, and to indirect costs due to loss of productivity from disability and premature mortality. Good diabetes self-management promotes glycemic control. Self-management is enhanced by social support and challenged by external shocks. This study explored the role of social support in diabetes self-management among older people in Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Qualitative secondary thematic analysis of semi-structured individual telephone interviews with adults aged 65-84 years living with diabetes in Barbados during a partial COVID-19 lockdown period. Sampling was purposive, aided by gatekeepers who provide services to elderly people. Verbatim interview transcripts coded using an inductive method were subjected to thematic analysis by three qualitative researchers using NVIVO software. Results: Four organising themes: "Balance", "Social Capital", "Resilience", and "Adaptations to COVID-19", informed the global theme "Adaptive Diabetes Self-Management Response", which captures resilience mechanisms of older adults who balanced facilitators including self-reliance and religious faith, and barriers such as perceived ageist discrimination in workplace policies designed to reduce COVID-19 exposure. Accordingly, elderly Barbadians living with diabetes were resilient, selectively incorporating available social support mechanisms to maintain self-management and overall well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The emergent evidence for resilience among older persons in this setting is important for informing health system interventions to improve quality of life for PLWD. The views of the elderly should be explicitly considered in policies designed to enhance the self-management of chronic health conditions.

17.
Int Wound J ; 20(4): 935-941, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36083201

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes and lower extremity amputation rates in Barbados are among some of the highest globally, with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease found to be independent risk factors for this population. Despite this, there is currently a lack of research evidence on rates of diabetic foot ulceration, which has amputation as its sequela. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence rates of active ulceration in a population of people with diabetes in Barbados. Secondly, we explored the risk factors for new/recurrent ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the electronic medical records for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 for a retrospective cross-sectional study for patients of a publicly-funded diabetes management programme. Eligible records included people aged 18 years and above with a diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes. Potential risk factors were explored using univariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included in the study (96% type 2 diabetes, 70.7% female, 98.7% Black Caribbean). The 1-year period prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration was 14.7% (confidence interval [CI]: 10.5, 20.1). Incidence of ulceration in the same period was 4.4% (CI: 4.4, 4.5). Risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulceration included: retinopathy (OR 3.85, CI: 1.24, 11.93), chronic kidney disease (OR 9.86, CI: 1.31, 74.22), aspirin use (OR 3.326, CI: 1.02, 10.85), and clopidogrel use (OR 3.13, CI: 1.47, 6.68). CONCLUSION: This study provided some insight into potential risk factors for foot ulceration in this population, which previous studies have shown to have higher rates of lower extremity amputations. Further research in this understudied group through a larger prospective cohort would allow more meaningful associations with risk factors and would be useful for the creation of risk prediction models.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Diabetic Foot , Foot Ulcer , Humans , Female , Male , Diabetic Foot/epidemiology , Diabetic Foot/complications , Retrospective Studies , Prevalence , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Incidence , Barbados/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , Foot Ulcer/etiology
18.
Violence Against Women ; 29(3-4): 580-601, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34894902

ABSTRACT

This phenomenological study, consisting of individual interviews with a sample of 30 women engaged in sex work, examines the intimate relationships of women engaged in sex work in Barbados. Participants often entered relationships with men they met while engaged in sex work. Most experienced relationships that became transactional, abusive, and exploitative. Intimate partner violence (IPV) challenged their ability to negotiate condom use with intimate partners placing them at risk for HIV. A cycle emerged of entering relationships to exit the violent conditions of sex work and then re-entering sex work to escape IPV. Implications for mental health, HIV prevention, IPV, and empowerment services are described.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Intimate Partner Violence , Male , Humans , Female , Sex Work , Barbados , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners/psychology , Intimate Partner Violence/psychology , HIV Infections/psychology , Risk Factors
19.
J Appl Gerontol ; 42(4): 589-596, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36484408

ABSTRACT

The home care workforce contributes significantly to older adults' health and well-being. The Community Elder Care (Companion) Program in Barbados employs Companions to engage with socially isolated older adults in their homes for a few hours per day. In this qualitative study we explored Companions' experiences in the program 1 year since its commencement. Opportunity to earn, love and concern for older adults, and previous caregiving experiences were among the factors which motivated participants to seek employment in the program. They commonly reported going beyond the scope of their duties to meet clients' critical needs. While they saw themselves as positively impacting their clients, some noted that they too benefitted from the engagement. Better compensation packages and training were seen as necessary actions for program improvement. Our findings can be incorporated in a comprehensive program review and can inform home care workforce development and Companion Program structure and delivery.


Subject(s)
Friends , Home Care Services , Humans , Aged , Barbados
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