Living with the Threat of Covid-19: Exploring the Psychological Impact of Covid-19 in Those who Conceived Through ART Versus Spontaneously.

OBJECTIVES: To explore and compare anxiety relating to the threat of Covid-19 in pregnancy by women who conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) and spontaneously. We also examined the psychological coping strategies used and lived experience for both groups. METHODS: A total of 21 women who conceived through ART at a private university based IVF and a matched sample of women who conceived spontaneously were enrolled from July 2020 to February 2021. This was a mixed methods study. Covid-19-specific anxiety was measured using the coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) as well as a validating qualitative data model with the use of open-ended questions to expand on quantitative findings. RESULTS: In both groups of women the level of anxiety detected by the CAS was low and mixed coping strategies (emotion-focused and problem-solving) were utilized. The ART group expressed more positive feelings towards pregnancy during the Covid-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The vulnerable ART group is no more at risk for negative emotional well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, healthcare providers ought to be knowledgeable of various Covid-19 coping strategies that may provide emotionally protective measures for all women of reproductive age. This is of particular importance as effective coping may ultimately prevent disruptions that could compromise prenatal care during the covid-19 pandemic.

A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. METHODS: Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. RESULTS: Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.

Contraceptive knowledge among women at risk of unintended pregnancy in Kingston, Jamaica.

Low contraceptive knowledge may limit contraception initiation or continuation and, consequently, could represent an important, modifiable cause of unintended pregnancy. The objective of this analysis was to identify correlates of knowledge among women at risk of unintended pregnancy. We analyzed data from a study of 222 young women attending a public clinic in Kingston in November 2018 to March 2019. We measured contraceptive knowledge with seven questions on method reversibility, ability to use covertly, contraindications, and side effects. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the correlates of summary knowledge scores and report beta coefficients, which represent differences in mean summary knowledge scores. The mean knowledge score was low (2.7; range = 0-7). Only 30.2% of the participants correctly identified intrauterine devices as more effective than oral contraception, male condoms, and withdrawal. Women who reported that their provider discussed contraception scored higher (adjusted ß = 0.37, p = 0.05) than those not reporting this. Women who perceived implants as very/mostly safe scored higher (adjusted ß = 0.45, p = 0.01) than those perceiving the device as mostly/very unsafe. Finally, compared to contraception non-users, women using less-effective contraception had a lower score (adjusted ß = -0.40, p = 0.04) while those using effective contraception did not differ in scores (ß = -0.30, p = 0.18). Overall, we found poor contraceptive knowledge among young women in Kingston. Providers appeared to hold an important role in women's understanding of contraception.

The HIV epidemic in Jamaica: a need to strengthen the National HIV Program.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the status of the HIV epidemic and programmatic implementation in Jamaica while identifying strategies for achieving effective HIV control. METHODS: The assessment included a review of the core indicators of the UNAIDS Global Monitoring Framework, a desk review of program reports, and unstructured interviews of stakeholders. RESULTS: HIV prevalence among adults in Jamaica was 1.5% in 2018 with an estimated 32 617 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and 27 324 persons (83.8%) diagnosed with HIV; 12 711 (39.0% of all PLHIV or 46.5% aware of their status) were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in the public health sector and 61.8% PLHIV on ART were virally suppressed. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men remains high (31.4% in 2011, 29.6% in 2017) but has declined among female sex workers (12% in 1990, 2% in 2017). HIV prevalence among public sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees, prison inmates and the homeless has increased in recent years. During 2018 approximately 200 000 persons (14% of the population 15-49 years) were tested with 1 165 newly diagnosed PLHIV, indicating that many of the estimated 1 600 newly infected persons in 2018 were unaware of their status. CONCLUSIONS: Critical policy initiatives are needed to reduce barriers to HIV services, ensure young persons have access to condoms and contraceptives, affirm the rights of the marginalized, reduce stigma and discrimination, and introduce pre-exposure prophylaxis. While HIV spread in Jamaica has slowed, the UNAIDS Fast Track goals are lagging. The HIV program must be strengthened to effectively control the epidemic.

Use of a public park for physical activity in the Caribbean: evidence from a mixed methods study in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: Small island Caribbean countries such as Jamaica are now facing an epidemic of obesity and decreased physical activity (PA) levels. Public parks have been shown to be important resources for PA that also provide psychological and social benefits associated with increased PA. There are no studies that document PA in parks in the Caribbean. METHODS: This study utilized a mixed method approach by using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to obtain baseline data on park usage patterns in Emancipation Park, a large urban public park in Jamaica. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted to gain additional insights on the park's use for PA. RESULTS: The park was used mostly by females, in the evenings and by persons 18-64 years old. Females had significantly lower mean energy expenditure (EE) than males (0.078 versus 0.080 kcal/kg/min, p < 0.05). In-depth interviews revealed that safety, a central location within a business district, aesthetic appeal, a walking track and individual health benefits were key reasons for persons engaging in PA at the park. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the usage of a public park for PA in Jamaica. The study elicited aspects of park use for PA in a major urban park in Jamaica from different vantage points by using direct systematic observation augmented with a qualitative approach. It revealed important differential park use for PA by sex, age group and EE levels, and provided insights into factors that motivate and hinder park usage for PA. This can be used by policymakers in Jamaica to inform PA interventions to reduce obesity, provide baseline data for comparisons with other parks in developing countries and to advocate for well-designed public parks.

Archival data review of intimate partner homicide-suicide in Jamaica, 2007 - 2017: focus on mental health and community response.

OBJECTIVE: To identify social and behavioral patterns and mental health concerns associated with intimate partner homicide-suicide (IPHS) in Jamaica through an analysis of media and police reports. METHODS: This was an archival data review of police records and print, radio, and television reports of IPHS incidents from January 2007 - June 2017 in Jamaica. The 27 cases found were qualitatively analyzed using pre-identified codes and open coding to generate themes and patterns. RESULTS: A prevalence rate of 0.1 per 100 000 was determined. In all cases, males were the homicide-offender. Sociodemographic patterns associated with IPHS incidents-age, personality traits, choice of weapon, and time of occurrence-were consistent with previous findings. Common triggers were offender obsession, sexual jealousy, and fear of separation. Despite reports of mental health concerns in both male and female partners, neither the couples nor community members sought help prior to the homicide-suicide. CONCLUSION: These findings demand a change in cultural attitudes toward domestic disputes and mental health concerns, and a redefining of the community's responsibility in IPHS. The warning signs associated with IPHS should be part of existing violence and suicide prevention programs.

Agency, lapse in condom use and relationship intimacy among female sex workers in Jamaica.

This paper explores barriers to consistent condom use among female sex workers in Jamaica in a qualitative study using grounded theory. Multiple perspectives were sought through 44 in-depth interviews conducted with female sex workers, clients, the partners of sex workers and facilitators of sex work. Poverty and lack of education or skills, severely limited support systems as well as childhood abuse served to push the majority of participants into sex work and created vulnerability to HIV and other STIs. Despite these constraints, women found ways to exercise agency, ensure condom use, adopt protective measures and gain economic advantage in various aspects of the Jamaican sex trade. Perceived relationship intimacy between sex workers and their clients and/or their main partners emerged as the main factor contributing to reduced risk perception and inconsistent condom use. Relationship intimacy, with associated trust and affirmation of self, is the most important factor influencing sexual decision-making with respect to lapse in condom use among female sex workers in Jamaica. Study findings provide important insights that can enhance individual psychosocial, interpersonal and community-based interventions as well as inform environmental, structural and policy interventions to reduce risk and vulnerability among female sex workers.

A Framework for Sexual Decision-Making Among Female Sex Workers in Jamaica.

The Jamaican government has provided targeted HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention, treatment, and other services for female sex workers (FSW) since 1989. HIV prevalence among FSW declined from 20 to 12% between 1989 and 1994, then to 9% in 2005, 5% in 2008, and 4.1% in 2011. This article distills the literature and two decades of experience working with FSW in Jamaica. Drawing on the constant comparative method, we put forward an innovative conceptual framework for explaining sexual decision-making and risk behaviors within both transactional and relational sexual situations. This framework helps fill the gaps in existing models that focus on individual behaviors. The model identifies interactions between environmental and structural elements of sex work, and three individual-level factors: risk perception, perceived relationship intimacy, and perceived control, as the four primary mediating factors influencing sexual decision-making among FSW. We propose that other factors such as violence, socioeconomic vulnerability, and policy/legal frameworks influence sexual decision-making through these primary mediating factors. This conceptual model may offer a useful framework for planning and evaluating prevention interventions among sex workers. However, it remains to be tested in order to establish its value.

Cervical Cancer Stigma Among Caribbean Population: A Descriptive Paper.

Objectives: Cervical cancer prevention practices are desperately low in the Caribbean. This study aims to describe the cervical cancer stigma and to evaluate the influence of the prevention practices among the Caribbean non-patient population in Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1,207 participants was conducted using a culturally trans-created Cancer Stigma Scale for the Caribbean context and supplemented with questions on cervical cancer and HPV/HPV vaccine knowledge and beliefs. Data collection took place online from October 2022 to March 2023. Results: Participants are young, single, well-educated, and have stable financial resources. Over a quarter (26.4%) agreed women with cervical cancer are more isolated in their country. Almost half (47%) of respondents agreed cultural background plays a big part in how they feel about illness and getting well. One in six participants believe women with cervical cancer are treated with less respect than usual by others in their country. Conclusion: Cancer stigma of cervical cancer exists in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. Particularly, cultural background and social norms are closely linked to stigma.

Exploring discordance between biologic and self-reported measures of semen exposure: a qualitative study among female patients attending an STI clinic in Jamaica.

We explored the use of qualitative interviews to discuss discrepancies between two sources of information on unprotected sex: biomarker results and self-reported survey data. The study context was a randomized trial in Kingston, Jamaica examining the effect of STI counseling messages on recent sexual behavior using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as the primary study outcome. Twenty women were interviewed. Eleven participants were selected because they tested positive for PSA indicating recent semen exposure, yet reported no unprotected sex in a quantitative survey ("discordant"): 5 reported abstinence and 6 reported condom use. Nine participants who also tested positive for PSA but reported unprotected sex in the survey were interviewed for comparison ("concordant"). Qualitative interviews with 6 of the 11 discordant participants provided possible explanations for their PSA test results, and 5 of those were prompted by direct discussion of those results. Rapid PSA testing combined with qualitative interviews provides a novel tool for investigating and complementing self-reported sexual behavior.

A Call for Low- and Middle-Income Countries to Commit to the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.

The World Health Organization has called for the global elimination of cervical cancer. While high income countries have made significant progress, the incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer is unacceptably high in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Jamaica is an upper middle income country with cervical cancer incidence and mortality of 21.6/100,000 and 13.6/100,000 person years respectively compared to 14.9/100,000 and 7.6/100,000 person years in Latin America and the Caribbean. Jamaica's pathway to reducing the burden of cervical cancer highlights challenges and opportunities for other LMIC. High prevalence of HPV infection (54% women attending primary care clinics), low levels of cervical cancer screening (<50% women 15 to 54 years old screened in the last 3 years) and suboptimal uptake of HPV vaccination (approximately 30%) are persistent barriers to achieving this goal. Lessons learned from the response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic confirm the need for serious political commitment by global and national leaders, meaningful engagement of stakeholders and innovative strategies to improve uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Commitment of technical and financial resources are critical for establishing robust cancer registries and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems in LMIC.

Debunking myths about contraceptive safety among women in Kingston, Jamaica: Pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To create a short motion graphic video to debias women, using evidence from cognitive psychology, of 2 common myths about safety of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants in Jamaica; and (2) to conduct a pilot study to evaluate video effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a series of 3 focus group discussions among target users to inform the development process of the script, story, character, and look of the intervention video. We randomized young, female nonusers of long-acting contraception at risk of pregnancy at a public clinic in Kingston in 2018-2019 to watch either the intervention (n = 113) or control video (n = 112). We used logistical regression to evaluate perceptions of method safety, naturalness, and uptake after 3 months of follow up. RESULTS: Almost all (n = 220; 97.8%) participants completed the 3-month interview. More women in the intervention arm perceived IUDs to be safe (59.1%) compared to the control arm (43.6%; p = 0.02). Perceived implant safety increased from enrollment to follow up in the intervention and control arms (10.9 and 2.7 percentage-point increases, respectively); however, the difference between arms at follow up was not statistically significant (p = 0.57). This appeared to be due to arm imbalances at enrollment. Study arms did not differ at follow up in perceived IUD naturalness (p = 0.36) or implant naturalness (p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from a pilot study of a video intervention suggest that using debiasing strategies from cognitive psychology has the potential to address misconceptions about contraceptive safety. A larger trial with adequate power is warranted. IMPLICATIONS: Evidence from a pilot randomized controlled trial suggested that use of debiasing strategies from cognitive psychology could be effective in correcting women's misconceptions about contraception safety and thus show promise for the design of future contraceptive promotion videos to increase uptake.

Coping With COVID-19: Health Risk Communication and Vulnerable Groups.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk communication materials distributed in Jamaica to mitigate the effects of the disease outbreak. It also sought to explore the effects of health risk communication on vulnerable groups in the context of the pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted, including a content analysis of health risk communications and in-depth interviews with 35 purposively selected elderly, physically disabled, persons with mental health disorders, representatives of government agencies, advocacy and service groups, and caregivers of the vulnerable. Axial coding was applied to data from the interviews, and all data were analyzed using the constant comparison technique. RESULTS: Twelve of the 141 COVID-19 risk communication messages directly targeted the vulnerable. All participants were aware of the relevant risk communication and largely complied. Barriers to messaging awareness and compliance included inappropriate message medium for the deaf and blind, rural location, lack of Internet service or digital devices, limited technology skills, and limited connection to agencies that serve the vulnerable. CONCLUSION: The vulnerable are at increased risk in times of crisis. Accessibility of targeted information was inadequate for universal access to health information and support for vulnerable persons regardless of location and vulnerability.

A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona / Análisis transversal de las necesidades de los investigadores de las enfermedades no transmisibles en la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales en Mona / Uma análise transversal das carências dos pesquisadores envolvidos em pesquisa de doenças não transmissíveis na Universidade das Índias Ocidentais, Mona

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. Methods. Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Results. Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. Conclusions. There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir las necesidades del personal académico que investiga las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) en el Campus de Mona de la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales, en Jamaica. Métodos. Mediante un diseño transversal, se elaboró una encuesta en línea con RedCap, una aplicación para la captura de datos electrónicos para la investigación, y se divulgó por correo electrónico a los 708 miembros del personal académico de las Facultades de Ciencias Médicas y Ciencia y Tecnología entre septiembre y noviembre del 2018. Se pidió a los participantes que indicaran su nivel de acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo para llevar a cabo investigaciones. El análisis descriptivo se realizó con STATA, versión 14. Resultados. La mayoría de los entrevistados fueron mujeres (74,2%), predominantemente científicas (33,1%) o médicas especialistas (22,6%). Menos de dos terceras partes de los entrevistados informó que publicaban los resultados de sus investigaciones en revistas arbitradas y una cuarta parte declaró que no divulgaba los resultados de sus investigaciones en ningún medio. Por lo general, tenían a su disposición recursos para la investigación de campo o la recopilación de datos, métodos y principios epidemiológicos, así como para la gestión y el análisis de datos. Sin embargo, tenían poco acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo en las técnicas emergentes para la investigación sobre ENT como la metabolómica, la bioinformática o el análisis de conjuntos de datos a gran escala y economía de la salud. Otros retos incluyeron poco acceso al financiamiento para la investigación, espacios de trabajo inadecuados y un apoyo administrativo deficiente para investigar. Conclusiones. Se necesita más capital inicial destinado a la investigación local, un mayor respaldo administrativo a los investigadores y oportunidades de capacitación en las técnicas más recientes de investigación de ENT. Los investigadores jamaiquinos podrían sacar provecho de formar parte de un centro regional de excelencia para la investigación con el equipo y las capacidades de investigación fundamentales para contribuir a la formación de redes de investigación y fortalecer la respuesta investigadora a las ENT.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever as carências enfrentadas pelo grupo acadêmico que realiza pesquisa em doenças não transmissíveis (DNT) na Universidade das Índias Ocidentais, campus de Mona, Jamaica. Métodos. Uma pesquisa transversal online foi desenvolvida com o uso da plataforma de captura eletrônica de dados de pesquisa (RedCap) e distribuída por e-mail a 708 integrantes dos grupos acadêmicos nas Faculdades de Ciências Médicas e de Ciência e Tecnologia entre setembro e novembro de 2018. Foi pedido aos participantes que informassem o grau de acesso a conhecimento especializado, capacitação e equipamentos para a realização de pesquisa. Uma análise descritiva foi realizada com o uso do software STATA versão 14. Resultados. Participaram, na sua maioria, mulheres (74,2%), com o predomínio de pesquisadores científicos (33,1%) ou médicos especialistas (22,6%). Menos de 2/3 informaram publicar os resultados de suas pesquisas em periódicos científicos com avaliação por pares e 25% disseram que não divulgavam seus resultados em nenhum veículo. Afirmaram que, em geral, havia recursos para realizar pesquisa de campo/coleta de dados, métodos e procedimentos básicos epidemiológicos e gerenciamento/análise de dados. Porém, era limitado o acesso a capacitação, conhecimentos especializados e equipamentos para empregar métodos emergentes de pesquisa de DNT como metabolômica, bioinformática/processamento em larga escala de grandes conjuntos de dados e economia da saúde. Outras dificuldades citadas foram limitação de financiamento para pesquisa, inadequação dos locais de trabalho e apoio administrativo deficiente à realização de pesquisas. Conclusões. Faz-se necessário mais financiamento para projetos iniciantes locais, firme apoio administrativo aos pesquisadores e oportunidades para capacitação em métodos de ponta de pesquisa de DNT. A situação dos pesquisadores jamaicanos poderia melhorar se fizessem parte de um centro de excelência regional com recursos e equipamentos essenciais para a realização de pesquisa que lhes permitisse formar redes de pesquisadores e fortalecer a resposta da pesquisa de DNT.

Reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia through advanced oral-dental care: a 48-month study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of implementing a comprehensive oral and dental care system and protocol on the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia. METHODS: Patients more than 18 years old receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours in a medical intensive care unit at a university-affiliated medical center were studied in 2 consecutive 24-month periods. Patients in the group studied before the intervention (n = 779) had no oral assessments, no suctioning of the subglottic space, no toothbrushing, and suctioning of secretions in the oral cavity as needed. The group studied during the intervention (n = 759) included patients treated under a protocol whereby the oral cavity was assessed, deep suctioning was done every 6 hours, oral tissue cleansing was done every 4 hours or as needed, and toothbrushing was done twice daily. RESULTS: Compliance with protocol components exceeded 80%. The groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, or severity of illness. The rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 12.0 per 1000 ventilator days before the intervention and decreased to 8.0 per 1000 ventilator days during the intervention (P = .06). Duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit differed significantly between groups, as did mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that use of advanced tools, a comprehensive oral care protocol, and staff compliance with the protocol can significantly reduce rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia and associated costs.