ABSTRACT
In developing a proposal for the study of the effect of user fees on access to preventive care, a team, comprising researchers and policy-makers, initiated interaction with key policy implementers in the Jamaica's Ministry of Health to ensure that their perspectives were considered at the preliminary stage. There were many pressing events occupying the minds and energies of the implementers, but the team was able to capitalize on existing good relationships to capture attention. In the interviews that followed, agreement was reached on the necessity for the study, its focus and methodology. The process of consultation achieved notable successes and can be regarded as a model for successful research and policy interaction.
Diante da proposta de cobrança aos usuários de atendimentos preventivos (defendida pelos implementadores de políticas-chave do Ministério da Saúde da Jamaica), uma equipe de pesquisadores e formuladores de políticas apresentou um projeto de pesquisa visando a estudar os efeitos dessa cobrança de honorários pagos diretamente, e solicitaram ainda que os achados do estudo fossem considerados nesta fase preliminar. Embora a agenda do Ministério da Saúde fosse permeada de muitas questões prementes, a equipe de pesquisa conseguiu potencializar as relações produtivas preexistentes e garantir espaço na agenda do Ministério da Saúde. As negociações levaram a um consenso sobre a necessidade do estudo, seu enfoque e metodologia. O processo de consulta alcançou sucessos notáveis e pode ser considerado um modelo para a interação bem-sucedida entre pesquisa e política.
Subject(s)
Fees, Medical , Research Personnel , Health Policy , JamaicaABSTRACT
Two cross-sectional surveys were undertaken, from December 1982 to August 1983 and from November 1990 to January 1991, to estimate the prevalence rates of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in all patients presenting with a new sexually transmitted disease (STD) complaint to the STD clinic at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Kingston, Jamaica. Diagnosis of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was based on results of laboratory tests, but diagnosis of other STDs was based on clinical features. Data from these two surveys were compared, and reported national annual incidence data for GUD reviewed. In 1982/83 6.8 percent of 23,050 patients had GUD, men (9.3 percent) more often than women (4.2 percent; p < 0.001). In 1990/91 the prevalence rate was 12.8 percent with increased rates for both men (18.2 percent) and women (6.8 percent; p < 0.001). In patients with GUD, a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes was made, in 1982/83 and 1990/91, respectively, in 16.8 percent and 7.8 percent of the patients; syphilis, in 12.9 percent and 18.8 percent; chancroid, in 12.4 percent and 13.3 percent; viral warts, in 5.7 percent and 6.3 percent; lymphogranuloma venereum, in 4.1 percent and 3.9 percent; and granuloma inguinale, in 3.6 percent and 2.3 percent. In men the rate for syphilis was 19 percent in 1990/91 and 8 percent in 1982/83 (p=0.001); and for genital herpes it was 7 percent in 1990/91 and 17 percent in 1982/83 (p=0.025). These reversals were attributed to intense media coverage of herpes in 1982/83. There was no difference in prevalence rates between the two surveys for these diseases in women, or for lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale and genital warts in men and women. A clinical diagnosis could not be made in 44.4 percent of cases in 1982/83 (particularly in men), and in 47.6 percent of cases in 1990/91. GUDs faciltate transmission and adversely affect the prognosis of HIV. The increase in their prevalence has implications for the evolution of the local HIV epidemic, and hould be addressed effectively by stregthening the STD/HIV control programme.