Prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in schoolchildren in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, Jamaica.

A cross-sectional study was done, focusing on the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in Jamaica and variables that may account for this rate. No previous study of this nature had been undertaken, and the investigators contend that there is a need to identify children who suffer from this condition but are unaware of it. A sample of 214 students from primary and secondary schools in the Corporate Area were chosen and given questionnaires to complete. Eighty-four of the children reported a history consistent with that of exercise-induced asthma and were further subjected to stress testing for a definitive diagnosis of this condition. A prevalence of 20.8% [C.I. +/- 5.35] was identified which reflected a rate comparable to that recorded in North America. There was a significantly higher prevalence in children of primary school ages, but all other variables considered for significance testing to determine associations between these and the prevalence of EIA proved not significant. A recommendation has been made for opportunity screening by medical practitioners.

Casualty transit time for 100 adult walk-in patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

The Casualty Department of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has evolved in an ad hoc manner over the last decade, and questions regarding its appropriateness and effectiveness as an Emergency Department persist. This study of 100 systematically-selected patients attempts to assess time utilization during transit, as dictated by the present system of patient management. Time to first contact averaged 2 hr 38 min (158 min). The mean total time was 3 hr 46 min (226 min) and mean total waiting time was 3 hr 10 min (190 min), versus a mean total utilized time of 19 min. Actual contact time with casualty officers averaged only 8.3 min. Referrals to specialist services constituted 11% of the sample, and overall mean waiting time for specialists was 2 hr 16 min (136 min) with a mean contact time of 48 min. Given that the mean total time of 3 hr 46 min is not inordinately long in a public health system such as ours, the recommendation is being made for a modified coding and triage system to reduce time to first contact for more urgent cases.

Casulity transit time for 100 adult walk-in patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies

The Casualty Department of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has evolved in an ad hoc manner over the last decade, and questions regarding its appropriateness and effectiveness as an emergency Department persist. This study of 100 systematically-selected patients attempts toassess time utilization during transit, as dictated by the present system of patient mamagement. Time to first contact averaged 2 hr 38 min (158 min). The mean total time was 3 hr 46 min (226 min) and mean total waiting time was 3 hr 10 min (190 min), versus a mean total utilized time of 19 min. Actual contact time withcasualty officers averaged only 8.3 min. Referrals to specialist services constituted 11% of the sample, and overallmean waiting time for specialists was 2 hr16 min (136 min) with a mean contact time of 48 min. Given that the mean total time of 3 hr 46 min is not inordinately long in a public health health system such as ours, the recommendation is being made for a modified coding and triage system to reduce time to first contact for more urgent cases

Morbidity pattern of emergencies at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, January-December, 1986

A one-year retrisoective study of paediatric emergencies seen at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for the period January 16 to December 31, 1986 is presentad. Thirty-four per cent (3,918) of a total of 14,495 patients seen in the Casualty Department for 100 randomly days were assessed as emergencies. The most frequently seen emergencies were gastroenteritis (42.55% of total emergencies)followedby bronchcial asthma (23.0%) ans shortness of breath (16.51%). The rigid classification o emergencies by disease category needs to be reappraised