AIDS in the Caribbean: epidemiological and statistical aspects

The data on AIDS cases submitted by CAREC member countries provides an epidemiological portrait of the latest AIDS situation in the countries of the region. While identifying a variety of risk behaviors, the analysis of data brings out the similarities and differences in age, sex and the modes of transmission of the AIDS virus in these countries. Since the design of successful programmes for preventing transmission depends on accurate information about risk factors, this comparative study should enable formulation of more appropriate strategies for different countries of the region and thus help in minimising their risk behaviors (AU)

AIDS in the Caribbean: a further update

The present article gives an update on cumulative cases and deaths due to AIDS up to June 30, 1990, based on information either received from the member countries in their national reports or collected through telephonic enquires from countries which had not submitted latest reports to CAREC. It is expected that an update analysing various aspects of the AIDS epidemiological situation for preceding quarters will be brought out in future issues of this bulletin (AU)

A study of catchment area and utilization patterns of St. Ann's Bay Hospital in Jamaica

A study of the areas from where a main hospital in Jamaica attracts majority of its admissions was undertaken through three different approaches. Since population figures for small areas/communities included in the catchment/referral zones are not available in a published form, assistance of Statistical Institute of Jamaica which carried out the latest census in 1982 and has a record of the population by small units viz enumeration districts - was obatined for estimating the population of the catchment and referral zones of the hospital. A further examination of the hospital records on a sample basis provides interesting results relating to partterns of the use of the hospital services by teenager girls for obstetric care