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Geographical Locations - Guyana
 The WWW Virtual Library: Public Health
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- (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor: 2,552
- CIA - World Factbook : Guyana
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- Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from Three Caribbean Countries: Trinidad, Guyana, and St. Vincent
Background: The percentage of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates resistant to antimicrobial agents commonly used for treatment is unknown in many Caribbean countries. Goal: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of N gonorrhoeae isolates from Trinidad (144 isolates), Guyana (70 isolates), and St. Vincent (68 isolates) so baseline data can be established for further studies, and to assist in establishing effective treatment guidelines. Study Design: Consecutive urethral and endocervical specimens from several clinics were collected and identified as N gonorrhoeae. Isolates of N gonorrhoeae were tested for their susceptibility to penicillin, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, and azithromycin. The presumptive identification of penicillinase-producing N gonorrhoeae and/or tetracycline-resistant N gonorrhoeae isolates based on MIC was confirmed by plasmid and tetM content analysis. Results: High percentages of penicillin and/or tetracycline resistance were observed in N gonorrhoeae isolates from Guyana (92.9%), St. Vincent (44.1%), and Trinidad (42.4%). Isolates from all three countries were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and spectinomycin. One penicillinase-producing N gonorrhoeae/tetracycline-resistant N gonorrhoeae from Guyana had an MIC of 0.5 μg/l to ciprofloxacin. This and nine other isolates from Guyana also were resistant to azithromycin (defined as MIC > 2.0 μg/ml) as well as penicillin and tetracycline. A reduced susceptibility to azithromycin was displayed by 16% of the isolates from St. Vincent and 72% of the isolates from Guyana (MIC, 0.25–1.0 μg/ml). Most penicillinase-producing N gonorrhoeae isolates carried Africa-type plasmids (61/90), with 28 of 90 having Toronto-type plasmids and a single isolate carrying an Asia-type plasmid. The tetM determinant in tetracycline-resistant N gonorrhoeae isolates was predominantly of the Dutch type (68/91). Conclusions: The high prevalence of N gonorrhoeae isolates from 3 of 21 English- and Dutch-speaking Caricom countries in the Caribbean with either plasmid-mediated or chromosomal resistance to penicillin and tetracycline supports international observations that these drugs should not be used to treat gonococcal infections. The detection of isolates with reduced susceptibility to drugs such as azithromycin, which currently are recommended for treatment in the region, attest to the importance of the continued monitoring of gonococcal antimicrobial susceptibility for the maintenance of effective treatment guidelines. [author abstract] [Sexually Transmitted Diseases, September 2001, Vol. 28, No. 9, pp.508-514]
- Health in the Americas 2007: Guyana
As a health agency, the Pan American Health Organization’s core discipline is epidemiology, which enables the measurement, definition, and comparison of health problems and conditions and their distribution from the perspectives of population, geography, and time. This publication on Guyana addresses the issue of health as a human right, taking into account both the individual and community contexts, and examines various critical determinants of health, including those of a biological, social, cultural, economic, and political nature. That examination reveals the existence of gaps, disparities, and inequities that persist in Guyana, especially those related to access to basic services, health, nutrition, housing, and adequate living conditions as well as to the lack of opportunities for human development—all of which contribute to the greater vulnerability to diseases and health risks of some population groups. [Adapted from the preface of Health in the Americas 2007]
- Hypertension in Guyana: Lessons from a Health Promotion Program
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, 15 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, with over 63% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. Studies have shown that reducing existing risk factors can significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of a health promotion effort to reduce cardiovascular risk factors amongst hypertensive patients in Guyana. Observational data on this subset of the Guyana population was also obtained. Data was collected from 224 patients attending monthly hypertensive clinics in three communities in Georgetown, Guyana. Findings indicated that a significant proportion of patients were females (87.1%) between 40 to 65 years of age. Male patients were more likely than female patients to consume alcohol, exceeding 14 drinks a week, and smoke cigarettes. Health promotion activities are imperative to reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. Our data suggest that long term, sustained efforts, such as frequent weekly seminars and workshops, heart-healthy cooking classes and exercise/stretching classes, are essential to the success of these programs. There is also a need to create programs that address the male population more effectively. [author abstract] [University of Toronto Medical Journal, vol. 81, no. 1, December 2003, pp.8-11]
- Implementation of Tuberculosis Laboratory Services in Guyana: An integral part of the Public Health Strengthening Project in Guyana
Background: Guyana has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) infection rates in the Americas. TB reemerged in Guyana in the early 1990s, possibly linked to the emergence of HIV/AIDS. The PHSG project, implemented by the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) in partnership with the Guyana Ministry of Health, has as one of its key mandates, to improve Guyana’s National Tuberculosis Program through strengthening TB laboratory capacity. Method: A TB laboratory infrastructure was developed. Laboratories were supplied with equipment and reagents; personnel were trained through workshops with continuing support provided by regular visits from CSIH consultants. TB laboratory services were implemented at three hospitals in Guyana. The TB laboratory at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) provides concentrated AFB smears, LJ cultures and preliminary identification of MTB from cultures. Additionally, cultures are sent to CAREC in Trinidad for further identification and susceptibility testing. TB laboratories have also been implemented at hospitals in three other locations, where concentrated smears for AFB are performed. Result: Between January and September 2006, 647 of 4391 (14.7%) specimens submitted for TB testing at GPHC were AFB smear-positive. Mycobacterium cultures from 140 specimens were submitted to CAREC for further testing. One hundred and twenty three of these (87.9%) were identified as M. tuberculosis. Conclusion: The PHSG project has succeeded in introducing TB laboratory services in Guyana. The program will be expanded and sustained by the National TB Program. [author abstract] [Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and CSIH, Georgetown, Guyana]
- Improving food provision in a Guyanese home for the elderly: a participatory approach
Objectives: To conduct a needs assessment of all aspects of food provision in a residential home and to evaluate a subsequent nutrition intervention. Design: An intervention study using a before and after design. A participatory approach was adopted and quantitative and qualitative methods used throughout. The intervention involved a revised menu, kitchen equipment, and establishing wholesale shopping and food donations. Setting: A residential home for senior citizens in Guyana. Results: Meals at the home were nutritionally inadequate and deeply unpopular with the residents. Intakes of fruits and vegetables were low and the home was heavily reliant on donated soya mince and rice. Meals were served within an eight-hour period to accommodate the staff’s hours of work. Cutbacks in the food budget indicated that the financial state of the home explained some of the problems. The intervention was unable to address all problems identified, but led to substantial improvements in the nutritional adequacy of the food provided following the inclusion in the menu of a number of nutrient-dense foods such as chicken liver. The new menu was acceptable to the cooks and largely popular with the residents, although some problems persisted. Conclusions: The results show that improvements in the nutrient profile of the diet could be achieved with a flexible, community-based, participatory approach that addressed all elements of a home’s food provision system. The changes also proved largely popular with the residents, thus potentially contributing to their quality of life. [author abstract] [Public Health Nutrition, 10 (6), pp. 552-558, June 2007]
- Microbiological and physiochemical analysis of drinking water in Georgetown, Guyana
To determine microbial and physio-chemical analysis of water samples and biofilm samples taken from residential and GWI sites of Georgetown, Guyana. Physio- chemical analysis includes analysis of pH, total chlorine, and turbidity, COD, BOD and total Iron. Microbial analysis includes the presence of different microbes in biofilm as well as water samples within sites. Overall the most prevalent species in biofilm and water samples within the study was Lactobacillus sp. while the least prevalent species was Salmonella sp. [author abstract] [Nature and Science, 2010; 8(8): 261-265]
- Poverty & HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean – Final Report
"Independent of each other, poverty and HIV/AIDS have the capacity to reverse development processes in the Caribbean. The combined negative impacts of these two phenomena can present an even greater challenge for the region. The Caribbean is generally characterized by low income countries with HIV/AIDS prevalence rates varying from 0 to 3 percent. Poverty has plagued the Caribbean for decades despite national and international efforts and has been a main impediment to development prospects. In the Caribbean, the percentage of people living below the poverty line is within the range 14-39 percent. Poverty is not simply having an income below the poverty line which can be solved with increases in incomes, but it is a multidimensional concept which explains human deprivation from a number of necessities such as shelter, health care, education and a job. This paper seeks to explore the poverty and HIV/AIDS situation in two countries, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago." [CARICOM Secretariat, Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), Guyana, May 2009]
- Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among school-going adolescents in Guyana: results from a cross sectional study
Background: Adolescent suicidal behaviour is a neglected public health issue especially in middle and low-income countries. Informed policy decision-making on suicidal behaviour will need reliable information on the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation which is a determinant of suicidal behaviour. Methods: We estimated the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among school going adolescents using data from the Global School-Based Health Survey conducted in 2004 in Guyana. Results: Of the 1197 respondents, 18.4% (14.9% males and 21.6% females) reported having seriously considered committing suicide in the last12 months. Males were less likely to seriously consider committing suicide than females (OR = 0.45; 95% CI [0.30, 0.67]). Subjects who reported having been bullied were more than twice as likely to contemplate committing suicide as those who had not been bullied (OR = 2.46 [1.71, 3.54]). History of depression was positively associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 2.67; 95% [1.87, 3.81] while having close friends and understanding parents were negatively associated with suicide ideation (OR = 0.51; 95% CI [0.28, 0.94] and OR = 0.51; 95% CI [0.35, 0.76] respectively). Conclusion: Suicidal ideation is a significant public health issue among in-school adolescents in Guyana that requires attention. The design, implementation and evaluation of suicidal behaviour interventions should incorporate our knowledge of these associated factors. [author abstract] [Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health 2007, 3: 13]
- Report on the development of the virtual health library in Guyana
"This presentation outlines the development process of the Virtual Health Library Initiative in Guyana. Sections of this presentation were extracted from a VHL project proposal prepared by BIREME/PAHO/WHO in March 2006. The general objective of the VHL project is 'To contribute to the development of national health education, research and healthcare systems through the promotion of equitable access to scientific, technical and factual health information'." [26 August 2008]
- The development of postgraduate surgical training in Guyana
Background: Like many developing countries, Guyana has a severe shortage of surgeons. Rather than rely on overseas training, Guyana developed its own Diploma in Surgery and asked for assistance from the Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS). This paper reviews the initial results of Guyana’s first postgraduate training program. Methods: We assisted with program prerequisites, including needs assessment, proposed curriculum, University of Guyana and Ministry of Health approval, external partnership and funding. We determined the outputs and outcomes of the program after 2 years, and we evaluated the impact of the program through a quantitative/ qualitative questionnaire administered to all program participants. Results: Five residents successfully completed the 2-year program and are working in regional hospitals. Another 9 residents are in the training program. Twenty-four modules or short courses have been facilitated, alternating Guyanese with visiting Canadian surgical faculty members coordinated through CAGS. A postgraduate structure, including an Institute for Health Sciences Education and Surgical Postgraduate Education Committee, has been developed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). An examination structure similar to Canada’s has been established. Hospital staff morale is greater, surgical care is more standardized and academic opportunities have been enhanced at GPHC. Four regional hospitals have welcomed the new graduates, and surgical services have already improved. Canadian surgeons have a greater understanding of and commitment to surgical development in low-income countries. Conclusion: Guyana has proven that, with visiting faculty assistance, it can mount its own postgraduate training suitable to national needs and will provide a career path to encourage its own doctors to remain and serve their country. [author abstract] [Canadian Journal of Surgery, Vol. 53, No. 1, February 2010, pp.11-16]
- The Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention Project GHARP, 2004–09
"This report summarizes the work of the Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention (GHARP) Project from 2004 to 2009. This publication was funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the US Agency for International Development under contract number 504-C-00-04-00109-00… The Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention (GHARP) Project played a critical role in the country’s response to the HIV epidemic. Its mission was to support Guyana’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs by improving health infrastructure and systems and enhancing the skills of health workers. The five-year collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the United States can be viewed as a success that was due largely to the excellent relationships established between US-based partners and local partners and stakeholders." [Family Health International, 2009]
- The Nutritional Vulnerability of Older Guyanese in Residential Homes
Objective: To assess the nutritional status, functional ability and food intake of older Guyanese in residential care. Methods: Eighty-four residents of one public and two private homes underwent an anthropometric and functional ability assessment including height, weight, armspan, arm and calf circumferences and handgrip strength. Food intake in two private homes was measured over seven days by direct weighing and the use of consumption units. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight was 26.2% and of overweight was 17.8% but the prevalence of underweight was higher in the public home (29.3% underweight and 17.2% overweight in the public home, and 19.2% underweight and 19.2% overweight in the private home). Mean handgrip strength was 26 kg in males and 17.7 kg in females. The nutritional adequacy of the diet provided by one of the homes was poor with the food providing less than 50% of the required amount of zinc and vitamins A, D and C. Neither home met the requirement for energy. Conclusion: A high prevalence of malnutrition exists in a public home for the elderly and, to a lesser degree, in two private homes. In the context of a rapidly ageing population and tight financial constraints, the challenge of providing an adequate diet must be given priority. [author abstract] [West Indian Med J, 2006; 55 (5): 334-339]
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