MG Lee

In Jamaica and The Bahamas, there were 1079 medical graduates between 2012 and 2016; 69% of them were female. All graduates obtained internship posts, mainly in public hospitals. Of the 2259 applicants, 664 were accepted to postgraduate programmes. Seventy per cent of all graduates were working in the English-speaking Caribbean.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the availability of employment and retention for the increased number of medical graduates in Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Methods: The availability of internships and junior medical posts for graduates of The University of the West Indies in Jamaica and The Bahamas over the five-year period of 2012 to 2016 was reviewed.

Received:

07 Feb, 2018

Accepted:

11 Apr, 2018

Published:

08 Oct, 2019

PDF Attachment:

wimj-iss1-2019_47_52.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 26 Feb, 2019

Read more about Tracking Medical Graduates in Jamaica and The Bahamas

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in a Jamaican Population

Issue:

Vol 70, Issue 1: 2023

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2016.167

Pages:

32-5

Synopsis:

This study showed that the prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptoms in Jamaican subjects within the previous year was 71.1%. Weekly symptoms were present in 18.6% with moderate or greater severity in 11.7%. The most common and bothersome symptom was heartburn. Nocturnal symptoms occurred in 17.8%. In persons with GERD symptoms, 24.2% (P= 0.000) saw a doctor and 38.6% took medication (p<0.0001).

ABSTRACT

Objective: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common conditions seen in general medical practice, which is associated with an impaired quality of life. This study determined the prevalence of GERD symptoms in a Jamaican population

Received:

14 Apr, 2016

Accepted:

11 Jul, 2016

Published:

29 Nov, 2023

PDF Attachment:

wimj-iss1-2023_32_35.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 19 Jul, 2016

Read more about Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in a Jamaican Population

Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed: Review of Clinical Course and Outcome in Hospitalized Patients

Issue:

Vol 66, Issue 6: 2017

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2016.188

Pages:

679–83

Synopsis:

Acute lower GI bleed (ALGIB) in 189 hospitalized patients were reviewed. The mean age was 67 years with 55% female and 80 % of patients had comorbid illnesses. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) use was present in 24% and 16%, respectively. The leading causes of ALGIB were diverticular disease 56%, colorectal cancer and haemorrhoidal disease 11% each and colonic polyps 8.5%. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 3.7%; 19% of patients required emergency surgery and blood transfusion was given in 43%. The average hospitalization stay was seven days. Overall mortality was 2.6%.

ABSTRACT

Received:

25 Apr, 2016

Accepted:

11 Jul, 2016

Published:

20 Dec, 2018

PDF Attachment:

wimj-iss6-2017_679_683.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 19 Jul, 2016

Read more about Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed: Review of Clinical Course and Outcome in Hospitalized Patients

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Jamaican Patient Population

Issue:

Vol 65, Issue 3: 2016

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2015.349

Pages:

557-60

Synopsis:

Prevalence of NAFLD on abdominal ultrasound was 2.4%. Increased BMI was present in 85.5%. Risk factors identified were age, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Hepatomegaly was present in 10.7% of patients, elevated serum AST in 21.2% of patients tested and elevated ALT in 3.7%.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease over a 6 year period in a patient population.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with fatty liver disease by ultrasound and/or liver biopsy between June 2006 to June 2012 at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica were reviewed.

Received:

25 Jun, 2015

Accepted:

21 Aug, 2015

PDF Attachment:

wimj_iss3_2016_557_560.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 28 Dec, 2015

Read more about Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Jamaican Patient Population

Exercise Behaviour in Patients with Chronic Diseases

Issue:

Vol 66, Issue 2: 2017

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2015.232

Pages:

340–5

Synopsis:

Exercise behaviour changes in patients with chronic illnesses and exercise self-efficacy were studied. Fifty-one per cent were in the contemplation stage and 29% in maintenance. Sixty-one per cent of the patients were non-adopters and 39% were adopters. Self-efficacy scores in stages four and five were significantly higher than in stage two. In patients with one chronic condition 55% were non-adopters compared to 71% with more than one condition.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study was aimed at identifying the stages of exercise behaviour changes experienced by patients with chronic illnesses and the relationship with their exercise self-efficacy.

Method: The patients attending the Medical clinics at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica, with chronic illnesses were studied. The data were collected using three questionnaires.

Received:

06 May, 2015

Accepted:

18 May, 2015

Published:

22 Sep, 2017

PDF Attachment:

wimj-iss2-2017_340_345.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 11 Nov, 2015

Read more about Exercise Behaviour in Patients with Chronic Diseases

A Review of Clostridium difficile Infection at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica

Issue:

Vol 64, Issue 4: September (2015)

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2014.180

Pages:

413–8

Synopsis:

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) per total stool samples and per total admissions increased at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica. Although most cases were nosocomial, there was a greater than expected frequency of community acquired CDI. Ceftazidime was the most common antibiotic associated with CDI.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study examined the frequency of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among hospital admission and diarrhoeal stool samples over a six-year period.

Received:

24 Jul, 2014

Accepted:

11 Aug, 2014

PDF Attachment:

wimjsep2015_413_418.pdf

Journal Sections:

Review

Keywords:

diarrhoea

C difficile infection

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 04 May, 2015

Read more about A Review of Clostridium difficile Infection at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica

A Review of Pharmacovigilance

Issue:

Vol 63, Issue 7: Dec (2014)

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2013.251

Pages:

771–4

Synopsis:

Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an essential component of pharmacovigilance, but the safe and appropriate use of drugs is limited by under-reporting of ADRs. Knowledge of pharmacovigilance could form the basis for interventions aimed at improving reporting rates.

ABSTRACT

Pharmacovigilance supports safe and appropriate use of drugs. Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an essential component of pharmacovigilance. However, there is significant underreporting of ADRs. Adverse drug reactions have become a major problem in developing countries. Knowledge of pharmacovigilance could form the basis for interventions aimed at improving reporting rates and decreasing ADRs.

Received:

17 Sep, 2013

Accepted:

27 Sep, 2013

PDF Attachment:

wimjdec2014_771_774.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 05 Mar, 2015

Read more about A Review of Pharmacovigilance

Clinical Factors Associated With Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Admitted with Sickle Cell Disease

Issue:

Vol 63, Issue 7: Dec (2014)

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2014.012

Pages:

711–6

Synopsis:

Sickle cell disease still carries a high morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to hospital. Recurrent admissions are a concern, as this impact on patient’s morbidity and quality of life.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the clinical factors associated with the length of hospitalization and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Received:

03 Feb, 2014

Accepted:

28 Feb, 2014

PDF Attachment:

wimjdec2014_711_716.pdf

Journal Sections:

Keywords:

Journal Authors:

e-Published: 05 Mar, 2015

Read more about Clinical Factors Associated With Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Admitted with Sickle Cell Disease

The Use of Analgesic Drugs in Patients with Sickle Cell Painful Crisis

Issue:

Vol 63, Issue 5: Sep (2014)

DOI:

10.7727/wimj.2012.272

Pages:

479–83

Synopsis:

Painful crisis in patients with sickle cell anaemia is associated with severe pain in 75% and most will require second line therapy for adequate resolution. Physicians need to provide adequate pain relief to decrease morbidity in these patients.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the drug options used for pain in patients with acute sickle cell painful crisis at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica.

Method: This retrospective study assessed all patients admitted to the UHWI between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 with acute sickle cell anaemia painful crisis and the data obtained regarding site, severity, outcome and drug options selected for pain.

Received:

08 Oct, 2012

Revised:

24 Feb, 2013

Accepted:

12 Mar, 2013

PDF Attachment:

boyd_et_al-analgesic_drugs_and_sickle_cell_anaemia.pdf

Journal Sections:

Original Articles

Keywords:

Sickle Cell Disease