141st APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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284893
Describing the chief complaints in a mobile, primary care clinic in Haiti: Using data to enlighten the knowledge of the burden of non-communicable diseases


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pilar Martin, MD, MPH, MHSA, School of Allied Health and Life Sciences _ MPH Program, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
Michael A. Melchior, PhD, MPH, International Health Connection, Miami, FL
Brian Kunkle, PhD, MPH, International Health Connection, Miami, FL
Karlyn Guirand-Emile, MPH, CHES, International Health Connection, Miami, FL
Leriche Louis, RN, MPH, International Health Connection, Miami, FL
Rebecca Cole, MDc, Herbert Wertheim Colleg of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Eric Knot, MDc, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
  
     
Background: The incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing across the globe, resulting in significant challenges in treatment and management in developing countries. Some of the most common personal, contributing factors include obesity and diet. Systematically, many people suffering with NCDs are unable to see a physician for diagnosis and subsequent management, and can not afford to maintain a treatment regimen. Highly prevalent NCDs include hypertension and diabetes. The availability of reliable data for Haiti is very limited.

Method: From 2008 to 2012, nine temporary, primary-care clinics were setup in the following four locations in Haiti. Demographic information as well as chief complaints, diagnoses, and treatment are documented in the medical chart for each patient. Data was collected on a total of 949 patients. From this cross-sectional sampling, statistical analyses will be performed to assess statistical differences based on demographic characteristics and NCD prevalence.

Results: Preliminary analyses show that out of 634 adult patients seen from 2008-2012, 77.9% were female and 56.5% were from an urban setting (Carrefour and Port-au-Prince). The most commonly reported NCDs included GERD (18.8%), hypertension (15.5%), anemia (12.1%), diabetes mellitus (6.0%), and arthritis (2.7%).

Conclusion: The increase in incidence and prevalence of NCDs is impacting Haiti, but the burden of this shift is still unknown. Improving the surveillance system will contribute to the design of more effective health strategies, prevention programs, and the identification of underlying causes in NCDs.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention

Learning Objectives:
Describe the main, chief complaints in a primary care setting in Haiti Identify the main health care needs in both urban and rural populations in Haiti Evaluate if there is any difference in NCD prevalence between the urban and rural populations in Haiti

Keyword(s): Health Assessment, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have more then 25 years experience in the different areas of public health: academia, research, community health, global health I was the PI for as asthma surveillance project funded by the CDC from 2001-2006 Currently, Im an assistant professor in Public health
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4322.0: Community based primary health care