BackgroundThe aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for intergenerational (IG)-sex in females aged 15–19 residing in Barbados.MethodsThis cross sectional cluster survey was conducted in a 2.6% national sample in the age range (n = 261) recruited from multiple polling districts chosen with a probability proportional to size. Consent was obtained from participants aged ≥18 years or from parents/guardians of participants <18 years, with participant assent. The prevalence of age at first sex was analyzed using a life table approach and risk factors for IG sex (defined as sexual relations with a male 10 or more years older) were analyzed by logistic regression, adjusting for age.Results51.0% of adolescent females in the survey reported ever having had sex, among whom prevalence of IG-sex was 13.2% (95% CI: 6.7-19.8) at first sex, 29.0% (22.3-35.7) within the preceding twelve months, and 34.8% (24.3-45.4) ever. Condom use at first sex was positively related to willingness to have sex (F statistic = 9.8, p = 0.001). The strongest determinant for IG-sex was age of sexual debut (age adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 0.58[0.41-0.83]), followed by money or gifts received from the partner (2.91[1.17-7.23] and self-esteem (0.33[0.11-0.95]).ConclusionsThe survey establishes a high rate of IG-sex in Barbados, a ‘high income’ country. Most insightful is that risk of IG-sex nearly halved for every year at which first sex was delayed. A high proportion of coerced sex was reported at first sexual experience and this was linked to poor condom use. Affirmative prevention approaches are recommended to boost self-acclamation of adolescent women within less coercive relationships, especially during their first sexual encounter.

A 79-year-old woman, a smoker, presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressive dyspnoea and peripheral oedema, preceded by flu-like symptoms that had failed to improve despite antibiotics. Examination identified severe hypertension and signs consistent with severe fluid overload. Baseline chest X ray showed a right-sided abnormality. In the context of an extensive smoking history CT thorax was indicated which demonstrated a right-sided hilar mass and lymphadenopathy. Blood tests showed an unexplained metabolic alkalosis with partial respiratory compensation and hypokalaemia prompting endocrinological tests investigating Cushing's syndrome. Urinary cortisol was measured at 3174 nmol/L/24 h (normal<560), serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of 215 ng/L (normal<46). Pleural fluid cytology confirmed a diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The patient's condition deteriorated despite intravenous diuretics and nitrates, metyrapone and non-invasive ventilation. Treatment was withdrawn 1 week after admission. The clinical course in the presence of biochemical derangement and SCLC is highly suggestive of paraneoplastic ectopic ACTH secretion.