BackgroundPrevention programs often promote HIV testing as one possible strategy of combating the spread of the disease.ObjectiveTo examine levels of HIV testing practices among a large sample of university students and the relationship among HIV testing, sociodemographic variables, and HIV-related behaviors.MethodsA total of 1252 students were surveyed between June 2001 and February 2002 using a 193-item questionnaire measuring a variety of HIV-related knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral items.ResultsHierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that youths, married persons, persons who had attended an HIV education forum, and those who knew someone with HIV/AIDS were more likely to report a previous HIV test. However, HIV testing was not associated with condom use or number of sex partners.ConclusionThe lack of significant findings between testing and risky sexual behaviors should not negate the importance of HIV testing. Being informed regarding personal HIV serostatus is one of the first steps in self-protection. Effective messages and programs need to be developed and implemented in Jamaica to promote HIV testing and help persons to adequately assess their level of risk with respect to contracting HIV.

Prevention programmes targeting SWs must emphasize the risk associated with both paying and nonpaying sexual partners while providing knowledge about HIV prevention. Increased access to prevention programmes is likely to reduce HIV prevalence among this population.

As the number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to increase among youth, aged 15-24 years, it becomes critically important to identify the factors that are contributing to this increase. Trends in perceived risk and risk behaviours were examined among youth by sex and age in an attempt to address this concern. National-level cross-sectional data across three time periods (1996, 2000, 2004) gathered from youths, aged 15-24 years in Jamaica for six outcomes were examined (perceived risk, ever had sex, initiation of sex before age 14, multiple sexual partnerships, condom use at last sex with regular and non-regular partners). Trend analyses were employed for each outcome for the total sample and separately by sex and age. A significant positive increase in condom use emerged; males reported higher levels of condom use at last sex with most recent regular partner (55.7% in 1996, 67.9% in 2004, ρ <0.01). Condom use by females with regular and non-regular partners did not increase. There was no significant change in the percent of youths reporting multiple partnerships, the percent initiating sex or age at first sex. Youths did perceive themselves to be at greater risk for HIV in 2004 than in 1996 (40.0% vs. 17.6%, ρ <0.001). These analyses revealed inadequate protective behaviour adoption by Jamaican youths. Prevention programs targeting youths need to be expanded significantly, be culturally relevant, and also address social vulnerability.

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Objective. To describe leptospirosis epidemiology, seroprevalence, and serovars among humans and animals in the Caribbean from 1979 – 2013 . Methods. A retrospective study of the literature was performed on the general epidemiology, historical records, and geographical locations of leptospirosis outbreaks and cases in the Caribbean from 1979 — 2013. The primary sources of information were identified with PubMed Central, Google Scholar, CAREC, CaribVET, and The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies. Search terms used were: “human leptospirosis,” “animal leptospirosis,” “serovars,” “livestock,” “seroprevalence,” “Caribbean countries,” “risk factors,” “confirmed cases,” “suspected cases,” “MAT,” and “ELISA.” Confirmed and suspected cases of human and animal leptospirosis were identified through laboratory analysis . Results. Most cases of leptospirosis occurred during the rainy season (June — December) and had a positive correlation with flood conditions. The disease was more prevalent in males than females due to behavioral and occupational exposure. The highest incidence rates of human leptospirosis were recorded in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. In animals, leptospirosis has been found in rodents, livestock, and dogs in many Caribbean countries. Inadequate active surveillance and misdiagnosis of human leptospirosis has contributed to under-reporting of the disease . Conclusion. This review highlights the epidemiology and distribution of leptospirosis in the Caribbean. Prevalence rates and serovars vary greatly among the countries. Leptospirosis poses a significant health risk for humans and animals in the Caribbean and requires a “One Health” multisectoral approach to reduce incidence rates and protect at-risk individuals. Increased laboratory capacity to identify leptospirosis cases is required, along with awareness campaigns for both the public and animal and human health professionals .