Prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in schoolchildren in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, Jamaica.

A cross-sectional study was done, focusing on the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in Jamaica and variables that may account for this rate. No previous study of this nature had been undertaken, and the investigators contend that there is a need to identify children who suffer from this condition but are unaware of it. A sample of 214 students from primary and secondary schools in the Corporate Area were chosen and given questionnaires to complete.

Casualty transit time for 100 adult walk-in patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

The Casualty Department of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has evolved in an ad hoc manner over the last decade, and questions regarding its appropriateness and effectiveness as an Emergency Department persist. This study of 100 systematically-selected patients attempts to assess time utilization during transit, as dictated by the present system of patient management. Time to first contact averaged 2 hr 38 min (158 min).