Vital registration and under-reporting of maternal mortality in Jamaica.

Objective: To identify why vital registration under-reports maternal deaths in Jamaica.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to identify all maternal deaths (during pregnancy or ≤42 days after pregnancy ended) occurring in 2008. Data sources included vital registration, hospital records, forensic pathology records, and an independent maternal mortality surveillance system.

Gender differences in the effects of urban neighborhood on depressive symptoms in Jamaica.

Objective: To explore the mental health effects of the urban neighborhood on men and women in Jamaica and the implications for urban planning and social development.

Methods: A cross-sectional household sample of 2 848 individuals 15-74 years of age obtained from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2007-2008 was analyzed. Secondary analysis was undertaken by developing composite scores to describe observer recorded neighborhood features, including infrastructure, amenities/services, physical conditions, community socioeconomic status, and green spaces around the home.