A Systematic Review of Implicit Versus Explicit Social Skills Group Programs in Different Settings for School-Aged Autistic Children and Adolescents.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), assessing the efficacy of Social Skills Group Programs (SSGPs) for primary and secondary school aged autistic children and adolescents exploring the influence of informant, setting characteristics and teaching strategies as moderating factors for social outcomes. A search of the electronic databases of Medline, ProQuest, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Sciences electronic databases was conducted for the period January 1, 2013 until December 31, 2023 for peer-reviewed RCT studies published in English, evaluating the efficacy of SSGPs for school-aged autistic children and adolescents (6-18 years). Included studies were assessed for methodological quality and efficacy using random effect meta-analysis.

A grounded theory exploration of the enablers and barriers of public healthcare access for people with comorbid serious mental and chronic physical illnesses in Jamaica.

Chronic physical illnesses (CPI) are highly prevalent among people with serious mental illnesses (PWSMI) yet people in this population experience significant challenges accessing healthcare. This study utilised a constructivist grounded theory approach to collect and analyse data related to the enablers and barriers to public healthcare access for PWSMI & CPI. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with fifty-seven participants comprising PWSMI &CPI and their caregivers, health policymakers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses.

A qualitative exploration of the health system responses to the screening and management of comorbid mental illness and chronic physical illness in Jamaica.

Background: People with comorbid mental illness (MI) and chronic physical illness (CPI) face a range of health and quality of life challenges. The appropriate screening and management of comorbid MI and CPI are crucial to improving outcomes for this population. Despite this, there is a dearth of research exploring the health system response to the screening and management of patients with these comorbidities in public primary care settings, in several jurisdictions including Jamaica.

Investigating the associations of age of initiation and other psychosocial factors of singular alcohol, tobacco and marijuana usage on polysubstance use: analysis of a population-based survey in Jamaica.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine concurrent polysubstance use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana and determine correlations with access to marijuana, friend and familial drug use habits, risk perception and the age of initiation associated with the singular use of these substances.

Design: A secondary data analysis.

Setting: Used the Jamaica National Drug Prevalence Survey 2016 dataset.

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with polysubstance use: analysis of a population-based survey in Jamaica.

Background: In Latin America and the Caribbean, there is a dearth of research exploring polysubstance use. This study aims to determine the prevalence, varying combinations and associated sociodemographic characteristics of polysubstance use in Jamaica.

Methods: This study involved a secondary data analysis of the Jamaica National Drug Prevalence Survey 2016 dataset where 4,623 participants between the age of 12 and 65 years from each household were randomly selected as respondents.

Cross-sectional mixed-methods study protocol exploring the enablers and barriers for people with severe and enduring mental illness in Jamaica when accessing healthcare for chronic physical illness.

Introduction: Extant international research suggests that people with severe and enduring mental illness (PWSEMI) experience increased rates of chronic physical illness (CPI), reduced life expectancy and higher mortality than those in the general population. The high prevalence of CPI among PWSEMI is associated with a number of barriers that this population experiences when accessing physical healthcare. Although substantial research has been conducted in North America, Europe and Australia, there appears to be a paucity of research exploring CPI among PWSEMI in the Caribbean region, although this region has reported very high rates of non-communicable diseases within its populations.

Is sense of belonging at school associated with cannabis use among secondary school students in Barbados?

The objective of this study was to assess whether students' sense of belonging at school was associated with cannabis use among secondary school students in Barbados. This was a cross-sectional study involving a nationally representative weighted sample of 8,538 students drawn from 2 to 6 forms across public and private secondary schools in Barbados in 2013. Descriptive and inferential statistics was performed using SPSS.

Parental Alcohol Drinking Habit as a Predictor of Alcohol Use among Secondary School Students in Barbados.

Background: In Barbados and the wider Caribbean region, alcohol is widely consumed by adolescents and young people, including those in secondary schools. The high prevalence of alcohol use, and its potential adverse effects are a source of concern to policy makers and the general population, which calls for better understanding of the drivers of this problem. This study thus aimed at investigating whether parental alcohol drinking habit is a predictor of alcohol use among secondary school students in the country.

Investigating the Role of Alcohol in Behavioural Problems at School among Secondary School Students in Barbados.

Background: The prevalence of alcohol use is quite high in the Caribbean region, and specifically, in Barbados. Alcohol use has been documented to negatively affect the way students behave within and outside school. This study set out to examine the role alcohol plays in students’ behavioural problems at school.

Risk Factors Associated with Frequent Alcohol Binge Drinking among Jamaicans: Does Gender Matter?

Objective: Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed substances in Jamaica, despite the many health problems associated with excessive alcohol use. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for alcohol binge drinking among Jamaicans, and determine if there were significant gender differences in the associations between identified risk factors and frequent binge drinking. Methods: Data collected from the 2016 National Household Survey Jamaica were analysed.

A Population-based Analysis of the Influence of Religious Affiliation on Alcohol Consumption among Jamaicans.

Background: Religion sometimes shapes behaviours and experiences of its members including alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the possible influence of religious affiliation on alcohol consumption in Jamaica since they are predominantly Christians. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, we analysed data from National Household Survey 2,016 of 4,623 participants.

Are Adolescents likely to Start Smoking Early if Their Parents are Smokers? A Study of Jamaican High School Students.

Background: The prevalence of cigarette smoking is high among adolescents in the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Age of initiation of cigarette smoking varies among adolescents. A number of factors has been reported to influence early age of initiation of cigarette smoking.

Single Parent Family Structure as a Predictor of Alcohol Use among Secondary School Students: Evidence from Jamaica.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential relationship between Jamaican secondary students’ alcohol drinking habits and their family structure. Methods: Data collected from a nationally representative survey of 3,365 students were analysed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.

Does Risk Perception Affect Alcohol Consumption among Secondary School Students in Jamaica?

Background: Alcohol consumption among young people is a major public health problem world-wide and in Jamaica. A number of factors have been reported to affect alcohol use among high school students. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of perception of the harmfulness of alcohol on alcohol use among secondary school students in Jamaica.

A School-Based Study of the Influence of Students’ Relationship with Teachers on Their Cigarette Smoking Behaviour in Jamaican.

Background: Cigarette is one of the most widely used addictive substances and a leading cause of death. Prevalence of cigarette smoking has been reported to be high in the Caribbean, including Jamaica. The aim of this study was to determine whether students’ relationship with teachers influences their cigarette smoking behaviour in Jamaica.