Papers by Satesh Bidaisee
PubMed, Feb 13, 2016
Many developed countries around the world have implemented regulations to phase out or greatly re... more Many developed countries around the world have implemented regulations to phase out or greatly restrict the use of pesticides. Pesticides are still utilized with minimal restrictions, however, in fumigating agricultural commodities in developing countries such as Grenada. This special report presents the case of a nutmeg factory worker in Grenada who worked with various pesticides including methyl bromide, magnesium phosphide (magtoxin), and aluminum phosphide (phostoxin) without the proper awareness and utilization of health and safety measures. The nutmeg factory worker later developed metastatic bladder cancer, which may have been triggered by a combination of individual risk factors along with long-term occupational exposure to these pesticides. In this special report, the occupational health importance of prevention in a work environment with significant exposure to pesticides is highlighted as well as some of the fundamental deficiencies in awareness among workers in developing nations concerning the deleterious effects of frequent exposure to pesticides.
Background: The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers... more Background: The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers in the industry face many environmental and occupational health risks. Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate respiratory health problems and possible related occupational exposures among nutmeg production workers. Methods: A questionnaire, spirometry and allergen skin-prick test was given to 92 nutmeg workers. Samples for measurement of airborne dust, mold, and phosphine were also collected from work environments. Results: Approximately half of the workers with lower respiratory symptoms such as dry cough (49.4%) and shortness of breath (42.9%) reported that their symptoms were work related. Spirometry results showed that 18.8% of workers had obstruction. Area geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations, GM personal concentrations, and total mold spores during work activities were found to be high. Conclusions: High prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in this facility was consistent with measured levels of dust and mold, and was widespread over all work areas.
Cureus
Objective: This study assessed the risk factors for sustaining a snake bite, the prehospital meas... more Objective: This study assessed the risk factors for sustaining a snake bite, the prehospital measures employed, and the clinical needs of patients admitted with confirmed envenomation. Methodology: Data was collected at a single center, a rural secondary care hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. A cross-sectional method was used that enrolled all consenting patients requiring admission following clinical confirmation of snake envenomation during the period 2017-2019. Data collection involved a review of the patient record from the emergency room and hospital admission to establish the clinical need during the time of admission which was defined as the administration of medication, need for surgery, and critical care intervention. Data collection also involved a patient interview to establish demographics, prehospital measures employed, and assessment of the risk factors associated with sustaining the snake bite. Results: 29 patients were admitted for snakebite envenomation during 2017-2019 and all patients consented to enrolment. Of these patients, 22 were male and most commonly were within the age range of 18-40 years old. 34.5% of patients were farmers and 68.9% of patients identified being bitten by the Mapepire Balsain snake. 65.5% of patients reported being unaware of the risk of snake bites and 82.8% were not wearing boots, with the lower limb being the most common bite site among 55.2%. 41.4% of bites were sustained during work-related activity while 34.5% of bites were sustained during recreational activity. Prehospital measures were employed by 18 of the 29 patients with the most common types being irrigation (10.3%), cutting (6.9%), tourniquets (44.8%), pressure immobilization (6.9%), topical applications (3.4%), and ingestion of a substance (6.9%). 34.5% received hospital care within 1 hour of the bite while 55.2% arrived at the hospital between 1 and 4 hours of being bitten. The clinical challenges of these patients included local reactions (82.8%), coagulopathy (72.4%), compartment syndrome (17.2%), cellulitis (3.4%), and dislocated shoulder (3.4%). The clinical needs of these patients included vitamin K (13.8%), antibiotics (93.1%), tetanus shots (17.2%), analgesia (6.8%), and anti-venom (82.7%). 10.3% of patients required debridement and 3.4% required a fasciotomy. The average stay in the hospital was 3.8 days. There were no documents of deaths or need for critical care. Conclusion: Persons are most likely to be envenomated by the M. Balsain in Trinidad. These patients are commonly males ranging anywhere from 18 to 40 years presenting local reactions and coagulopathy needing admittance to the hospital. While the majority of patients requiring admission performed some type of prehospital measure, very few did so with pressure immobilization. Furthermore, the majority of patients had a prolonged time before presenting to the hospital; this is a potential area for improvement in the health system through education and sensitization. There was a significant utilization of resources on these patients when taking into consideration their clinical needs, medication, and hospital stay; primary prevention should be a focus through the education of groups who are at higher risk for a venomous snake encounter.
Immunology and Inflammation Diseases Therapy, 2022
Precocious puberty, otherwise described as a group of medical conditions that cause early puberty... more Precocious puberty, otherwise described as a group of medical conditions that cause early puberty onset, such as a pre-adolescent boy presenting with adult pattern of penile and testicular enlargement or a pre-adolescent girl presenting with mature breast development and onset of menses. Although the sexual and physical characteristics for this condition are well-described in medical literature, the causes are very rarely known. Nevertheless, it has substantial impacts on children’s lives. This is a review on sexual development, premature sexual development, the social complications children suffer from due to early onset puberty, and the associations with daily environmental exposures as possible influences for developing precocious puberty.
Journal of environmental health, 2016
Many developed countries around the world have implemented regulations to phase out or greatly re... more Many developed countries around the world have implemented regulations to phase out or greatly restrict the use of pesticides. Pesticides are still utilized with minimal restrictions, however, in fumigating agricultural commodities in developing countries such as Grenada. This special report presents the case of a nutmeg factory worker in Grenada who worked with various pesticides including methyl bromide, magnesium phosphide (magtoxin), and aluminum phosphide (phostoxin) without the proper awareness and utilization of health and safety measures. The nutmeg factory worker later developed metastatic bladder cancer, which may have been triggered by a combination of individual risk factors along with long-term occupational exposure to these pesticides. In this special report, the occupational health importance of prevention in a work environment with significant exposure to pesticides is highlighted as well as some of the fundamental deficiencies in awareness among workers in developin...
Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Zoonoses
Zoonotic diseases represent a leading cause of illness and death from infectious diseases in huma... more Zoonotic diseases represent a leading cause of illness and death from infectious diseases in humans. The objective of this research study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the local, adult, non-medically trained Grenadian population about certain zoonotic diseases. The study consisted of a quasi-experimental design consisting of 450 participants, selected using random convenience sampling in the Grand Anse and the Carenage areas of St. George’s, Grenada. A questionnaire was employed to collect data on the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards five zoonotic diseases (Ringworm, Leptospirosis, Creeping Eruptions, Rabies and Salmonellosis). The overall level of distribution of Knowledge of zoonotic diseases was 38.6%.
Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, 2017
Neglecting occupational safety and health (OSH) can have adverse and even deadly consequences. Wh... more Neglecting occupational safety and health (OSH) can have adverse and even deadly consequences. While OSH is important in any nation, the issue is particularly concerning in developing countries, including ones in the Caribbean. The purpose of this study, which was carried out in 2012 and 2013, was to examine the reasons for an apparent fundamental lack of awareness of OSH in the Caribbean. We conducted a descriptive study, in which a questionnaire was administered, via telephone, to key policy-making representatives from six English-speaking Caribbean nations, in order to assess the current OSH environment in their countries. We also did a situational analysis of current OSH regulations and legislation within the six countries. We found that that some of the countries’ OSH laws are out of date or are limited to a certain type of industry. We also found that there is very little documentation on research on exposure to and risks from hazards and on psychological and reproductive heal...
A ten year retrospective analysis of motor vehicle accidents in Grenada
OBJECTIVE: To assess the burden of Motor Vehicular Accidents in Grenada during the period 2000-20... more OBJECTIVE: To assess the burden of Motor Vehicular Accidents in Grenada during the period 2000-2009. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of secondary data in the form of vehicular accident records were sourced from the Royal Grenada Police for the period 2000-2009. Detailed records of the number of motor vehicle accidents per month and per year were sourced including the type of vehicle, the number of passengers, time and location of the accident and the gender and age of the drivers were not considered to be important. The adverse health outcomes of the accidents were also determined as either minor or major depending on fatalities and extent of injuries sustained. RESULTS: There has been an increase in the total number of fatalities during the period of study occurring from motor vehicle accidents from 4.1 in 2000 to 11.9 in 2009 per 100,000. The average increase in the number of total road accidents also rose by 8.9% in the stated period. In addition, the number of major ...
Achieving Five Times the Retention in MOOC Courses through Interactive Learning
Alcohol and Aviation: An Assessment of Aeronautical Decision Making among Caribbean Pilots
International public health journal, 2017
IntroductionThe International Air Transportation Association (IATA) projected that two billion pa... more IntroductionThe International Air Transportation Association (IATA) projected that two billion passengers will use air transportation to fly by the year 2024 (1). Furthermore, IATA recognized there are over 104,100 pilots and 650,000 flight crew currently servicing the expanding aviation industry. Additionally, the potential risk to ground communities and infrastructure positions aviation as a significant global population based experience and potential for significant adverse public health consequences (2). The risk potential that aviation poses has allowed for the establishment of a safety management system for aviation, which is primarily dependent on the health and safety of pilots (3). Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) is decision making in the unique environment of aviation, which comprises a mental process that pilots use to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances (4).Alcohol consumption is associated with various cultural...
Defining the Need for Dermatologic Surgery Global Health in an Afro-Caribbean Country
Dermatologic Surgery, 2020
BACKGROUND Dermatologic surgery services are largely absent in Africa and in Afro-Caribbean count... more BACKGROUND Dermatologic surgery services are largely absent in Africa and in Afro-Caribbean counties. In the USA, studies of people of African ancestry have demonstrated health care gaps, but there are no data for Africa nor a Afro-Caribbean country. Dermatology surgery has been largely absent from global health because there are few data to demonstrate the need. We sought to determine skin cancer tumor types, and local knowledge and perception in an Afro-Caribbean country. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether there exist knowledge gaps and whether a dermatology surgery medical missions program would improve the health of Afro-Caribbean people. METHODS First, we conducted a survey of knowledge and behaviors related to skin cancer. Second, we analyzed the number and types of tumors treated during a multi-year surgical dermatology project. RESULTS In the survey, 62% did not know what melanoma was. Eighty-one percent did not think skin cancer is preventable. Of 163 surgical specime...
Internal Medicine Research Open Journal, 2018
The World Health Organization estimates a deficit of approximately 2.4 million physicians, nurses... more The World Health Organization estimates a deficit of approximately 2.4 million physicians, nurses, and midwives along with a need for an additional 2 million pharmacists and paramedical professionals. Compounding this crisis for the most vulnerable communities is the phenomenon healthcare worker migration. Both developed and developing nations are struggling to mitigate the immense challenges resulting from the existing shortage combined with increasing demands and diminishing supplies of healthcare providers. WHO established a Global Code of practice with the aim of addressing the growing healthcare worker crisis. United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the international community to work together towards the creation of 40 million healthcare and social workers with particular focus on the expected 18 million person deficit in healthcare workers by 2030. The WHO's Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel has provided clear benefits in mitigating this growing problem most evident with the creation of 117 national authorities and being used to establish 65 bilateral agreements with respect to health worker development and migration. The healthcare workforce shortage is an ongoing crisis with global ramifications effecting developed and developing nations alike.
Internal Medicine Research Open Journal, 2018
Objective: Conduct a cross-sectional study to gather data regarding texting while driving behavio... more Objective: Conduct a cross-sectional study to gather data regarding texting while driving behaviors, identify vulnerable populations, as well as assess public opinions about receptiveness to interventions in Grenada, West Indies. This will inform efforts to curb motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) locally. Design and Methods: An anonymous 16-item questionnaire assessing cell phone usage while driving was answered by Grenadian drivers recruited from across Grenada. The survey assessed incidence and prevalence of texting while driving, frequency of MVAs involving texting, participant risk perception, demographic data, as well as which interventions are perceived to be effective in reducing texting while driving. Drivers were approached in public car parks and roadsides by the study researchers to obtain their participation. Results: From 191 survey responses, mean age was 37.05 ± 10.038 years. 50.3% admitted to texting while driving. Statistically significant between group differences were documented with variables of gender (females comprise 59% of never texted group vs. comprising only 40% of texting while driving group, p= 0.009), mean age (Never texted group39.3 years ± 11 vs. Texted while driving group 34.9 years ± 8, 0.003), and knowing anyone involved in a MVA due to texting while driving (texted while driving group 26% vs never texted group 5%, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Younger age, male gender, and knowing other drivers who had MVA's involving texting while driving were associated with increased incidence of persons texting while driving. Interventions targeting the socially reinforcing effects to these groups, safer technologies, as well as legislation may mitigate texting while driving's consequence in Grenada.
Toxocara canis in puppies and their public health importance in Grenada
Caribbean Medical Journal, 2019
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis in puppies under 1 year of age and to u... more Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis in puppies under 1 year of age and to understand the human-puppy relationship and risk behavior and also to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding its zoonotic potential amongst puppy owners, veterinarians, physicians and 6th term veterinary students Methods: A cross-sectional prevalence study in puppies less than one year of age was conducted by collecting fecal samples from puppies during the period January through November 2017 from households in all 6 parishes throughout Grenada. These were tested for T. canis positivity. The owners of the puppies as well as veterinarians, physicians and veterinary students were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 306 fecal samples were collected. 147 (48%) puppies were positive for T. canis; of these 142 puppies were < 7 months of age and 5 between 7-10 months. 35 owners never treated puppies, 97% never spayed or neutered their adult dogs, 68% allow...
Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, 2017
In June 2014, the first cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were diagnosed on the island of Carria... more In June 2014, the first cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were diagnosed on the island of Carriacou, part of the tri-island state of Grenada. In the three months that followed, CHIKV spread rapidly, with conservative estimates of the population infected of at least 60%. Multiple challenges were encountered in the battle to manage the spread and impact of this high–attack rate virus, including 1) limited indigenous laboratory diagnostic capabilities; 2) an under-resourced health care system; 3) a skeptical general public, hesitant to accept facts about the origin and mode of transmission of the new virus; and 4) resistance to the vector control strategies used. Lessons learned from the outbreak included the need for 1) a robust and reliable epidemiological surveillance system; 2) effective strategies for communicating with the general population; 3) exploration of other methods of mosquito vector control; and 4) a careful review of all health care policies and protocols to ensure th...
Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2018
Water makes up more than two-thirds of the human body; the human brain is made up of 95 percent w... more Water makes up more than two-thirds of the human body; the human brain is made up of 95 percent water, blood is 82 percent water, and lungs are 90 percent water [1]. Water is vital component to every living organism in the world, especially the human species. More often than not clean water is not accessible to many human beings worldwide. This is quite alarming because of all the detrimental aspects that are associated with unclean water that is often used. Many individuals would rather consume and utilize unsanitary water than none at all. Take for example the alarming number of people that drink unsafe water worldwide, a staggering two billion people [2]. More statistics on prevalence, the importance of clean water, and how such an issue in relation to its public health implication will be discussed in further detail in this paper.
The Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses et de la microbiologie medicale, 2018
This paper describes the spatial and temporal distribution of cases, demographic characteristics ... more This paper describes the spatial and temporal distribution of cases, demographic characteristics of patients, and clinical manifestations of Zika virus (ZIKV) during the 2016 outbreak in Grenada. The first reported case was recorded in St. Andrew Parish in April, and the last reported case was seen in November, with peak transmission occurring in the last week of June, based on test results. Data were collected from a total of 514 patients, of whom 207 (40%) tested positive for ZIKV. No evidence was found that testing positive for ZIKV infection was related to age, gender, or pregnancy status. Clinical presentation with rash (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.7) or with lymphadenopathy (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.9) were the only reported symptoms consistent with testing positive for ZIKV infection. During the Zika outbreak, the infection rate was 20 clinical cases per 10,000 in the population compared to 41 cases per 10,000 during the chikungunya outbreak in Grenada in 2014 and 17 cases...
West Indian Medical Journal, 2016
confirmed/probable cases and 863 207 suspected cases of chikungunya were reported in the Caribbea... more confirmed/probable cases and 863 207 suspected cases of chikungunya were reported in the Caribbean (1). More information regarding symptoms and protection factors is necessary to accurately inform the public and have effective case management. The purpose of this study was to assess age group differences with respect to chikungunya (CHIKV) symptoms and explore protection differences of people who have and have not had CHIKV. Methods: A cross-sectional study sampling 154 participants was conducted from April to May 2015. Participants completed a 37-item questionnaire and were recruited from public places and at a local retirement association in Grenada. Results: Knee joint pain (p < 0.05) and persisting symptoms (rash p < 0.05, muscle pain p < 0.005, ankle joint pain, p < 0.05) were statistically significant for all age groups. No statistical difference was found for taking precautions before and after the outbreak for those who did and did not have CHIKV. However, precaution comparisons for the home (p < 0.001) and work (p < 0.001) environments showed significant non-change before and after the outbreak. Conclusion: This study found that age was a factor for symptom development and persistence, and resistance to behaviour change is an important factor for future epidemic responses and intervention studies.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2016
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Papers by Satesh Bidaisee