RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Family-based strategies to reduce the risk of overweight in childhood are needed in the Caribbean. AIM: To investigate the associations between parental characteristics and risk of overweight and explore possible mechanisms. METHODS: Data from a parenting intervention were analysed. Parental characteristics were obtained by questionnaire at enrolment. At 18 months, 501 infants (82.9% of cohort) had weight and length measured using standardized methods. The association of parents' characteristics with risk of infant overweight was assessed using random-effects logistic regression. Four focus groups among mothers in Jamaica were conducted to explore mechanisms. RESULTS: Overall, 20.6% of infants were 'at risk of overweight'. Fathers were present in 52% of households. Fathers' presence [OR (95% CI) 0.60 (0.37-0.96)] was associated with reduced risk of overweight independent of socioeconomic status. Mothers reported that fathers encouraged healthier practices. CONCLUSION: Fathers may be important agents of change in intervention strategies to prevent childhood overweight.
RESUMO
Using two different attack rates, 20% and 30%, the paper attempts to project several possible outcomes for the Jamaican economy in the event of a severe pandemic. In addition to forecasting the possible loss in man hours for the economy, the study uses the Monte Carlo modelling technique to provide estimates of the death and hospitalization rates among the 0-19, 20-64 and 65(+)-year age cohorts while extra-polating the demand for healthcare providers.