Health Department Burden of Illness Study

Tomorrow [Feb.21] the Department of Health will begin conducting Phase 2 of the Burden of Illness Study.

A statement released by the Department said, “Just over 600 households have been selected at random by the Department of Statistics. Over the next two weeks, these persons will be contacted by trained interviewers from the Department of Health and asked about any episodes of diarrhea and vomiting (gastroenteritis) and any associated risk factors.

“The survey is done anonymously with interviewers not knowing the name or address of the persons being interviewed. Persons are encouraged to participate as the results of the study will assist in ensuring the formulation of relevant public health policies and the development of appropriate public health intervention strategies and programs. It will also contribute to the overall strengthening of the communicable disease surveillance system.

“Additionally, this study is part of a global initaitive into not only the illness burden but the financial impact of gastroenteritis on populations. The World Health Organization recognizes that diarrheal illness is a significant and preventable cause of sickness and even death world-wide. The study also complements ongoing initiatives implemented through the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) and the Pan-American Health Organization’s regional support in Food Safety and Emerging Infectious Disease programmes.

“Surveillance of gastroenteritis in Bermuda and most of the Caribbean is predominantly passive – any person experiencing symptoms would have to visit a health care professional and be reported to be counted. Further, to find out the cause of the illness a sample would have to be taken, tested and confirmed.

“Hence, there is limited information on the magnitude and burden of gastroenteritis, as well as the key pathogens responsible for it in Bermuda and the Caribbean. That is why CAREC is leading a Burden of Illness Study in selected countries in the wider Caribbean, including Bermuda.

“Over 400 persons were interviewed during Phase One and we need just over 600 persons to be interviewed in Phase Two to make the study meaningful. Given the increase in persons experiencing diarrhea and vomiting illness in recent weeks, we are hopeful that there will be greater participation in this Phase.

Minister of Health Zane De Silva said: “For this study to be a success I am encouraging all residents to assist interviewers with their questions if called upon to do so and be forthcoming with information. I also want to urge all persons with diarrheal illness to contact their physician and provide samples.”

The Minister added: “I am also asking physicians to advocate for the study by encouraging patients to report gastrointestinal illnesses and by obtaining samples from patients with gastroenteritis.”

The results of this study should be available for publication in December 2012 the Health Department said.

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