[ABSTRACT] In this paper we present empirical evidence on the extent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the danger it poses in terms of projected cost imposition on the countries of the region. We highlight the elements of a regional response approach that is both comprehensive and sustainable and discuss options for mobilizing the resources necessary for effecting such a response. We show that even though a robust regional response in mitigating the threat of HIV/AIDS may be feasible and even not very costly, there remain significant hurdles to its implementation…see more.
[ABSTRACT] The design of the surveys incorporates multi-stage and purposeful sampling techniques, which provide baseline data on sexual behaviour patterns among adults in Guyana and Suriname. Results point to significant levels of casual sex encounters (15% and 21%), relatively high levels of multiple partnering (10% and 14%) in Guyana and Suriname respectively, and high levels of non-use of condoms with both regular and casual partners. Overall, testing for HIV is relatively low – 24%. Programmes encouraging HIV testing, delaying of sexual debut and safer sexual behaviour should be implemented. The conduct of follow-up surveys to monitor programme effectiveness is also recommended…see more.
[ABSTRACT] While it is customary to treat employment and growth as positive attributes of the economic system it is evident that in some countries the determination of employment levels is not purely an economic question. In fact there is a merit-good aspect of employment which means that political factors enter into the picture. In these circumstances it is important to understand what we mean by an employment equilibrium. In this paper we make use of two independent growth-based employment relationships to make the case that social stability can be seen as an important determinant of the equilibrium level of employment, which is not necessarily full employment. In exploring the properties of the equilibrium the point is made that maintaining high levels of employment is as much an economic as it is a political objective. The social stability requirement yields the result that the employment equilibrium is therefore politico-economic…see more.
[ABSTRACT] This paper attempts to examine the behaviour of households with particular reference to the Caribbean context. The Caribbean environment is one that is characterized by chronic unemployment and persistent poverty. Furthermore, major long-standing attempts to deal with these two problems are also characteristic of the Caribbean scenario. The primary concern within the region is with the living conditions of the vast majority of the people, referred to by C.Y. Thomas as the “poor and powerless.” The second level of concern in this paper is with the use of resources in programmes that are designed to eradicate poverty and unemployment…see more.
[ABSTRACT] This paper presents a detailed review of the international literature on health care access and identifies those findings that appear to be applicable to the Caribbean. In this regard, the paper lays the foundation for more detailed work on equity and access to health care in the Caribbean. Inadequate access to health care contributes to disparities in health outcomes. There are both demand and supply side factors that affect access to health care. Both sets of factors are potentially distorting to effective access to health care. Access to health care, income and use of medical services have been shown to be positively correlated both in the rest of the world and in the Caribbean. The available data suggests that the important lessons and applications for the Caribbean seem to be that the same distortions in access to health care seen in the rest of the world are also true in the Caribbean. The paper underscores the need for more empirical work in the Caribbean to identify the causes and extent of distortions in good health outcomes…see more.
[ABSTRACT] Objective. This study addresses the need to measure and explain the inequalities and inequities of Jamaica’s health system to generate evidence to support policy development, monitoring, and evaluation. Methods. The nationally representative Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions data sets for 2004 and 2007 were used to produce concentration curves and concentration indices for three health outcome variables (probability of any illness or injury, duration of latest episode of illness, and self-assessed health status) and two health care utilization variables (probability of a curative visit to a health practitioner and number of curative visits) to measure income-related inequalities. Their standardized counterparts were used to measure inequities. Decomposition of the concentration index provides a basis for explaining the contributions of socioeconomic and demographic factors to overall inequalities…see more.
HEU, Centre for Health Economics
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Email:Health.EconomicsUnit@sta.uwi.edu
