The most important finding was the determination of body composition and hormonal measurement changes in puberty in boys. Oestradiol was the most potent determinant of bone mineral density among pubertal boys.

A knowledge, attitude and practice survey of 188 women attending healthcare clinics in Westmoreland, Jamaica, revealed that most participants had good knowledge and attitudes towards dengue fever. However, these were not translated into practices that could prevent the disease.

Needlestick injuries (47%) and other high risk exposures (31%) among physicians and nurses were high in two hospitals in Jamaica. Reporting and post-exposure management were inadequate. A comprehensive programme to decrease these occupational hazards and regular surveillance are needed.

Most physicians considered antibiotic resistance an extremely important problem globally, but less so nationally. Contributory factors were correctly identified, but antibiotic prescribing practice did not incorporate measures to reduce resistance. Hand-washing was not considered to be important in reducing resistance and de-escalation to narrow spectrum antibiotics when appropriate was not a regular practice.

The pathologic features of breast cancer documented at the National Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica are consistent with patient presentation at relatively advanced stages of disease, and highlight the need for urgent public health intervention, particularly the development of a national screening programme.

Paranasal osteomas may present as rhinosinusitis and occasionally cause complications depending on anatomical location. Ethmoidal and fronto-ethmoidal osteomas are readily diagnosed using computed tomography and are increasingly being resected endoscopically. Bilateral ethmoidal osteomas are rare. An evidence-based management plan is presented.

External pressures, desire to become a medical doctor and expectations from medical education have significant effects on anxiety and depression levels of medical students.