Patients with more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to have worse quality of life, higher BODE quartile and more exacerbations. A link, not hitherto acknowledged in West Indian patients, between COPD severity and depression is explored. The study shows for the first time a relation between the BODE index and low socio-economic status. The study recommends that all tertiary care patients with COPD should have regular vaccination, depression and six-minute walk assessment, and that health education in COPD should be aimed at those of low socio-economic status in particular.

In an epidemiological study done in Martinique in 2000, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), we have found that mental disorders, in particular mood and anxiety disorders, were as frequents as in mainland France.

A survey was undertaken to gather evidence on the frameworks and systems for surveillance of violence and injuries in 24 Caribbean countries. Each country reported some level of injury surveillance system; however, gaps were identified such that complete national data was not available. Such systems should be harmonized to produce more complete data.