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An Evaluation of Regional Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Research Needs Using Conference Abstracts
Georgia A Williamson1, Shelly Rodrigo2, Elizabeth Blackman3,4
1Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), The University of the West Indies, Mona. Kingston, JM.
Insights
Research on cardiovascular disease and cancer in the Caribbean is limited, with few intervention studies. Findings emphasize the need for more research to combat high mortality rates from these non-communicable diseases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Caribbean Health Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are leading causes of premature death in the Caribbean.
- There is a significant gap in local research to inform public health strategies for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the landscape of cardiovascular disease and cancer research in the Caribbean.
- Analysis of abstracts from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) annual research conference (2006-2018).
Main Methods:
- Extracted data on study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and author affiliations from 1,512 abstracts.
- Analyzed institutional origin and geographic distribution of research.
- Utilized STATA version 14 for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular disease and cancer research constituted approximately 15% of published abstracts.
- Predominantly observational studies (cross-sectional, surveys) with minimal laboratory-based or intervention studies.
- Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados were the primary contributors to research output.
Conclusions:
- The current research output is insufficient to guide effective interventions and policies for the Caribbean's high burden of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Establishment of a Regional Centre of Research Excellence is recommended to bolster research capacity and address these critical health issues.
Background:
Despite cardiovascular diseases and cancer being the leading causes of premature mortality in the Caribbean region, there is limited local research available to guide a comprehensive response to this epidemic.
Objective:
To evaluate cardiovascular disease and cancer research in the Caribbean using abstracts presented at the Caribbean Public Health Agency's (CARPHA) meeting - the longest running annual research conference in the region.
Method:
Study data (population, intervention/exposure, comparison and outcome) were extracted from abstracts published for the 2006 to 2018 meetings. Additionally, institutional affiliation and geographic location of the first author, countries involved, sample size, study design and use of specialized testing/biomarkers were also extracted. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.
Findings:
A total of 1,512 abstracts, 728 posters and 784 oral presentations were reviewed. Research on cancer and cardiovascular disease comprised approximately 15% of all abstracts published annually over the review period. Most of the cardiovascular disease studies had cross sectional or survey designs (46%), with very few laboratory-based studies (<2%) and no intervention studies/clinical trials. For cancer research, 30% were cross-sectional studies/audits, 11% were case control studies, 5% were lab based and there were no clinical trials. Almost a quarter of the cardiovascular disease / cancer abstracts over the period originated from Trinidad and Tobago (26%), with Jamaica and Barbados contributing 18% and 15% respectively.
Conclusion:
These finding highlight the need for additional studies that can provide evidence for interventions and policy to address the region's high cardiovascular disease and cancer burden. A Regional Centre of Research Excellence could support capacity development to facilitate this process.
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