Darren Dookeeram

Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago · Sangre Grande Hospital

Background:Abuse of healthcare workers (HCWs) and lack of public trust threaten the foundation of the physician-patient relationship. This growing global problem creates an even more difficult professional environment and hinders the delivery of high-quality clinical care. Objective: The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of violence again...

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted significant global challenges that are expressed in a variety of socio-politico-economic scenarios, depending upon individual countries’ preparedness and resilience. The impact COVID-19 in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), most of which are categorized as Lower and Middle-Income Countries, has been pronounced....

The inappropriate consumption, use, and dispensing of antibiotics are problems faced globally, with a pattern of inappropriate consumption differing in higher-income countries due to the ease of accessibility of antibiotics. The main drivers of consumption and inappropriate use are the over-the-counter sales of antibiotics by pharmacies. Trinidad a...

Introduction: Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) and lack of public trust threatens the foundation of the physician-patient relationship in Trinidad. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of violence against Trinbagonian HCWs in the public sector. Secondary objectives included determining risk factors for violence an...

Introduction: The United Nations (UN) recognizes Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as a heterogenous group with common geographic and socio-economic challenges. Their vulnerability to disasters was exacerbated during COVID-19 because of emerging nationalism and protectionism towards supply chains and resources. This study aimed to determine if...

An antimicrobial consumption (AMC) study was performed in Trinidad and Tobago at the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA). A retrospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 November 2021 to 30 March 2022. Dosage and package types of amoxicillin, azithromycin, co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nitrof...

The CARICOM region has experienced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, one being issues surrounding mental health. This article seeks to highlight that mental health was a major issue prior to the pandemic and the situation could be potentially worst. Therefore we suggest supporting communities remains a pivotal tool in the armamen...

Objective: This study assessed the risk factors for sustaining a snake bite, the prehospital measures employed, and the clinical needs of patients admitted with confirmed envenomation. Methodology: Data was collected at a single center, a rural secondary care hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. A cross-sectional method was used that enrolled all co...

Introduction This prospective pharmacodynamic nutraceutical study assessed the effect of a 1-week trial of 30 g/day of 65% cocoa (dark chocolate) ( Theobroma cacao L.) consumption intervention on platelet reactivity. Methods Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (n=20) who were on maintenance dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin (ASA)...

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a group of medical practitioners in Trinidad toward oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy. Methods: One hundred and four medical practitioners practicing at both public and private institutions in Trinidad were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study over...

Objectives To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a group of medical practitioners in Trinidad toward oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy. Methods One hundred and four medical practitioners practicing at both public and private institutions in Trinidad were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study over a pe...

The Caribbean region, like the global community, has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year with marked mortality and morbidity. The region has several vulnerabilities that affect and impair a robust health and social response to such an intricate problem. The presence of multiple small island states with heterogeno...

Members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) faced significant challenges in the early days of global vaccination rollout because of various socio-economic-political vulnerabilities [1]. Through skillful diplomatic maneuvering and bilateral agreements, many CARICOM member states were able to secure and procure shipments of the vaccine but are curre...

Introduction: This prospective pharmacodynamic (PD) study assessed the effect of the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), dapagliflozin, on platelet reactivity. Methods: Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 27) who were on maintenance dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspiri...

Planetary Health is a rapidly developing field that is gaining momentum and significance as the world grapples with the devastating effects of infectious diseases, climate change, biodiversity loss, complex food insecurities, and international competition for resources. These challenges are often attributable to the financial activity made by natio...

Objectives: Thrombolysis has become the gold standard in the treatment of ischemic stroke that meet specific criteria. While effective, the criteria of suitability are substantial and create an access block for patients. This review seeks to identify the hindrances to the process flow to successful stroke thrombolysis. Methods: A review of literatu...

Background Potential Drug–Drug Interactions (DDI) account for many emergency department visits. Polypharmacy, as well as herbal, over-the-counter (OTC) and combination medication may compound this, but these problems are not well researched in low-and-middle-income countries. Objective To compare the incidence of drug–drug interactions and polyphar...

Background: Drug-Drug Interactions account for many emergency room visits. Elderly patients are especially burdened by polypharmacy. Given the prevalence of herbal product use in the Caribbean which is well documented it adds a new dimension to problem . Aims and Objectives: To determine the percentage of patients discharged from Trinidadian tertia...