Estimating the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness in Grenada

J Health Popul Nutr. 2013 Dec;31(4 Suppl 1):17-29.

Abstract

This is the first study conducted in Grenada, with a population of approximately 108,000, to quantify the magnitude, distribution, and burden of self-reported acute gastroenteritis (AGE). A retrospective population survey was conducted in October 2008 and April 2009 and a laboratory survey from October 2008 to September 2009. The estimated monthly prevalence of AGE was 10.7% (95% CI 9.0-12.6; 1.4 episodes/ person-year), with a median of 3 days of illness. Of those who reported AGE, 31% sought medical care (stool samples were requested from 12.5%); 10% took antibiotics; 45% took non-prescribed medication; and 81% reported restricted activity. Prevalence of AGE was significantly higher among children aged <5 years (23.5%, p < 0.001). Of the AGE stool samples submitted to the laboratory for analysis, 12.1% were positive for a foodborne pathogen. Salmonella enteritidis was the most common foodborne pathogen associated with AGE-related illness. The estimated percentage of underreporting of syndromic AGE to the Ministry of Health was 69%. In addition, for every laboratory-confirmed foodborne/AGE pathogen, it was estimated that there were 316 additional cases occurring in the population. The minimum estimated cost associated with treatment for AGE was US$ 703,950 each year, showing that AGE has a potentially significant economic impact in Grenada.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Diarrhea / economics*
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology*
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Female
  • Foodborne Diseases / economics
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / economics
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / economics*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Grenada / epidemiology
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance / methods
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Report
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult