Sharon L. Sutton, BS, School of Public Health, Piscataway/New Brunswick Campus, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 683 Hoes Lane West, P.O. Box 9, Piscatatway, NJ 08854, 732-235-4646, Sharon.L.Sutton@gsk.com

Most Haitians in the Dominican Republic labor in sugar cane fields and live in abject poverty. The majority live in bateyes, communities which have grown up around the sugar cane fields. The bateyes provide the most rudimentary type of shelter. Inadequate sanitation in water, food and housing seriously compromises the health of Haitians. As such, the bateyes provide a nurturing environment for parasitic infection (Ascaris Lumbricoides).

A recent public health effort, sponsored by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey , provided MPH students with an opportunity to experience the public health issues of developing countries. Two objectives were key: 1) provide environmental health education around the prevention of parasitic infection and 2) administer de-worming medicine. Planned ongoing efforts around de-worming required development of a simple, but effective tracking system for residents of the bateyes. Haitians are largely undocumented, routinely being denied Dominican cédulas (identity cards). Being unable to track residents hinders public health research efforts. A simple tracking system was developed that used materials that could be easily transported and used in the field, where electricity is lacking. Two villages served as test pilots for the creation of a medical records database. Residents of these villages were registered by capturing their name, age and weight (to calculate the dosage of de-worming medicine), with an accompanying photograph for future identification. Photographs were taken with a small camera, using standard 35mm film. Database records were created in Microsoft Access.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

1)Identify some of the challenges of creating medical records in the field.
1. Use similiar tools to develop a database for tracking subjects, providing the basis for future public health research in developing countries. 3.Recognize some of the global issues that impact public helath efforts in developing countries.

Keywords: International Public Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.