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The Jamaican hypertension prevalence study
Dalip Ragoobirsingh1, Donovan McGrowder, Errol Y Morrison
1Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. emorrisn@uwimona.edu.jm
Insights
Hypertension affects 30.8% of Jamaicans aged 15 and older. Key risk factors include female sex, older age, obesity, diabetes, and family history, informing public health policy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding local prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Jamaica faces a substantial burden of non-communicable diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point prevalence of hypertension in Jamaica.
- To identify key demographic and clinical risk factors associated with hypertension in the Jamaican population.
- To provide data for the development of public health policies and strategies.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage stratified random sampling design was employed.
- Data were collected from 2,064 participants aged 15 years and older.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- The point prevalence of hypertension in Jamaica was found to be 30.8% for individuals aged 15 and over.
- Significant risk factors identified include being female, advancing age, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of hypertension.
- Non-response rates were documented and incorporated into the final analysis.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension is highly prevalent in Jamaica, particularly in the adult population.
- Specific demographic and lifestyle factors significantly increase the risk of hypertension.
- These findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to manage and prevent hypertension in Jamaica.
Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension in Jamaica. Jamaica has an area of 4,411 square miles and is divided into 14 parishes. The visited districts were randomly selected. The sample population was selected based upon a two-stage stratified random sampling design. Each dwelling in the "Sampling Universe" had an equal probability of being selected. The survey team spent a week in the districts in each parish selected. Employing the Statistical Institute of Jamaica's (STATIN) two-stage stratified random sampling design, preselected house-holds were visited. Non-response was documented and considered in the final analysis. Only individuals 15 years and older were allowed to participate in the study. The 2,064 subjects who participated were the basis for estimates of hypertension. Following logistic regression analysis, the main risk factors for hypertension are being female, advancing age, obesity, having diabetes and having a family history of hypertension. Jamaica has a point prevalence of hypertension of 30.8% in the 15-and-over age group. These findings would greatly assist in formulating policies to deal with this scourge of society.