A behaviour risk factor survey in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A population based probability sample of 958 persons (454 males and 504 females) aged 15 to 49 years was surveyed in Jamaica in late 1993 for lifestyle and behaviour risk factors. Demographic characteristics of the sample were comparable to the general population, 60of persons visited a private doctor the last time that they were ill. Based on self-reporting, 18of the women and 8of the men were hypertensive and 4.8of the women and 3.3of the men were diabetic. 26of the men and 8of the women had never had their blood pressure taken. 40of the women had never had a Papanicolaou smear, 29had never had a breast examination and 33said that they were overweight compared with 18of men. Smoking cigarettes and marijuana was more common among men (36) than women (11), as were drinking alcohol (79of men, 41of women) and heavy alcohol use (30of men, 9of women). Injuries requiring medical attention in the previous five years were reported by 40of the men and 15of the women. 34of the men and 12of the women regularly carried a weapon and 18of the sample had participated in or witnessed at least one violent act in the previous month. Most of the people interviewed used a contraceptive method; 10were not sexually active. Significantly more men than women had two or more sexual partners in the previous year (54vs 17, p < 0.001) or reported ever having a sexually transmitted disease (29vs 9, p < 0.001). Younger persons were more sexually active and more likely to use condoms during their most recent sexual intercourse. Higher socio-economic status and educational level generally had a more positive effect on health behaviour. This survey provides vital information relevant to planning health promotion campaigns and assessing their success.