The changing faces of diabetes, hypertension and arthritis in a Caribbean population.

BACKGROUND: Globally, chronic illnesses are the leading cause of mortality, and this is no different in developing countries, particularly in the Caribbean. Little information emerged in the literature on the changing faces of particular self-reported chronic diseases. AIMS: This study examines the transitions in the demographic characteristics of those with diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, as we hypothesized that there are changing faces of those with these illnesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 592 respondents from the 2002 and 2007 Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions. Only respondents who indicated that they were diagnosed with these particular chronic conditions were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of particular chronic diseases increased from 8 per 1,000 in 2002 to 56 per 1,000 in 2007. The average annual increase in particular chronic diseases was 17.2%. Diabetes mellitus showed an exponential average annual increase of 185% compared to hypertension (+ 12.7%) and arthritis (- 3.8%). Almost 5 percent of diabetics were less than 30 years of age (2.4% less than 15 years), and 41% less than 59 years. Three percent of hypertensive respondents were 30 years and under as well as 2% of arthritics. CONCLUSION: The demographic transition in particular chronic conditions now demands that data collection on those illnesses be lowered to < 15 years. This research highlights the urgent need for a diabetes campaign that extends beyond parents to include vendors, confectionary manufacturers and government, in order to address the tsunami of chronic diseases facing the nation.

Perception of women on cancer screening and sexual behavior in a rural area, Jamaica: Is there a public health problem?

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health in Jamaica recommends that cervical cancer screening be undergo by women 25-54 years old. The age range is based on international standards, but this is in need for revision based on the parish of St. Thomas. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the perception and practice of Pap smear and the sexual practices of women in St. Thomas in order to aid policy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 210 women (15-54 years) from St. Thomas, Jamaica. RESULTS: Eighty eight percent of the sample had done a Pap smear and 24% indicated that they did this at least once every 12 months. The Pap smear results revealed that 83.2% of the sample was normal and 11.5% of the participants knew that their Pap smear was abnormal. Eighty percent of those with abnormal Pap smear were aged between 20-35 years. Sixty percent indicated that they did not believe they were infected with any STDs, but the Pap smear results showed that 76.4% of them had STDs. Eighty-three percent of the sample indicated having one sexual partner; 22.1% indicated that they began having sex before 15 years; 71% began having sex at 15-20 years; 76% of the sample used a condom and 12% reported that they had never practiced safe sex. CONCLUSION: This study finds that the age interval for conducting Pap smear screening should be lowered to 20 years for women in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica.