MEDLINE/PubMed Journal Browser Search

Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

Title: A behaviour risk factor survey in Jamaica.
Author: Figueroa JP, Fox K, Minor K.
Journal: West Indian Med J; 1999 Mar; 48(1):9-15. PubMed ID: 10375984.
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, 60% of persons visited a private doctor the last time that they were ill. Based on self-reporting, 18% of the women and 8% of the men were hypertensive and 4.8% of the women and 3.3% of the men were diabetic. 26% of the men and 8% of the women had never had their blood pressure taken. 40% of the women had never had a Papanicolaou smear, 29% had never had a breast examination and 33% said that they were overweight compared with 18% of men. Smoking cigarettes and marijuana was more common among men (36%) than women (11%), as were drinking alcohol (79% of men, 41% of women) and heavy alcohol use (30% of men, 9% of women). Injuries requiring medical attention in the previous five years were reported by 40% of the men and 15% of the women. 34% of the men and 12% of the women regularly carried a weapon and 18% of 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; 10% were not sexually active. Significantly more men than women had two or more sexual partners in the previous year (54% vs 17%, p < 0.001) or reported ever having a sexually transmitted disease (29% vs 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. A population-based probability sample of 958 people (454 men and 504 women) aged 15-49 in Jamaica was surveyed during 1993 to monitor health-related behaviors and risk factors. A pre-tested, pre-coded questionnaire was administered by experienced public health workers to obtain information about sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported prevalence of the main chronic disease, and risk behavior associated with the diseases and quality of life. Results revealed that 60% of the studied population visited a private physician the last time they were ill. Based on the prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes, 18% of the women and 8% of the men were hypertensive, while 4.8% of the women and 3.3% of the men were diabetic. Furthermore, 26% of the men and 8% of the women had never had their blood pressure taken. About 40% of the women had never had a Papanicolaou smear, and 29% had never had a breast examination. The men were much more likely than the women to smoke cigarettes or marijuana or drink alcohol. Of particular concern was that 30% of the men and 9% of the women had drunk an excessive amount of alcohol on at least one occasion. Injuries and violence were common, and many persons carried a weapon. This survey also found that the men had multiple sexual partners and that condom use was highest among the young adults. Higher socioeconomic status and educational status generally had a positive effect on health behavior.

[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]