| This dissertation examined the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes of women in rural Jamaica compared to national and international trends. The risk factors were analyzed to identify any lifestyle, socioeconomic and cultural factors affecting quality health outcomes of women in Jamaica. A household survey, The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), completed by 890 women in Clarendon, Jamaica and surrounding areas, was used to assess their risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. The relationship between variables, and the significance of differences, were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Non-parametric tests were used to explore the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and risk factors for diabetes.;It was found that women who did not participate in any physical activities had a significant increase in BMI compared to women who exercised; women with health insurance had a higher BMI, and Seventh Day Adventists had significantly lower BMI's compared to Protestants. More than half of the respondents were overweight. The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in rural Jamaica is complicated by the lack of adequate health insurance, the costs associated with healthcare, the lack of vigorous public awareness campaigns, as well as too few health practitioners, including dieticians and social workers who could meet the need of diabetic women in rural Jamaica.;We concluded that a comprehensive plan, targeting women for reducing their risk factors for diabetes, needs to be implemented. This involves early diagnoses, continuing education for health providers, community mobilization and partnerships with churches, schools, banks, pharmacies and other groups to promote diabetes awareness. These factors will influence knowledge, positive lifestyle changes, early detection, and reduce the financial impact on an economically strained economy in Jamaica. |
