An assessment of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in rural Jamaica

Type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern for the world, especially third world countries. The World Health Organization projects that over the next two decades, the burden of diabetes will increase in developing countries (Alberti & Zimmet, 1998). In Jamaica, Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 20% of the adult population (Ministry of Health, Jamaica, 2005).; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in rural Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and to analyze the trends in diabetes risks compared to national trends. Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BFRSS), a household survey was completed by 897 adult subjects to assess the risks for type 2 diabetes in 18 years or older residents of rural Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Kruskal-Wallis was performed on the data to assess the relationship of the body mass index (BMI) with risk factors for diabetes. Descriptive statistics were used to identify trends in demographic variables.; The results showed that seventy percent of the population surveyed was overweight or obese as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control with a mean BMI of 28.61. Fifteen percent of the population confirmed a diagnosis of diabetes and 20% confirmed a diagnosis of high blood pressure. More than 70% have no health insurance and greater than 50% had not seen the doctor in the last 12 months. The Planning Institute of Jamaica, 2002 reports an annual earning of US {dollar}7,339.80 (JA {dollar}440, 388). This survey showed seventy percent of this population earns less than US {dollar}5,000 (JA {dollar}300,000) annually. The BMI was significantly higher in subjects with family history of diabetes (p = .000), non-vegetarians (p = .035), history of high blood pressure (p = .028), and subjects who had no diabetes education (p = .011). The ME was significantly higher in Protestants than Seventh Day Adventists.; The increased risk for Type 2 diabetes in rural Jamaica's has serious implications given the country's level of economic development and limited primary health care system. A key to cutting costs and eliminating disability associated with diabetes in Jamaica lies in raising public awareness with targeted messages about the seriousness of diabetes risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment.