A Mortality and Morbidity Study in the Petrochemical Community in Trinidad and Tobago

The Caribbean was the first "Global Village", Sugar Plantation doctors were the first Occupational Physicians in the region. This Mortality Study is the first reported study on mortality among petroleum workers in the English Speaking Caribbean. The study population was 5000 workers and 15000 retirees of Petrotrin and its predecessor companies. 1436 death certificates were reviewed during 1979–1990. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer were the top two causes of death. A morbidity study was done in April / May 1997, also a first of its kind. 2339 patient visits made to our medical facilities were analyzed. Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal diseases were the top three conditions presenting. An overview of these two studies are presented as well as a snapshot of a stress survey.