Key result
In a screening campaign of 566 adults in Jamaica, the prevalence of hypertension was 47.3%, with 35.6% of hypertensive patients unaware of their condition and an overall BP control rate of 32%.
Why the study?
Hypertension accounts for a significant disease burden in Jamaica, motivating a screening campaign to raise awareness of the condition.
Cross-Sectional (n=566)
Yes
A 2017 screening campaign in Jamaica revealed a high hypertension prevalence of 47.3%, with suboptimal awareness and control rates, highlighting the need for improved public health interventions.
High HTN prevalence in Jamaican screening supports targeted awareness; leaves open need for control data and intervention trials.
BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN) is responsible for a significant disease burden in Jamaica. We are reporting the results of the 2017 blood pressure (BP) screening campaign May Measurement Month in Jamaica that aimed to increase the awareness of HTN. METHODS: Adults, 18 years old and older, from different parishes of Jamaica were invited to participate during May to June 2017. Demographic data were collected. BP, weight, and height were measured and recorded. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six participants (n = 566) were enrolled, 91.6% (519) from urban areas, and 72.6% (410) were females. The average age was 53.7 (18-95) years old and body mass index was 28.2 ± 6.6 kg/m2. The prevalence of HTN was 47.3% (267/566), without gender or living areas differences (both P > 0.1). Prevalence of HTN was lower in those who self-identified as Interracial ethnicity, in comparison with Afro-Caribbean (33% vs. 48.3%; P = 0.04). About third of the hypertensive patients were not aware of the high BP (89/267; 35.6%). Between hypertensive patients, 64.4% (172/267) were receiving antihypertensive drugs. The rate of BP control was 32% of the hypertensive patients and 50% of those receiving antihypertensive medication. Significant lower BP control was observed between diabetic vs. nondiabetic patients (34.3% vs. 60%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of HTN in this population, especially in patients with diabetes or previous cardiovascular diseases. We report an increase in HTN awareness in Jamaica but more advances need to be performed to increase HTN treatment and control.
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Nwokocha et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=566). Blood pressure screening was evaluated on Prevalence of hypertension. In a screening campaign of 566 adults in Jamaica, the prevalence of hypertension was 47.3%, with 35.6% of hypertensive patients unaware of their condition and an overall BP control rate of 32%.
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