Prevalence of prehypertension and its relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Jamaica: Analysis from a cross-sectional survey
2008

Prevalence of Prehypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Jamaica

Sample size: 2012 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Trevor S. Ferguson, Novie O. M. Younger, Marshall K. Tulloch-Reid, Marilyn B. Lawrence Wright, Elizabeth M. Ward, Deanna E. Ashley, Rainford J. Wilks

Primary Institution: Tropical Medicine Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of prehypertension in Jamaica and how is it related to other cardiovascular disease risk factors?

Conclusion

Prehypertension occurs in 30% of Jamaicans and is associated with increased prevalence of other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prehypertension was found in 30% of Jamaicans aged 15-74.
  • Prehypertension was more common in males (35%) than females (25%).
  • 46% of participants were overweight and 19.7% were obese.
  • The study used standardized procedures for health measurements.

Takeaway

About 3 out of 10 people in Jamaica have prehypertension, which means they are at risk for heart problems. It's important for doctors to help these people manage their health.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Jamaica Lifestyle Survey, which included 2012 participants aged 15-74 who completed questionnaires and underwent health measurements.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to missing data, although the proportion was small and did not significantly differ from included participants.

Limitations

The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and there were some missing data for variables used in the analysis.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 15-74 years, with a mean age of 36.3 years; 33.5% were male and 66.5% were female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 27%-33%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-8-20

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