May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Jamaica.

There is evidence of an elevated risk of hypertension in populations that are primarily of African origin. Hypertension is predominantly asymptomatic, necessitating increased awareness. May Measurement Month was a descriptive, population-based, cross-sectional study of blood pressure (BP) screening and awareness campaign conducted in 2019 in a sample of 2550 participants (≥18 years) in Jamaica. In total, 1791 (70.2%) of the participants were female, 756 (29.6%) were male, with an average age of 49.3 years, and a body mass index (kg/m2) of 28.5 (6.2). Of all participants, 2289 (89.8%) were black and 154 (6.0%) were of mixed races. Twenty-two (0.9%) had never had their BP measured, whereas 354 (13.9%) had their measurements more than a year ago, and 2129 (83.5%) had measured within the year. Of all 2550 participants, 1055 (41.4%) had hypertension, 69.9% of our subjects with hypertension were aware, whereas only 62.5% were on antihypertensive medication and 27.8% had controlled BP (systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg). Of 660 participants on antihypertensive medication, 44.4% had controlled BP. Two hundred and seventy-six (15.4%) of women reported hypertension in a previous pregnancy. Hypertension with previous pregnancy was positively correlated with current elevation. These results suggest a high rate of raised BP among community dwellers whose hypertension had not been previously diagnosed by a health professional and warrant proactive approaches that promote community-based awareness, and regular measurements.

Suicide in Jamaica: some socio-demographic findings [abstract]

The objective of this study was to examine trends in suicide in Jamaica from 1974 to 2000; socio-demographic variables for suicide over the past 5 years and specific aspects of in the year 2000 were examined. Figures for suicide in Jamaica over the period 1974-2000, provided by the Police Computing Centre, were examined. The trends in respect of suicide methods used, and socio-demographic factors: age, gender, location (urban/rural), over the period 1996 to date were identified, and additionally, 57 cases (51 males, 6 females) of suicide in 2000, to date, were examined via month/ quarter of occurrence, and possible precipitating factors, including mental disorder, stressful life events, and larger social issues. The ages of the suicide cases ranged from 15 to 78 years with a mean age of 40 years. The data were analyzed at the Department of Administrative Computing. The SPSS package was used. There was a marked increase in suicide from 1992. Linear regression indicated a continued increase in suicide over the following three years unless there was appropriate intervention. Hanging emerged as the most commonly used method of suicide by both men (80.4 percent, (n= 41) and women (66.7 percent, (n= 4). Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference between the genders, both choosing hanging over all other methods. Regarding age and method, 100 percent of cases in age groups 20 to 29 years (n= 13) and 70 to 79 years (n= 6) used hanging, while 80 percent of cases in age group 50 to 59 years (n= 5) chose methods other than hanging, including shooting, setting self on fire, drowning, jumping from a height, throat and wrist slashing, and ingestion of poisonous liquids (levels of significance, p= 0.006). (AU)

Suicide in Jamaica: some socio-demographic findings

OBJECTIVES: To examine trends in suicide between 1974 and 2000 and socio-demographic variables for suicide over the past 5 years, highlighting suicide cases for the year 2000. METHODS: Figures for suicide in Jamaica over the period 1974-2000, provided by the Police Computing Center, were examined. This include 57 cases (51 males, 6 females) of suicide for the year 2000. The trends in respect of methods used, age, gender, location (urban/rural), over the period 1996 to date were identified, and, were possible, the cases were examined for possible precipitating factors. The Department of Administrative Computing conducted the data analysis. RESULTS: There was a marked increased in suicide from 1994 to 2000. Linear regression indicated a continued increase in suicide beyond 2000. The primary method of suicide was hanging. In the 57 cases of suicide - age range 15 to 78 years (mean age 40 years)- hanging was the method used by 80.4 percent of males (n=41) and 66.7 percent of females(n=4). Chi-square analysis showed no significant male/female difference. Regarding age and method, all cases in age group 20-29 years (n=13) and 70-79 years (n=6) chose hanging, while 80 percent of cases in age group 50-59 years (n=5) used other methods, viz., shooting, self-immolation, drowning, jumping from a high, throat- and wrist slashing, and ingestion of poisonous liquids (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: More focused prevention/intervention strategies should be provided for persons in identified high-risk age groups (AU)

Consistency of self-reports of sexual activity among young adolescents in Jamaica

Examines consistency of self-reports of sexual activity among young adolescents in Jamaica. Reporting of sexual activity, especially among boys; Highlight of limitations of relying on self-reported data to identify sexually active adolescents.(AU)