Non-communicable diseases risk factors survey 2014 among University of the West Indies staff, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors among University of the West Indies staff in Trinidad and Tobago. To compare these results with the country’s 2011 NCD risk factor survey. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross sectional prevalence survey utilizing a self-administered questionnaire conducted during April-May 2014. The target population was all staff. Standardized measurements of cardiovascular fitness, weight, height and blood pressure were taken. Data was analyzed and results were compared to the national 2011 NCD survey. RESULTS: Participation was 24.9% (522/2100), 32.4% males (n=169) and 67.6% females (n=353). Among participants, 65.7% (95% CI 58.4, 72.9) of males and 64.7% (95% CI 59.6, 69.7) of females were either overweight or obese, 86.9% (95% CI 83.9, 90.0) ate <5 fruits and vegetables/day. Smoking prevalence was 13.1% (95% CI 7.9, 18.2) and 2.8% (95% CI 1.1, 4.6) for among males vs. females respectively while 39.1% and 7.6% were binge drinkers; One fifth of the participants had blood pressures >140/90, while 6.4% had blood pressures >160/100. The results were similar to the 2011 national risk factor profile. UWI staff smoked less but drank alcohol more frequently. UWI males were more obese and UWI women had higher blood pressure and higher cholesterol compared to the general Trinidad and Tobago population. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed a high prevalence of NCD risk factors among these staff as among the Trinidad and Tobago population. The study revealed opportunities to inform policy on strategies to positively impact the risk factors.