The Jamaican Diabetes Survey: A protocol for the Caribbean

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study was designed to investigate the point prevalence of diabetes in Jamaica. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A two-stage stratified random sampling design was used, and individuals aged 15 years and over were interviewed. Nonresponse was documented and factored into the final analysis of the survey data. The overall response rate obtained was 57.9%. All subjects with fasting blood glucose (FBG) > 6.1 mmol/1 (110 mg/dl) were brought back for an abbreviated glucose tolerance test. The data was analyzed using Epi 5, an advanced statistical program designed specifically for use with epidemiological data. RESULTS The 2,109 subjects who participated were the basis for estimates of diabetes and IGT prevalence. Among those with previously diagnosed diabetes, diet therapy alone, oral hypoglycemic agents plus diet therapy, insulin therapy, and lack of treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS By the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, Jamaica has a point prevalence of diabetes of 17.9% in the 15-and-over age-group.