O-97 Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in Jamaica
Author(s):
C Cunningham-Myrie , N Guthrie-Dixon , N Younger-Coleman , L Deliah-Salmon , A Wright , TS Ferguson , R Wilks
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To a) provide estimates and examine trends of
the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of Hypertension (HTN) in Jamaica and b) identify whether select
cardiovascular factors were associated with each outcome.
Methods: Data were analyzed from the cross-sectional nationally representative Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Surveys (JHLSs) spanning 2001 to 2017 among individuals aged 15–74 years. The primary outcome variables were prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of HTN. Sample sizes for each survey were JHLS I – 1998, JHLS II - 2848 and JHLS III - 2807.
Results: HTN prevalence increased significantly from 22.1% (95% CI: 20.4, 23.8) in 2000 to 25.9% (95% CI: 24.0, 27.9) in 2008, to 35.3% (95% CI: 33.4, 37.2) in 2017 (Ptrend <0.001). Treatment proportions trends: 76.1% (95% CI: 69.6, 81.6) in 2000; 80.0% (95% CI: 75.4, 83.9) in 2008; 68.1 (95% CI: 63.6, 72.2) (Ptrend <0.01). HTN proportions control trends: 35.8% (95% CI: 29.7, 42.3) in 2000; 41.7% (95% CI: 36.3, 47.4) in 2008; to 29.6% (95% CI: 24.7, 35.0) (Ptrend <0.05). HTN prevalence increased among females, (Ptrend <0.001), persons with less than high school education, rural residents, normal Body Mass Index (BMI), engaged in low Physical Activity (PA) levels, and who did not use table salt (Ptrend 0.001); for those in the 15–24-year-old group the P for trend was <0.01. HTN control decreased significantly (Ptrend <0.05) among persons who engaged in moderate intensity PA and who never smoked. No statistically significant changes in HTN control were noted by sex, age group, education, area of residence or BMI groupings.
Conclusion: From 2000 to 2017, hypertension prevalence increased while its control proportions decreased. Further analysis of the data, as well as additional studies, will provide better insight as to the risk factors and provide actionable data for policymakers and programme planners.