2010-12-31-世界卫生组织-2011_STEPS_Country_Report_Trinidad_and_Tobago_160页_1mb

Summary of the PANAMERICAN STEPS Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey in Trinidad and Tobago

Core Content

The PANAMERICAN STEPS Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey in Trinidad and Tobago was conducted to assess the prevalence and patterns of key risk factors for chronic diseases, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The survey was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), the Central Statistical Office (CSO), and the University of the West Indies (UWI). It aimed to provide baseline data for future health planning and to inform public health policies and interventions.

Main Objectives

• To describe the current levels of risk factors for chronic diseases in the population.
• To establish baseline data for tracking trends over time.
• To collect data that can inform health policies, programs, and campaigns.
• To predict future demands on health services.

Key Findings

Demographics

• A total of 2,724 participants aged 15–64 years were surveyed, representing 90.2% of the target population of 3,020 non-institutionalized citizens.
• 40.9% of respondents were male, and 59.1% were female.

Tobacco Use

• 21.1% of the population were current smokers.
  • 33.5% of males vs 9.4% of females.
  • 85.6% of all respondents were daily smokers.
    • 86.9% of males and 81.5% of females.
  • 11.5 manufactured cigarettes per day on average.
    • 12.2 for males and 9.1 for females.
• The mean age at which daily smoking started was 17.4 years.
• 25.6% of males and 27.4% of females were exposed to secondhand smoke in the home or workplace.

Alcohol Consumption

• 40.4% of the population were current drinkers.
  • 50.6% of males vs 30.9% of females.
• The average number of standard drinks per occasion was 4.1.
  • 5.0 for males and 3.0 for females.
• 33.9% of males and 16.8% of females engaged in binge drinking (5+ drinks for males and 4+ for females).

Diet and Nutrition

• 91.0% of the population consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
  • 92.8% of males and 89.3% of females.
• The majority of the population consumes processed foods and high-salt, high-fat, high-sugar, low-fiber diets.

Physical Activity

• Median total physical activity was 42.9 MET-mins/day.
  • Highest among 25–34 year olds (60 MET-mins/day) and lowest among 55–64 year olds (12.9 MET-mins/day).
  • Males were more physically active than females.
• Work-related physical activity accounted for 40.5% of total activity.
• Recreational physical activity was reported at 0 MET-mins/week for both genders.
• Physical inactivity increased with age, reaching 74.8% among those aged 55–64 years.

Chronic Disease Indicators

• BMI was calculated and categorized:
  • Mean BMI for males: 25.6 kg/m²
  • Mean BMI for females: 27.4 kg/m²
  • 55.7% of the population was overweight or obese (BMI ≥25).
    • 59.0% of females vs 52.3% of males.
  • 25.7% of the population was obese, with 31.7% of females vs 19.4% of males.
• High blood pressure prevalence was 26.3% overall.
  • 29.8% of males vs 23.1% of females.
• Elevated cholesterol prevalence was 28.3% in males vs 18.9% in females.
• Diabetes prevalence was 5.1% overall.
  • 14.5% of diabetics were on insulin therapy.
  • 74.3% were on oral medications.

Risk Factors for NCDs

• 51.0% of the population aged 25–64 years had raised risk for NCDs (at least 3 of the 5 risk factors).
• 65.0% of those aged 45–64 years had raised risk.
• 63.1% of males and 67.0% of females in the 45–64 age group had raised risk.
• 1.0% of the population was classified as low risk.

Conclusion

The survey highlights that unhealthy lifestyles are a major contributor to the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) in Trinidad and Tobago. These diseases are now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly among adults. The findings emphasize the need for holistic public health interventions that address modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity. The data will support policy development, health promotion, and health service planning to mitigate the impact of these diseases in the future.

Recommendations

• Implement targeted interventions to reduce tobacco and alcohol use.
• Promote healthier dietary habits through education and policy changes.
• Encourage increased physical activity across all age groups.
• Improve screening and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
• Enhance health awareness campaigns to address the social and environmental determinants of health.

Key Stakeholders

• Ministry of Health
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
• Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC)
• Central Statistical Office (CSO)
• University of the West Indies (UWI)

Methodology Overview

The survey was conducted in three phases:

1. Interview-based questionnaire on health behaviors.
2. Physical measurements (blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference).
3. Biochemical measurements (fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides).

The survey was nationwide, representative, and cross-sectional, with data collection from May to August 2011.