2012-12-31-世界卫生组织-2013-2014_STEPS_Country_Report_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines_73页_1mb

National Health & Nutrition Survey (NHNS) Summary for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (March 2015)

Overview

• This report presents the first WHO STEPS Surveillance for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known as the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS).
• NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, and kidney diseases contribute to 60–70% of all deaths and are increasing in prevalence.

Key Findings

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

• Tobacco: 12% of adults (21.9% of males) are current smokers; daily smokers initiate smoking at an average age of 16.4 years. Most smokers use manufactured cigarettes.
• Alcohol: 49% of adults are current drinkers; 9% engage in heavy episodic drinking (six or more drinks at once), higher among males.

Diet

• Fruits and Vegetables: Average daily intake is 1.7 servings (insufficient compared to WHO's 5 servings recommendation). Only 5.1% meet the daily recommendation.
• Salt and Fats: Improved choices in oils, but half add salt when cooking or eating; many consume processed foods high in salt.
• Vegetable Oil: Most commonly used (73.8%), considered healthier than trans fats or saturated fats.

Physical Activity

• Insufficient Activity: 24.4% do not meet WHO's recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
• Overall Activity: Males are more active than females; leisure activity is the least common.

Body Measurements

• BMI and Obesity: Mean BMI is 26.8 kg/m², with 54.2% classified as overweight and 26.9% as obese. Obesity is more common among females.
• Waist Circumference: Males: 85.8 cm (females: 93.2 cm), indicating central adiposity.
• Blood Pressure: 20.1% have raised BP, with higher rates among users of BP medication. Sedentary behavior is a concern.

Biochemical Markers

• Raised Blood Glucose: 6.9% have diabetes or are on medication; 2.0% have impaired fasting glycaemia.
• Cholesterol: 20.7% have raised cholesterol levels; mean HDL is low, increasing heart disease risk.

Recommendations

• Policy: Enforce tobacco and alcohol regulations, update dietary guidelines, and promote school-based wellness programs.
• Advocacy: Raise public awareness through media campaigns and community programs.
• Risk Reduction: Address smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, fruit/vegetable intake, and physical activity promotion.
• Surveillance: Conduct repeat surveys in 5–7 years to track trends and evaluate interventions.

The survey highlights the urgent need for multi-sectoral action to reduce NCD risk factors.