2006-12-31-世界卫生组织-2007_STEPS_Country_Report_Saint_Kitts_and_Nevis_161页_2mb

Summary of St. Kitts 2008 STEPS Survey

Purpose and Methodology

The 2008 STEPS (WHO STEPwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance) survey aimed to monitor non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors among adults aged 25-64 years in St. Kitts. A stratified random sample of 1443 participants was surveyed using standardized questionnaires and physical measurements to assess behavioral and biological risk factors.

Key Findings

Demographic and Risk Factor Prevalence

• Smoking: 8.7% of adults smoked tobacco (16.2% men, 1.1% women).
• Alcohol Use: 29.8% consumed alcohol (higher in men), with high rates of harmful drinking (94% of current drinkers).
• Diet: 97.3% did not meet daily guidelines for fruits/vegetables (mean servings per day <1) .
• Physical Activity: 38.3% had low activity levels, taking most exercise at work.
• Obesity/Hypertension: 78.5% were overweight/obese (BMI ≥25), and 35% had raised blood pressure.

Public Health Concerns

• Over half of adults were at high risk for NCDs, with 45.4% of the under-45 group having three or more risk factors.
• High overweight/obesity and sedentary behavior were widespread, exacerbated by poor dietary habits and alcohol misuse.

Recommendations

• Strengthen surveillance systems for ongoing monitoring.
• Implement prevention programs targeting key risk factors (e.g., tobacco cessation, dietary improvements, physical activity promotion).
• Use media and community-based approaches to increase public awareness.
• Explore integrated management for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

Conclusion

The survey established a baseline for NCD risk monitoring, revealing high prevalence of avoidable risk factors. Urgent public health actions are needed to mitigate future disease burden.