title: Ageing in place: implications of morbidity patterns among older persons--findings from a cross-sectional study in a developing country (Jamaica).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes morbidity patterns among older people, relevant health-care resources in a localised population in a developing country (Jamaica) and implications for ageing in place in the community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Local morbidity patterns among older people were determined in Jamaica from a 2007 cross-sectional study involving record searches at major hospitals and clinics. Age-specific morbidity distributions were compiled. Data on health-care staff complement were also collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Non-communicable diseases predominate in older people in Jamaica; 50% of diagnoses related to cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Staff-to-population ratios were low compared with other international data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high prevalence of non-communicable disease coupled with inadequate staffing threatens the likelihood of ageing in place in the Jamaican community. Secondary prevention efforts and social support services which enhance ageing in place are needed.
authors.affiliation: Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. jameshighfly@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Desmalee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Holder-Nevins
authors.forename: Chloe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Eldemire-Shearer
authors.forename: Jeneva
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Hazel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Laws
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D015995:Prevalence; D012944:Social Support