Non-communicable diseases in an older, aging population: a developing country perspective (Jamaica).
Changes in the non-communicable disease (NCD) profile of older adults living in a rapidly-aging, developing country are described.


METHODS
Data from a 2012 nationally representative survey of 2,943 older adults were used to determine the burden of NCDs important to elder health. Additionally, the percentage change in NCD prevalence over a 23-year period (1989-2012) was determined.


RESULTS
In 2012, approximately 75.3% of the sample reported at least one NCD; 47.5% reported comorbidities. High blood pressure (61%), arthritis (35%) and diabetes (26%) were the most reported conditions, peaking in the 70-79 age group. Females reported higher rates of disease than males. Significant increases in prevalence occurred for all conditions except arthritis; the most significant were in diabetes (157%) and cancer (118%).


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid increases in NCDs are of great public health importance. Strengthening of primary health care and improvements in human resources must occur if the well-being of older adults is to be improved.
K
K
Mitchell-Fearon
N
N
Waldron
H
H
Laws
K
K
James
D
D
Holder-Nevins
D
D
Willie-Tyndale
D
D
Eldemire-Shearer
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011157:Population Dynamics; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires