Date of Conferral

12-18-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Nancy Rea

Abstract

Globally, diabetes is one of the most prevalent and challenging disorders. In Jamaica, the prevalence of the disease has increased by 42% since 2001. This study explored the connection between household socioeconomic status, modifiable risk factors, and diabetes status among adults in Jamaica using the social-ecological model. The study explored whether household socioeconomic status and modifiable risk factors were associated with diabetes and whether they predicted diabetes among Jamaican adults. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to analyze data with 11,206 respondents from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions 2019 dataset. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between the modifiable risk factor hypertension (p < .001) and the household socioeconomic factors of location (p < .001), health insurance coverage (p < .05), and social welfare/financial support (p < .001). The odds of a diagnosis of diabetes were associated with hypertension (OR=3.729), location (OR=0.324), social welfare/financial support (OR=0.572), and health insurance (OR=0.763) after controlling for age, gender, education, and employment. The findings suggest that individuals with hypertension were three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Participants on social welfare/financial support, those living in urban areas, and those with health insurance are less likely to have diabetes, at 43%, 68%, and 24% respectively. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based interventions, including public education, lifestyle changes, early screening, and dietary policies, to address diabetes prevalence in Jamaica.

Download

Share

 
COinS