KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive national health survey reveals hypertension, asthma, and diabetes as the predominant non-communicable diseases affecting Jamaica’s population, with significant disparities across demographic groups. The 2023 Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, jointly published by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica and the Planning Institute of Jamaica, provides critical insights into the nation’s health challenges.
The study indicates that approximately 23.6% of Jamaicans reported at least one NCD, showing a decrease from 26.8% in 2021. Elderly citizens aged 60 and above demonstrated the highest prevalence at 62.7%, while females reported higher rates (27.9%) compared to males (19.3%). Specifically, hypertension affects 12.4% of the population, followed by asthma at 6.1% and diabetes at 5.1%.
Concerningly, 7.3% of Jamaicans reported multiple chronic conditions, with higher rates among women (9.5%) and the elderly (31.5%). The survey also noted a positive trend in reduced illness reports, with only 4.1% of respondents reporting sickness or injury during the four-week reference period—a significant decline from 9.0% in 2017.
However, healthcare seeking behavior shows concerning patterns. Among those reporting illness or injury, only 61.8% sought medical care in 2023, down substantially from 76.6% in 2021. Private facilities were preferred by 68.3% of those seeking care, while only 31.7% utilized public health services exclusively.
The survey further revealed inadequate health insurance coverage nationally at just 20.1%, with stark regional disparities. The Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area showed higher coverage at 32.6%, while the wealthiest quintile reached 40.1%. Age-based analysis indicated highest coverage among 50-59 year-olds (25.7%) and lowest among adolescents 10-19 years (12.4%).