Census Finds Widespread Diabetes, Hypertension In Saint Lucia

The 2022 Saint Lucia population census has raised concern over the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among the populace, disclosing that they rank as the highest Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Of particular concern were the number of diabetes cases in Castries (2,916) and Gros Islet (1,347), which account for a significant portion of the total 8,740 cases across the entire population. Castries also leads in hypertension with 6,711 cases, followed by Gros Islet with 3,222, Vieux Fort – with 1,880, and Micoud with 1,826. “This raises concerns about the widespread occurrence of these NCDs and their impact on the population, productivity, mental factors such as stress and depression, resource constraints, diet, and lifestyle,” the Population Census Report observed. The report also noted the high prevalence of medical conditions such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and depression in the Castries enumeration district. It stated that this places pressure on the healthcare infrastructure, particularly for access to specialized care, improved socioeconomic conditions, and removal of barriers to healthcare. Of the 1,276 cases of depression the census recorded, Castries accounted for 407. The article Census Finds Widespread Diabetes, Hypertension In Saint Lucia is from St. Lucia Times.