Be Healthy: Know Your Numbers

Among the adult population in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), there is a marked prevalence of diabetes and hypertension; diseases that pose significant public health, and socio-economic challenges, This awareness raised concerns about the prevalence of the diseases among the youth population, and motivated the SVG Retired Nurses Association (SVGRNA) to collaborate with the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT) to conduct the “Be Healthy: Know Your Numbers” research project among college-age students. The tri-fold purpose of the project was to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure and blood sugar levels among the college-aged population in Savageries, the awareness of the youths about the causal factors of the diseases, and encourage healthy lifestyle among the demographic. For this mixed-method research project, both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from a sample of 851 students; 306 were males and 545 were females. The results revealed that a significantly high number of students were diabetic and hypertensive, or were at high risk of getting the diseases on account of their poor dietary and lifestyle practices. The highest readings for both diseases were seen among the males. At the onset of the research, the students were largely apathetic toward the diseases. However, there was noticeable attitudinal change, and demonstrable willingness to make the needed lifestyle changes. The study concluded that mitigating the risks of hypertension and diabetes within the youth community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be achieved through education about the causal factors and implications of the diseases, as well as through targeted interventions delivered by a wide cross-section of stakeholders.