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We surveyed the prevalence of obesity in the general population in Jamaica, and examined the relationship between it and lifestyle. The survey population consisted of 1935 inhabitants, whose body weight, marital status, educational history, and other obesity-associated lifestyle factors were surveyed. Six major findings emerged. The first finding is that the proportion of obesity in women was very high, and there was a big gender difference. Secondly, a lower prevalence towards obesity was associated with cohabitation of the subjects in both genders, and higher educational levels in female subjects. Thirdly, the proportion of the subjects who considered their weight to be quite acceptable was higher in the obese/overweight groups in both genders, although they felt physically unfit. Fourthly, exercise frequency showed a negative correlation with the body mass index (BMI) in men but not in women, and the frequency of exercising was apparently lower in women than in men. Fifthly, as for dietary factors, in both genders, vegetables showed a negative correlation with the BMI. Finally, non-smokers were also associated with a lower obesity prevalence in men. These findings suggest that social and lifestyle factors such as the educational level, marital status and dietary habits of the general population influence Jamaican obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A five-(5) year Joint Technical Cooperation Project between the Government of Jamaica and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was implemented with an overall goal of improving the health status of the Jamaican population by strengthening the function of the regional health system in Southern Jamaica. A joint project management team was established, comprised of Jamaican and Japanese counterparts working side by side for the duration of the project. Early activities focused on a needs analysis of organizational capacity, human resource skills, clinical activities and community lifestyles, especially in relationship to the prevention of Chronic Lifestyle Diseases (CLDs). Guided by findings from this analysis, a disease prevention model (including a mobile clinic) was first established in the parish of Manchester and then extended to the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. Concurrently, capacity building and staff training activities were implemented with both Jamaican and Japanese inputs. The disease prevention model including free health screening (BP and BMI,) was established as planned, first in the parish of Manchester with subsequent extensions to Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. A total of 5,539 clients were seen at the end of December 2002. In spite of financial and human resource constraints (on the Jamaican side) all planned outputs were achieved although some (e.g. mobile clinic in Clarendon) were achieved later than projected dates. A detailed evaluation of lifestyle changes is pending. However, anecdotal evidence suggests positive changes among staff and clients (including community groups). The intervention facilitated strengthening of chronic lifestyle disease prevention at the community level through capacity building and human resources training which included strengthening the pioneering approach of Community Health Aide (CHA) involvement in health screening and promotion. The method of technical transfer undoubtedly played an integral role in the success of the project and could be seriously considered as an approach in other CARICOM countries with similar chronic disease challenges.Objective: To document the Joint Technical Cooperation Project between Jamaica and Japan on strengthening health care in the Southern Region. Method: Within an overall goal of improving the health status of the Jamaican population by strengthening the function of the regional health system, a joint project management team was established, which comprised of Jamaican and Japanese counterparts working side by side, for the duration of the project. Early activities focused on a need analysis of organizational capacity, human resource skills, clinical activities and community lifestyles, especially in relationship to the prevention of Chronic Lifestyle Diseases (CLDs). Guided by findings from this analysis, a disease prevention model was first established in the parish of Manchester and then extended to the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. Concurrently, capacity-building and staff-training activities were implemented with both Jamaican and Japanese inputs. Achievements/Outcomes: The disease prevention model, including free health screening (BP and BMI), was established as planned, first in the parish of Manchester with subsequent extensions to Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. A total of 5539 clients were seen at the end of December 2002. In spite of financial and human resource constraints (on the Jamaican side), all planned outputs were achieved, although some (e.g., mobile clinic in Clarendon) were achieved later than projected dates. A detailed evaluation of lifestyle changes is pending. However, anecdotal evidence suggests positive changes among staff and clients (including community groups). Conclusion: This intervention facilitated the strengthening of chronic lifestyle disease prevention at the community level through capacity building and human resource training, which included strengthening the pioneering approach of Community Health Aide (CHA) involvement in health screening and promotion. The method of technical transfer undoubtedly played an integral role in the success of the project and could be seriously considered as an approach in other CARICOM countries with similar chronic disease challenges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]