TITLE:
The Prevalence of Smoking in Caribbean Towns and Correlation with Disease States: A Survey
AUTHORS:
Kaeri Mukora, Sixtus Jason Gabriel, Earl Pollard
KEYWORDS:
Smoking, Tobacco, Prevalence, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Smoking continues to be one of the most popular recreational practices despite its known harmful effects. Aim: The purpose of this survey was to assess the prevalence of smoking in the Caribbean and the correlation of smoking with the disease states of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol whose risk is known to be higher among smokers. Findings: Our study found a smoking prevalence of 22% in the population, similar to that reported by the World Health Organization (20%) and a positive correlation between smoking and diabetes. Conclusion: The survey shows that smoking numbers within the population are still high and that smoking increases the risk of certain disease states within smokers. Aggressive global efforts to reduce smoking should continue so as to minimize the negative impact of smoking on health.