What is called a “STEPS Survey” is underway in Anguilla. It is explained as “a simple standardised tool for collecting data on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs and their risk factors”. Further, “the survey enables countries to have reliable information and also helps to guide health service approaches and disease prevention initiatives”.
The Anguilla STEPS Survey was launched on Friday, May 13, at the Agricultural Grounds. Health Planner and Coordinator of the survey, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams, explained the reason for the undertaking. She said in part:
“Over the past few decades, the epidemiological transmission from communicable to non-communicable diseases in our region has been driven by ageing of population; development and significant changes in life-style and dietary patterns. These social and demographical changes have contributed to increasing prevalence of common modifiable risk factors for NCDS. These include hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, obesity as well as behavioural factors such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.”
She stressed that the control of the epidemics of NCDS is primary prevention as quickly as possible. “Have no doubt, they are entrenched in Anguilla,” she declared. She noted for example that the School Health Report for 2014, indicated that of some 220 grade six children examined, 14% were overweight and 23% were obese. “I want you to know that risk factors of today, predict the disease of tomorrow,” she stated.
The Health Planner continued: “The 2016 Anguilla STEPS Survey is based on the World Health Organisation’s approach to surveillance for chronic diseases and their risk factors …The survey is a population-based cross-sectional survey of persons 18-69 years old. With the assistance of the Anguilla Statistics Department, and partners – the Caribbean Public Health Agency – 285 samples were determined to give us results that can be generalised – and reflective of the total population.
“The data for the STEPS Survey will be conducted in home settings and will move along a sequential three-step process. Step one is an interview-based questionnaire on selected major health risks behaviours including smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit & vegetable consumption and physical activity. Step two will …focus on …blood pressure, body mass and waste girth circumference. Step three will look at the bio-chemical measures… including fasting, blood glucose and blood lipids.
“The training for the interviewers will be held from May 17 to 21 and will be conducted by key partners – the Caribbean Public Health Agency… Two weeks following the training, the interviewers will be in the field at homes at the end of May for approximately 60 days. So we are going on until the end of July, before the start of carnival.”
Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary and a Diabetes Champion, reported that he had recently attended a health forum which provided an opportunity for Governments around the world, along with key health agencies, to discuss progress in responding to the diabetes epidemic and to identify where additional action was needed.
“My participation gave me an insight into the immense global crisis of the chronic non-communicable diseases including diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, cancer and lung disease,” he went on. “The statistics are alarming. The NCDs are steadily increasing around the world – accounting for 38 million deaths each year. Developing countries are bearing much of the cost with 80% of this occurring in these countries. The World Health Organisation reported that NCDs are expected to cause three-quarters of the disease burden by 2030. NCDs cause untold pain, suffering, disability, and hardship, for millions around the world…
In 2014, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer and complications of diabetes were the three leading causes of death in Anguilla. In the 2014 report, by the Chief Medical Officer of Anguilla, chronic non-communicable diseases were responsible for approximately 50% of all deaths in Anguilla; and 27% of those deaths were of persons under the age of 70. Between 2014 and 2015 the number of clients on dialysis increased from 20 to 25, representing a 20% increase. Furthermore, all clients were diabetic, hypertensive or both. In any given year, the local treatment cost for the major NCDs exceeds 50% of total health cost. The Government of Anguilla recognises NCDs as a serious and palpable threat to Anguilla’s development through loss productivity and spiralling healthcare cost.”
It is for this and other reasons that Mr. Connor emphasised the Government’s commitment to the STEPS Survey which is co-funded by the Pan American Health Organisation.
Mr. Connor’s address was followed by the unveiling of a billboard to sensitise the Anguillian public about the importance of the STEPS Survey. The unveiling was performed by Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, Permanent Secretary, Health & Social Development.
The event was chaired by Mrs. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, Director of the National Chronic Disease Unit.
