Hypertension rampant among disability community

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is alarmingly common among individuals in the disability community, with medical professionals reporting that the majority of patients seen at a recent health symposium were affected.

“One of the main diagnoses I am seeing among these patients today is hypertension,” said Nurse Asantae Gardener.

“About eight out of 10 persons that are seen are hypertensive. Some of the main contributing factors to this might be economic and the stress that they have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, diet, and a lack of resources and exercise.”

The issue came to light during an Assistive Technology and Health Symposium at the GWest Medical Centre in Montego Bay, St James, on the weekend. The event was organised by the Possibility Ministries, the branch of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica that serves the disability community.

More than 150 individuals – including elderly persons and vulnerable children – received free medical, dental, and counselling services.

Nurse Anastacia Shaw, who also attended to patients, confirmed that hypertension was the most prevalent diagnosis, followed closely by diabetes.

“This has to do with their lifestyle based upon questioning them about their challenges,” Shaw explained.

“They don’t comply with their medication, and their diet is a factor. Some of them don’t have the help and assistance at home to follow through with their regime. There is education at the health centres. I do my education when I see them, but they’re not following through at all.”

Despite access to some medical resources, many in the disability community struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to financial constraints, limited mobility, and lack of support.

Pastor Adrian Cotterell, Possibility Ministries Coordinator at the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, emphasised the church’s commitment to supporting the community.

“We deem it our duty and responsibility to care for the disabled because many of us, from time to time, have some level of disability in our lives. It is the help and support of caring individuals and organisations that will determine the level of comfort or discomfort we experience,” he said.

COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE

The symposium, now in its third year, also marked the 10th anniversary of the ministry’s outreach efforts. It was a collaborative initiative supported by GWest Medical Complex, West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Andrews Memorial Hospital, Peak Dental Surgery, and Heal Medical and Dental Supplies.

Services provided included dental, gynaecology, audiology, and general medical care.

To help manage hypertension among individuals with disabilities, Nurse Gardener recommended increased education on diet and nutrition as well as accessible exercise options.

“Especially for those with physical disabilities who cannot do rigorous activities, they can do minor exercises like lifting a water bottle and moving their hands. Finding resources to make their lives less stressful is key,” she said.

Hypertension is a significant public-health issue in Jamaica. According to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey for 2016-17, one in three Jamaicans are hypertensive – 35.8 per cent women and 31.7 per cent men. Four out of every 10 people with the disease are unaware of their status – 60 per cent men and 26 per cent women.

In 2017, the survey noted, 31.5 per cent of persons in the age group 15-74 had high blood pressure compared to 20.9 per cent in 2001.

With hypertension posing a major threat to persons with disabilities, health professionals and advocates continue to call for more targeted interventions to improve their overall well-being.

editorial@gleanerjm.com