Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117199

Catherine W. Gribbin, MPH¹, Lucia C. McLendon, MPH¹, Shunling Tsang, MPH¹, Peter J. Lee, MPH¹, and Theresa J. McCann, MPH, PhD². (1) School of Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, St. George's, Grenada, 473-533-7155, gricat@sgu.edu, (2) School of Medicine, Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, University Centre, St. George's, Grenada

Introduction: Epidemiological research has identified hypertension and diabetes as the chronic conditions of greatest concern in the English-speaking West Indies. Most research on chronic disease in this region has been limited to the study of the populations of Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados. This research will examine a population of rural Grenadians with respect to type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevalence.

Methods: Using survey data, we will analyze diabetes and hypertension prevalence, education levels, complications, and disease management in light of the recent national disaster brought on by Hurricane Ivan. Diabetes management will be assessed by HbA_1C results for long-term evaluation and blood glucose levels for short-term monitoring. Participants will be followed over a three-month time period.

Results: This research study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetes type II mellitus and hypertension within three rural communities in the Parish of St. David. The research will also investigate the process of disease management after a natural disaster.

Discussion: We anticipate poor disease management and greater complications in diabetic and hypertensive patients in the months directly following the hurricane when access to healthcare and the availability of medication (and refrigeration) was reduced. With increased contact with healthcare providers we hope to observe increased adherence to prescribed diabetes treatment regiments.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze diabetes and hypertension prevalence within post-disaster rural settings
• Describe post-disaster diabetes management using HbA1C to monitor blood glucose over a three month period
• Discuss post-disaster complications in management of diabetes and hypertension
• Evaluate adherence to prescribed diabetes treatment regiments in rural settings with increased contact with healthcare providers

Keywords: Diabetes, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.