RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemiain a nationally representative sample of adults aged ¡Ý 40years in Trinidad and Tobago. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (NESTT) was a population-based, nationally representative cross-sectional survey conductedin 2013¨C2014. Randomized multistage cluster sampling with probability-proportionate-to-size methods was used to select 4200 people aged ¡Ý 40 years from 120 clusters. A standardized interview included socio-economic and demographic variables. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination included anthropometry with measurement of fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, capillary blood glucose,HbA1c (if diabetic) and waist circumference. RESULTS: A total of 3592 (84.6%) adults aged ¡Ý 40 years participated in a basic screening interview and 2801 (61%)had a comprehensive clinic assessment. The demographic characteristics of participants were similar to the 2011 national census. The crude prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 34.4% (95% CI: 32.8, 36%), diabetes was 21.0% (95% CI: 19.72, 22.38%) and hypercholesterolaemiawas 21.2% (95% CI: 19.7, 22.7%). Combining self-reported and newly diagnosed diabetes, prevalence increased to 23.94% (95% CI: 22.57, 25.36%). The meanHbA1c in patients with diabetes was 8.25 (SD 2.25); 43% never had a retinal examination and about one-third was onlipid-lowering therapy. CONCLUSION: The self-reported prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in Trinidad and Tobago remains high and acceptable targets for control of diabetes and hypertension are not currently being achieved. There is a strong case for improved screening for and treatmentof risk factors in the population ¡Ý 40 years