An evaluation of the loss to follow up participants from the sports for health project in grenada: analysis comparing body mass index and waist-to-hip ratios between

Abstract

Background In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) re-emphasized the importance of non-communicable chronic diseases as a neglected global health issue, annually contributing to 36 million deaths. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for more than half of all deaths worldwide, 80% of which occur in low-income and middle-income countries. Many non-communicable chronic diseases share common risk factors, some of which include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and alcohol abuse (WHO, 2013). The WHO has projected a 15% global increase of deaths attributed to non-communicable chronic diseases between 2010 and 2020 due to population growth, population aging and economic, behavioral, occupational and environmental transitions [1]. It has been suggested that perhaps coordinated efforts by national leaders be implemented to strengthen chronic disease prevention and control efforts, which requires an increased commitment by fostering collaborations with partners in the public and private sectors. Rigorous and diverse research and thorough evaluations of existing projects will also enrich our basic understanding of disease causation and the interplay between biological, environmental, and sociocultural contributors to public health [2]. In an effort to combat the rising public health issue, in 2004, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, with the overall goal to prevent chronic diseases by focusing on the main risk factors [3]. In 2010, the first Global Forum of the Non-communicable Disease Network (NCDnet) marked the first time the WHO convened key stakeholder groups to address the large-scale and increasing global health and development burden posed by NCDs [4]. The Chronic Disease Action Group was established with the purpose to inspire, maintain, and monitor implementation of efforts to promote national, regional, and global action to prevent and control non-communicable chronic diseases [5]. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and United Health Group, one of the world’s largest health and well being companies, have forged a collaboration to counter chronic disease by supporting a collaborative global network of centers of excellence (COE) in low and middle income countries throughout the world [6]. In February 2010, a Sports for Health initiative led by the Windward Island Research and Education Foundation included St. George’s University Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine (SGU-DPHPM) and Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) [7] established a series of community-based activities throughout Grenada to begin service activities for prevention of chronic disease prevention. In 2010, WINDREF in collaboration with the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and Special Services Unit (SSU), developed a community based program where citizens of Grenada could access physical training programs and facilities at four population centers at Point Saline, La Sagesse, Grenville, Tanteen and Gouyave. Today, more than 600 persons are actively involved in the program, which provides a cost effective and supportive environment for physical activity [7]. The Sports for Health project in Grenada aims to integrate successful prevention strategies by establishing physical exercise intervention programs, which can be accessed by the entire Grenadian population. The objectives of the program are to establish a collaboration with the training camps, high schools and Grenadian students enrolled at SGU; conduct baseline measurements of health indicators among participants to be monitored over time; introduce sport activities and physical exercise to the different participating groups; develop a sustainable program that is proven to prevent chronic diseases, and to promote well being and overall health. Not only is the Sports for Health project expected to work towards preventing non-communicable chronic disease prevalence in Grenada, it will also provide a means of educating the public about maintaining a healthy lifestyles and promote the overall well-being of Grenadians [7].