Population Of Barbados Research Articles

Levels of genetic differentiation and gene flow between four populations of the Scaly-naped Pigeon, Patagioenas squamosa: implications for conservation

ABSTRACT Island-endemic columbid species are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, extreme climatic events, and interactions with exotic species. The situation might be even more critical in the case of exploited species, where legal hunting and poaching can severely affect population dynamics. Here we document for the first time the genetic structure of the Scaly-naped Pigeon, Patagioenas squamosa, a Caribbean-endemic columbid species of cynegetic interest, over a large part of its range. Using both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear markers (microsatellites), we investigated gene flow, genetic diversity, and genetic structure among four islands populations originating from Puerto-Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Barbados. We found evidence for a significant genetic differentiation only between the Barbados and the three other populations, consistent with the fact that the Barbados population originated from a few captive individuals escaped from a rooftop aviary in Bridgetown about 100 years ago. Given the absence of genetic differentiation between Puerto Rico and the French Antilles, our results suggest that, apart from Barbados, the species may mainly consist of a single large, homogeneous population. We discuss the relevance of our findings in relation to management and conservation issues.

Inducing remission of Type 2 diabetes in the Caribbean: findings from a mixed methods feasibility study of a low-calorie liquid diet-based intervention in Barbados.

In a high proportion of people with recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, a short (2-3-month) low-calorie diet is able to restore normal glucose and insulin metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of this approach in Barbados. Twenty-five individuals with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed within past 6 years, not on insulin, BMI ≥27kg/m2 were recruited. Hypoglycaemic medication was stopped on commencement of the 8-week liquid (760 calorie) diet. Insulin response was assessed in meal tests at baseline, 8weeks and 8months. Semi-structured interviews, analysed thematically, explored participants' experiences. 'Responders' were those with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <7mmol/l at 8weeks. Ten men and 15 women (mean age 48, range 26-68years) participated. Mean (sd) BMI was 34.2kg/m2 (6.0); FPG 9.2mmol/l (2.2). Mean weight loss at 8weeks and 8 months was 10.1kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1, 12.0] and 8.2kg (95% CI 5.8, 10.6); FPG was lower by 2.2mmol/l (95% CI 1.2, 3.2) and 1.7mmol/l (95% CI 0.8, 2.7) respectively. Nine of 11 (82%) of those who lost ≥10kg were 'responders' compared with 6 of 14 (43%) who lost <10kg (P=0.048). The 30-min insulin increment was higher in responders at baseline and follow-up (P≤0.01). A food culture based on starchy foods and pressures to eat large amounts at social events were among the challenges identified by participants. The feasibility of this approach to weight loss and diabetes remission in a predominantly black population in Barbados was demonstrated.

A cross-sectional study of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in a Caribbean population: combining objective and questionnaire data to guide future interventions.

BackgroundCurrent understanding of population physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behaviour in developing countries is limited, and based primarily on self-report. We described PA levels using objective and self-report methods in a developing country population.MethodsPA was assessed in a cross-sectional, representative sample of the population of Barbados (25–54 years), using a validated questionnaire (RPAQ) and individually calibrated combined heart rate and movement sensing monitors. The RPAQ collects information on recalled activity in 4 domains: home, work, transport, and leisure. Physical inactivity was defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines; sedentary lifestyle was defined as being sedentary for 8 h or more daily; PA overestimation was defined as perceiving activity to be sufficient, when classified as ‘inactive’ by objective measurement.ResultsAccording to objective estimates, 90.5 % (95 % CI: 83.3,94.7) of women and 58.9 % (48.4,68.7) of men did not accumulate sufficient activity to meet WHO minimum recommendations. Overall, 50.7 % (43.3,58.1) of the population was sedentary for 8 h or more each day, and 60.1 % (52.8,66.9) overestimated their activity levels. The prevalence of inactivity was underestimated by self-report in both genders by 28 percentage points (95 % CI: 18,38), but the accuracy of reporting differed by age group, education level, occupational grade, and overweight/obesity status. Low PA was greater in more socially privileged groups: higher educational level and higher occupational grade were both associated with less objectively measured PA and more sedentary time. Variation in domain-specific self-reported physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) by educational attainment was observed: higher education level was associated with more leisure activity and less occupational activity. Occupational PA was the main driver of PAEE for women and men according to self-report, contributing 57 % (95 % CI: 52,61). The most popular leisure activities for both genders were walking and gardening.ConclusionsThe use of both objective and self-report methods to assess PA and sedentary behaviour provides important complementary information to guide public health programmes. Our results emphasize the urgent need to increase PA and reduce sedentary time in this developing country population. Women and those with higher social economic position are particularly at risk from low levels of physical activity.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3689-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Social distribution of diabetes, hypertension and related risk factors in Barbados: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo describe the distribution of diabetes, hypertension and related behavioural and biological risk factors in adults in Barbados by gender, education and occupation.DesignMultistage probability sampling was used to select a...

English

Objective: The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a prescription-only drug in Barbados. Knowledge attitudes and practices with regards to ECPs are uncertain. Methods: Women aged 18-44 years attending three public sector polyclinics completed a questionnaire. Quota sampling was done in proportion to clinic size and age distribution of the Barbados population. Results: Of 378 respondents (response rate 91% median age 31 years) 86% were previously pregnant 17 22 47 and 15% had 0 1 2-3 and >/= 4 children respectively; 52% had used contraception at last intercourse 26% would be happy if they became pregnant 29% reported a termination of pregnancy 43% were aware that ECPs existed and could be used to prevent pregnancy after intercourse and 14% had used ECPs. Of the 162 women who knew ECPs existed 32% thought it needed to be used within one day. Women 36 to 44 years of age were less likely to have used ECPs than younger women (p = 0.03). Most users (66%) obtained the pill directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. After receiving information that the ECP exists 243 women (64%) would or might use it if necessary with 42% preferring to obtain it without a prescription from a pharmacy. Those concerned that ECPs caused abortions were less willing to use it compared to those who were not (30% vs 74% p < 0.001). Conclusions: Awareness and use of ECPs are low. Education on mode of action and time limit for use and non-prescription access are needed.

Metatranscriptomic analysis of diminutive Thiomargarita-like bacteria ("Candidatus Thiopilula" spp.) from abyssal cold seeps of the Barbados Accretionary Prism.

Large sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in the family Beggiatoaceae are important players in the global sulfur cycle. This group contains members of the well-known genera Beggiatoa, Thioploca, and Thiomargarita but also recently identified and relatively unknown candidate taxa, including "Candidatus Thiopilula" spp. and "Ca. Thiophysa" spp. We discovered a population of "Ca. Thiopilula" spp. colonizing cold seeps near Barbados at a ∼4.7-km water depth. The Barbados population consists of spherical cells that are morphologically similar to Thiomargarita spp., with elemental sulfur inclusions and a central vacuole, but have much smaller cell diameters (5 to 40 μm). Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed that when exposed to anoxic sulfidic conditions, Barbados "Ca. Thiopilula" organisms expressed genes for the oxidation of elemental sulfur and the reduction of nitrogenous compounds, consistent with their vacuolated morphology and intracellular sulfur storage capability. Metatranscriptomic analysis further revealed that anaerobic methane-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing organisms were active in the sediment, which likely provided reduced sulfur substrates for "Ca. Thiopilula" and other sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms in the community. The novel observations of "Ca. Thiopilula" and associated organisms reported here expand our knowledge of the globally distributed and ecologically successful Beggiatoaceae group and thus offer insight into the composition and ecology of deep cold seep microbial communities.

Why buy when we can pirate? The role of intentions and willingness to pay in predicting piracy behavior

Purpose – Digital piracy is one of the most popular forms of intellectual property theft and is currently recognized as a crime in several countries. This begs the question, if persons are fully informed that digital file sharing is a crime and, if caught, can be legally prosecuted, why do individuals opt to engage in such criminal behaviour? The purpose of the paper is to determine the psychological, social and economic factors influencing digital piracy. Understanding the social and psychological features of digital pirates is necessary if effected strategies are to be developed to deter the practice of digital piracy. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, a representative sample drawn from the population of Barbados was surveyed. The conceptual models were estimated using ordinary least squares multiple regression, Tobit estimation and quantile regression. Findings – The results suggest that intentions and willingness to pay (WTP) both have a significant impact on digital piracy. Intentions are in turn influenced by the pirate's attitude, perceived consequences, ethics, education level and environment. Finally, a facilitating environment and perceived importance of the piracy issue help to predict’ WTP for digital products. Originality/value – To the best of the knowledge, no other study has combined notions from attitude/values/behaviour with that of WTP. Yet, the literature would suggest that they both have significant impacts on the quantity of digital goods that are pirated. It is possible that not modelling their joint impact could have resulted in loss of vital information.

Ten Year Trends in Community HIV Viral Load in Barbados: Implications for Treatment as Prevention

BackgroundTreatment as prevention is a paradigm in HIV medicine which describes the public health benefit of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is based on research showing substantial reductions in the risk of HIV transmission in persons with optimally suppressed HIV-1 Viral Loads (VL). The present study describes ten year VL trends at the national HIV treatment unit and estimates VL suppression at a population level in Barbados, a Caribbean island with a population of 277,000, an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 1.2%, and served by a single treatment unit.MethodsThe national HIV treatment centre of the Barbados Ministry of Health has a client VL database extending back to inception of the clinic in 2002 (n = 1,462 clients, n = 17,067 VL measurements). Optimal VL suppression was defined at a threshold value of ≤200 viral copies/mL.ResultsAnalysis of VL trends showed a statistically significant improvement in VL suppression between 2002 to 2011, from 33.6% of clients achieving the 200 copies/mL threshold in 2002 to 70.3% in 2011 (P<0.001). Taking into account the proportion of clients alive and in care and on ART, the known diagnosed HIV population in Barbados, and estimates of unknown HIV infections, this translates into an estimated 26.2% VL suppression at a population level at the end of 2010.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated a significant trend towards optimal VL suppression in clients utilizing the services of the national HIV treatment program in Barbados over a 10-year period. Estimates of VL suppression at a population level are similar to reports in developed countries that applied similar methodologies and this could suggest a public health benefit of ART in minimizing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. Continued efforts are warranted to extend HIV testing to hidden populations in Barbados and linking infected persons to care earlier in their disease.

Urologic characteristics and sexual behaviors associated with prostate cancer in an african-Caribbean population in barbados, west indies.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the principal malignancy affecting African descent men in the Caribbean and the USA. Disparities in incidence, prevalence, and mortality in these populations are poorly understood. We evaluated the urologic characteristics and sexual behaviors of men with histologically confirmed PC (cases) and age-matched controls in the nationwide Prostate Cancer in a Black Population (PCBP) study conducted in Barbados. Cases were around 1.5 to 3 times more likely to report symptoms of prostatic enlargement, hematuria/hematospermia, and previous prostatitis. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were similar among cases (24.5%) and controls (26.7%). First sexual intercourse before the age of 16 was associated with an increased likelihood of both low- (Gleason score < 7; OR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.03–1.66) and high-grade PC (Gleason score ≥ 7; OR 1.82; 1.11–2.99). PC risk decreased with later age of sexual debut (P-trend = 0.004). More lifetime sexual partners was associated with increased odds of high grade PC (P-trend = 0.02). The contribution of sexual behaviors to the development and the outcomes of PC is likely due to multiple mechanisms, and further study will be necessary to elucidate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms in this and similar populations.

Role of rs1533428 and rs12994401 in patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in an European population

Purpose: Genetic factors have been shown to play a remarkable role in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Recently, two polymorphisms (rs1533428 and rs12994401) on chromosome 2p were found to be strongly associated with POAG in an Afro-Caribbean population in Barbados, West Indies. As data with regard to the role of these polymorphisms in a Caucasian population are lacking, the present study was set to investigate a hypothetical association between these polymorphisms and POAG in a Caucasian population.Methods: In total 723 participants were included in this study comprising 366 patients with POAG and 357 control subjects from the southern part of Austria. Genotyping of rs1533428 and rs12994401 was performed using polymerase chain reaction.Results: Allelic frequencies and genotype distributions of rs1533428 and rs12994401 did not show statistical significance between patients with POAG and control subjects (p < 0.05). Presence of the rs1533428 T-allele was associated with an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.76–1.19; p = 0.69) for POAG, while the rs12994401 T-allele was associated with an odds ratio of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.73–1.21; p = 0.65) for POAG.Conclusion: Our data suggest that rs1533428 and rs12994401 themselves are unlikely major risk factors for POAG in a Central European population.

Risk Assessment Scores in ACS Improve Clinical Outcomes

The importance of using risk screening assessment tools to guide therapeutic management of patients cannot be underestimated [Scruth EA et al. Clin Nurse Spec 2012]. This article presents a comparison and validation of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI), Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), and front-door risk scores in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population in Barbados.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in an African Caribbean population: incidence, clinical manifestations, and survival in the Barbados National Lupus Registry.

To assess the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the predominantly African Caribbean population of Barbados. A national registry of all patients diagnosed with SLE was established in 2007. Complete case ascertainment was facilitated by collaboration with the island's sole rheumatology service, medical practitioners, and the lupus advocacy group. Informed consent was required for inclusion. Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009, there were 183 new cases of SLE (98% African Caribbean) affecting 172 women and 11 men for unadjusted annual incidence rates of 12.21 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10.46-14.18) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.42-1.51) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Excluding pediatric cases (ages <18 years), the unadjusted incidence rate among women was 15.14 per 100,000 person-years. The principal presenting manifestations were arthritis (84%), nephritis (47%), pleuritis (41.5%), malar rash (36.4%), and discoid lesions (33.1%). Antinuclear antibody positivity was 95%. The overall 5-year survival rate was 79.9% (95% CI 69.6-87.1), decreasing to 68% in patients with nephritis. A total of 226 persons with SLE were alive at the end of the study for point prevalences of 152.6 (95% CI 132.8-174.5) and 10.1 (95% CI 5.4-17.2) per 100,000 among women and men, respectively. Rates of SLE in Barbadian women are among the highest reported to date, with clinical manifestations similar to African American women and high mortality. Further study of this population and similar populations of West African descent might assist our understanding of environmental, genetic, and health care issues underpinning disparities in SLE.

CDKN2B Polymorphism Is Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) in the Afro-Caribbean Population of Barbados, West Indies

The purpose of this study was to confirm previously reported associations of common variants in or near CDC7/TGFBR3, ZP4, SRBD1, ELOVL5, CAV1/CAV2, TLR4, CDKN2B, CDKN2B-AS1, ATOH7, PLXDC2, TMTC2, SIX1, and CARD10, with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Afro-Caribbean population of Barbados, West Indies. A total of 437 unrelated subjects from the Barbados Family Study of Open Angle Glaucoma (BFSG), including 272 with POAG and 165 unaffected individuals were included in this study. Eighteen SNPs were genotyped by using the multiplex SNaPshot method. Allelic, genotypic and model-based (dominant, recessive, and additive) associations of the SNPs with POAG were analyzed using Chi-squared tests and logistic regression. SNP rs1063192 (near CDKN2B) was found to be significantly associated with POAG (allelic P = 0.0008, genotypic P = 0.0029), and the minor allele C of rs1063192 was protective against POAG (OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.22−0.69). Suggestive association was also noted for rs7916697 (near ATHO7, allelic P = 0.0096, genotypic P = 0.01) with the minor allele being protective (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50−0.91), although this finding did not withstand correction for multiple testing. However, a significant interactive effect on POAG risk was identified between rs1063192 and rs7916697 (P-interaction = 2.80×10−5). Individuals with the rs1063192 protective genotype CC or CT and also rs7916697 genotypes GG or GA show a significantly decreased risk of POAG (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.07−0.41). Our study confirms the significant association between SNP rs1063192 (CDKN2B, previously shown to influence vertical cup-to-disc ratio and POAG at 9p21) and POAG in the Afro-Caribbean population of Barbados. The minor allele of rs1063192 interacts with that of rs7916697 (ATOH7)) to reduce POAG risk. Our results also suggest that rs1063912 is a common protective variant for POAG in populations of African as well as European descent.

Development and use of FFQ among adults in diverse settings across the globe

In nutritional epidemiology, development of valid dietary assessment instruments specific to populations in diverse settings is of paramount importance. Such instruments are essential when trying to characterise dietary patterns and intake, investigate diet-disease associations, inform and evaluate nutrition interventions, assess nutrient-gene interactions, conduct cross-country comparison studies and monitor nutrition transitions. The FFQ is a relatively inexpensive tool for measuring long-term dietary intake for large populations and for allowing researchers to track dietary changes over time. However, FFQ must be population specific to capture the local diet and available foods. Collecting 24-h dietary recalls and utilising community feedback to build the FFQ ensures that a culturally appropriate instrument is developed. This article presents several examples describing FFQ development and utilisation in different settings globally. In the Canadian Arctic, FFQ were developed and utilised to inform and evaluate a community-based intervention programme, characterise the diet and track dietary changes occurring among Inuit and Inuvialuit, populations experiencing rising rates of chronic disease and likely to be extremely vulnerable to the potential effects of climate change. Another example is an FFQ developed to assess sodium intake and evaluate a sodium reduction trial in a high-risk population in Barbados. An example is provided from Brazil, where an FFQ was developed to assess associations between diet, heterocyclic aromatic amines and colorectal adenoma among Japanese Brazilians and to conduct cross-country comparisons. These and other case studies highlight the diversity in dietary intake between populations and the need for FFQ to be developed to capture this diversity.

Lack of association of common variants on chromosome 2p with primary open-angle glaucoma in the Japanese population

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma, and it is clinically classified into high-tension glaucoma (HTG), in which an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major feature, and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), in which the IOPs are consistently within the statistically normal population range. Jiao et al. (1) performed linkage analyses in 146 multiplex families and identified a locus with a major impact on the susceptibility to POAG in the Afro-Caribbean population in Barbados, West Indies. They demonstrated a strong association of rs12994401 and rs1533428 on chromosomes 2p with POAG, according to the findings of subsequent case–control analyses. Genetic associations are biologically more meaningful if they are …

Reply to Liu et al.: Differential effects of chromosome 2p16.3 variants on glaucoma in African derived populations

We appreciate the letter by Liu et al. (1) and commend them on their work (1). We are encouraged that they have confirmed association of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with rs12994401, although it is to the opposite allele from that seen in the Barbados population (2). These results, in addition to the presence of a monogenic POAG locus in this region, provide substantive confirmation of a locus for POAG (3). The inverse association of risk alleles between African Americans is not completely surprising given the high degree of genetic diversity in African and African-derived populations (4) and previously described divergent levels and patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in African subpopulations (5). The situation becomes even more complex when migration patterns to the Caribbean islands are considered (6). We agree with the conclusion by Liu et al. (1) that rs12994401 most likely represents a tagging SNP that is in linkage disequilibrium with a yet unidentified causative SNP in this region.

Association between chromosome 2p16.3 variants and glaucoma in populations of African descent

Jiao et al. (1) recently reported significant association of three SNPs on chromosome 2p16.3 (rs12994401, rs10202118, and rs1533428) with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Barbados population. In an effort to replicate these findings, we genotyped these three SNPs in our African-American and Ghanaian (West African) datasets. The research was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Duke University Medical Center and for Ghanaian subjects, by the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. The African-American dataset included 382 cases and 275 controls, and the Ghanaian dataset contained 170 cases and 132 controls as previously described (2).

Common variants on chromosome 2 and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma in the Afro-Caribbean population of Barbados

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although a number of genetic loci have shown association or genetic linkage to monogenic forms of POAG, the identified genes and loci do not appear to have a major role in the common POAG phenotype. We seek to identify genetic loci that appear to be major risk factors for POAG in the Afro-Caribbean population of Barbados, West Indies. We performed linkage analyses in 146 multiplex families ascertained through the Barbados Family Study of Glaucoma (BFSG) and identified a strong linkage signal on chromosome 2p (logarithm of odds score = 6.64 at = 0 with marker D2S2156). We subsequently performed case-control analyses using unrelated affected individuals and unaffected controls. A set of SNPs on chromosome 2p was evaluated in two independent groups of BFSG participants, a discovery group (130 POAG cases, 65 controls) and a replication group (122 POAG cases, 65 controls), and a strong association was identified with POAG and rs12994401 in both groups (P < 3.34 E-09 and P < 1.21E-12, respectively). The associated SNPs form a common disease haplotype. In summary, we have identified a locus with a major impact on susceptibility to the common POAG phenotype in an Afro-Caribbean population in Barbados. Our approach illustrates the merit of using an isolated population enriched with common disease variants as an efficient method to identify genetic underpinning of POAG.

Breast cancer incidence and mortality in a Caribbean population: Comparisons with African‐Americans

We describe breast cancer incidence and mortality in the predominantly African-origin population of Barbados, which shares an ancestral origin with African-Americans. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated from histologically confirmed breast cancer cases identified during a 45-month period (July 2002-March 2006). Mortality rates were estimated from death registrations over 10-years starting January 1995. There were 396 incident cases of breast cancer for an incidence rate of 78.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 70.5-86.3), standardized to the US population. Breast cancer incidence in African-Americans between 2000 and 2004 was 143.7 (142.0-145.5) per 100,000. Incidence peaked at 226.6 (174.5-289.4) per 100,000 among Barbadian women aged 50-54 years, and declined thereafter, a pattern in marked contrast to trends in African-American women, whose rates continued to increase to a peak of 483.5 per 100,000 in those aged 75-79 years. Incidence rate ratios comparing Barbadian and African-American women showed no statistically significant differences among women aged>or=55 years (p<or=0.001 at all older ages). The age-standardized mortality rate in Barbados was 32.9 (29.9-36.0) per 100,000; similar to reported US rates. The pattern of diverging breast cancer incidence between Barbadian and African-American women may suggest a greater contribution from genetic factors in younger women, and from environmental factors in older women. Studies in intermediate risk populations, such as Barbados, may assist the understanding of racial disparities in breast cancer.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Obesity in the Elderly in Barbados

This article's objective is to examine the epidemiology of obesity in the urban elderly population of Barbados. A random sample of adults >/= 60 years underwent comprehensive interviews and measurement of their weight, height, and waist circumference (WC). Outcomes of interest were obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2), high-risk WC (men >/= 102 cm; women >/= 88 cm), and high risk of disease comorbidity (from BMI and WC criteria). Total, 1,508 persons participated (80% response). Women had higher rates of obesity (31% vs. 11.9%), high-risk WC (61.9% vs. 13.9%), and disease co-morbidity risk (51.1% vs. 17.5%) compared to men. Multivariate regression confirmed female gender as an independent predictor of outcomes (p < 0.001). Other predictors were less consistent: self-reported fair/poor health status and eating two (vs. three) meals daily were associated with obesity, whereas semiprofessional occupation and unmarried status predicted high-risk WC. Obesity is highly prevalent among elderly Barbadians. Public health interventions must target this group, particularly women.