Key Points

Mental Health

• One of the lowest prevalences of major depressive episodes (MDE) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in France.

  • 12.4% of adults report having experienced a CDE in the past 12 months

  • 2.7% a GAD

• While these figures are reassuring, they should not obscure the disparities: women, young people aged 18–29, and those in difficult financial situations remain more vulnerable.

Quality of life and physical activity: practices to promote to combat a sedentary lifestyle

• A sedentary lifestyle rate below the national average:

  • 20.5% of adults spend more than 7 hours sitting per day

  • 88.3% of Martinicans report getting up at least every 2 hours.

• Promoting physical activity must remain a priority: only 30.9% of adults regularly engage in physical activity during their leisure time

• Developing sports infrastructure (bike paths, parks) and encouraging active transportation (walking, biking) for short trips, which are still too heavily reliant on motor vehicles (50.8%).

Chronic diseases: high prevalence and a need for improved screening

• High blood pressure:

  • high prevalence and inequities in access to care

    • 30.5% of adults report having high blood pressure

    • 75.3% had their blood pressure measured within the past year

    • 78.6% of those with hypertension are receiving treatment

  • Improving screening among young people remains a priority (only 5.7% of 18- to 29-year-olds report having high blood pressure, but the condition is often asymptomatic).

  • Screening campaigns in pharmacies or workplaces could be organized.

  • Reducing social inequalities: People without a high school diploma or facing financial hardship are more affected. Targeted nutritional and exercise support must be offered.

• Diabetes:

  • one of the highest prevalence rates in France

    • 12% of Martinicans report having diabetes

    • 84.7% are receiving pharmacological treatment

  • Preventing type 2 diabetes: prevalence is three times higher among those aged 70–79. Prevention programs (balanced diet, physical activity) must target seniors and overweight individuals.