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Aidoo-Frimpong G, Turner D, Collins RL, Ajiboye W, Agbemenu K, Nelson LE. WhatsApp-propriate? Exploring "WhatsApp" as a Tool for Research Among Ghanaian Immigrants in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1956-1963. [PMID: 37285049 PMCID: PMC10246539 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01664-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
African immigrants remain underrepresented in research due to challenges in recruitment. Mobile instant messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, present novel, and cost-effective opportunities for conducting health research across geographic and temporal distances, potentially mitigating the challenges of maintaining contact and engagement in research with migrant populations. Moreover, WhatsApp has been found to be commonly used by African immigrant communities. However, little is known about the acceptability and use of WhatsApp as a tool for health research among African immigrants in the US. In this study, we examine the acceptability and feasibility of WhatsApp as a tool for research among Ghanaian immigrants- a subset of the African immigrant population group. We used WhatsApp to recruit 40 participants for a qualitative interview about their use of the mobile messaging application. Three distinct themes related to the acceptability and feasibility of WhatsApp emerged from the interviews: (1) preference for using WhatsApp as a medium of communication; (2) positive perception of WhatsApp; and (3) preference for using WhatsApp for research. The findings indicate that for African immigrants in the US, WhatsApp is a preferred method for recruiting and collecting data. It remains a promising strategy to utilize in future research involving this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - DeAnne Turner
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - R Lorraine Collins
- School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Wale Ajiboye
- MAP Center for Urban Health Solution, Unity Health Toronto - St Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kafuli Agbemenu
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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2
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Lababidi H, Lababidi G, Rifai MA, Nasir K, Al-Kindi S. Cardiovascular disease in Arab Americans: A literature review of prevalence, risk factors, and directions for future research. Am J Prev Cardiol 2024; 18:100665. [PMID: 38634110 PMCID: PMC11021916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Recent evidence suggests Arab Americans, individuals with ancestry from Arabic-speaking countries, have an elevated risk for CVD compared to other ethnicities in the US. However, research focusing specifically on CVD in this population is limited. This literature review synthesizes studies investigating CVD prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes in Arab Americans. Multiple studies found higher rates of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hypertension compared to non-Hispanic White participants. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, a major CVD risk factor, was also markedly higher, ranging from 16 % to 41 % in Arab Americans based on objective measures. Possible explanations include high rates of vitamin D deficiency, genetic factors, and poor diabetes control. Other metabolic factors like dyslipidemia and obesity did not consistently differ from general population estimates. Psychosocial factors may further increase CVD risk, including acculturative stress, discrimination, low health literacy, and barriers to healthcare access. Smoking, especially waterpipe use, was more prevalent in Arab American men. Though heterogenous, Arab Americans overall appear to have elevated CVD risk, warranting tailored screening and management. Culturally appropriate educational initiatives on CVD prevention are greatly needed. Future directions include better characterizing CVD prevalence across Arab American subgroups, delineating genetic and environmental factors underlying increased diabetes susceptibility, and testing culturally tailored interventions to mitigate CVD risks. In summary, this review highlights concerning CVD disparities in Arab Americans and underscores the need for group-specific research and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Lababidi
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Ghena Lababidi
- Medical program, American University of Beirut, United States
| | - Mahmoud Al Rifai
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Sadeer Al-Kindi
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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Miller GH, Marquez-Velarde G, Emoruwa OT, Jones NE, Ma G, Keith VM, Elufisan GI, Hernandez SM. Racial Context and Health Behaviors Among Black Immigrants. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2218-2230. [PMID: 36100809 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Testing the Racial Context Hypothesis (Read and Emerson 2005), we examine the relationship between racial context of origin and three health behaviors (smoking, drinking, and physical activity) among Black immigrants in the USA. We conduct multinomial logistic regression analyses using data from the 2000-2018 National Health Interview Survey (N = 248,401) to determine if racial context of origin is a mechanism of health differential between Black immigrants and US-born Black Americans. Supporting the Racial Context Hypothesis, we find that Black immigrants from racially mixed (Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America) and majority-Black contexts (Africa) are significantly less likely to be current or former smokers and drinkers than US-born Black Americans. Black immigrants from majority-white (Europe) contexts, on the other hand, look more similar to US-born Black Americans - again supporting the premise that racial context of origin is consequential for health. After controlling for a host of covariates, Black immigrants do not significantly differ from US-born Black Americans in exercise status. Together, these findings suggest that the impacts of racism and white supremacy have lasting effects on people of color, where Black immigrants from majority-white contexts exhibit worse health behaviors than their counterparts from majority-Black and racially mixed regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabe H Miller
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1401 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | | | - Oluwaseun T Emoruwa
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1401 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Nicole E Jones
- Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guizhen Ma
- Division of Social Sciences and History, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, USA
| | - Verna M Keith
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1401 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Gbenga I Elufisan
- Department of Sociology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Stephanie M Hernandez
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Gatete JDD, Worthy CC, Jagannathan R, DuBose CW, Sacks DB, Sumner AE. Fructosamine is Not a Reliable Test for the Detection of Hyperglycemia: Insight from the Africans in America Study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:2689-2693. [PMID: 37693326 PMCID: PMC10492550 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s426406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To improve detection of abnormal glucose tolerance (Abnl-GT), attention has moved beyond the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), to non-fasting markers of glycemia, specifically, HbA1c, fructosamine (FA) and glycated albumin (GA). Emerging data suggest that in African descent populations, the combination of HbA1c and GA is superior to the combination of HbA1c and FA. However, the diagnosis of Abnl-GT is usually based on tests which are performed only once. As reproducibility of Abnl-GT diagnosis by HbA1c, fructosamine (FA) and glycated albumin (GA) is unknown, reproducibility of Abnl-GT diagnosis by HbA1c, FA and GA were assessed in 209 African-born Blacks living in America. Methods At Visits 1 and 2 (9 ± 4 days apart), samples were obtained for HbA1c, FA and GA levels. Glucose tolerance status was determined at Visit 1 by OGTT. Reproducibility was based on the К-statistic and paired t-tests. Thresholds for the diagnosis of Abnl-GT by FA and GA which corresponded to an HbA1c of 5.7% were 235umol/L and 14.6%, respectively. Results Abnl-GT occurred in 38% (80/209). Diagnostic reproducibility was excellent for HbA1c (К≥0.86) and GA (К≥0.89), but only moderate for FA (К=0.59). Neither HbA1c nor GA levels varied between visits (both P≥0.3). In contrast, FA was significantly lower at Visit 2 than Visit 1(P<0.01). Conclusion As HbA1c and GA provided similar diagnostic results on different days and FA did not, HbA1C and GA are superior to FA in both clinical care settings and epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean de Dieu Gatete
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Institute of Global Health Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Charlita C Worthy
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ram Jagannathan
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center of Woodruff Health Sciences Center and Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher W DuBose
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David B Sacks
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anne E Sumner
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University, Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa
- National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Almoussa M, Mattei J. Cardiovascular health and risk factors in African refugees and immigrants in the United States: a narrative review. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:399-412. [PMID: 35306946 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2052712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Refugees and immigrants often experience challenges pre- and post-settlement that expose them to risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Literature on CVD among the growing population of African refugees and immigrants in the United States (US) is scant. This narrative review aimed to evaluate existing studies reporting on CVD and its risk factors among African refugees and immigrants in the US, and to recognize limitations in the current research, policy, and healthcare for adequate CVD-related care for African refugees and immigrants. DESIGN Articles on African refugee and/or immigrant health were searched on PubMed using multiple key search terms. Studies conducted between 1995 and 2020 and reporting on CVD-related measures in individuals from African countries of origin were included. Six articles were found discussing refugee health only and seven articles discussed refugee and immigrant health together. RESULTS Overall, the studies showed the varying prevalence of CVD risk factors, mostly depending on the country of origin. Worsening cardiometabolic health with longer residency in the US was generally reported. Refugee-only studies relied mostly on medical records data, while refugee and immigrant studies used both medical records and primary data collection. Limitations in data pertain to the geographical representation of both African countries (predominantly from Somalia despite migrants arriving from diverse African countries) and of regions of settling in the US (predominantly the north/northeast), scarce longitudinal studies, and lack of distinction between refugees and immigrants. Multiple social and structural barriers to cardiovascular health were identified, mostly related to cultural and linguistic challenges and to inadequate or complex health insurance and healthcare systems. CONCLUSION The cardiovascular health of African refugees and immigrants remains understudied and underserved. Further research and interventions to alleviate barriers and improve cardiovascular health in African refugees and immigrants in the US should be developed using culturally appropriate, accessible, flexible, and multifaceted strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Almoussa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard College Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Nisar M, Uddin R, Kolbe-Alexander T, Khan A. The prevalence of chronic diseases in international immigrants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Public Health 2022:14034948221116219. [DOI: 10.1177/14034948221116219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study is systematically to review and synthesise available prevalence data of major chronic diseases in international immigrants. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched to retrieve peer-reviewed original articles published in English between January 2000 and December 2020. Cross-sectional, cohort, or longitudinal studies that reported the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, any type of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes among immigrant adults were included. We calculated pooled prevalence using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Of 13,363 articles retrieved, 24 met the eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of diabetes was 9.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.6–10.4) with a higher prevalence in North American countries 11.1% (95% CI 8.0–14.1) than in the other destination countries: 6.6% (95% CI 5.1–8.1) including Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia, and Israel. The pooled prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases was 7.7% (95% CI 5.7–9.6) and 6.5% (95% CI 2.3–10.7), respectively. Only two articles reported the prevalence of cancers (2.7% and 3.8%). We found high heterogeneity among all studies regardless of the disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes was higher than other chronic diseases in international immigrants. There is a strong need to enhance health information systems to understand the magnitude of chronic diseases among different immigrant subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Nisar
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Riaz Uddin
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Tracy Kolbe-Alexander
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Juárez SP, Honkaniemi H, Gustafsson NK, Rostila M, Berg L. Health Risk Behaviours by Immigrants’ Duration of Residence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604437. [PMID: 35990194 PMCID: PMC9388735 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim was to systematically review and synthesise international evidence on changes in health risk behaviours by immigrants’ duration of residence. Methods: We searched literature databases for peer-reviewed quantitative studies published from 2000 to 2019, examining alcohol, drug and tobacco use; physical inactivity; and dietary habits by duration of residence. Results: Narrative synthesis indicated that immigrants tend to adopt health risk behaviours with longer residence in North America, with larger variation in effect sizes and directionality in other contexts. Random-effects meta-analyses examining the pooled effect across all receiving countries and immigrant groups showed lower odds of smoking (OR 0.54, 0.46–0.63, I2 = 68.7%) and alcohol use (OR 0.61, 0.47–0.75, I2 = 93.5%) and higher odds of physical inactivity (OR 1.71, 1.40–2.02, I2 = 99.1%) among immigrants than natives, but did not provide support for a universal trend by duration of residence. Conclusion: Findings suggest that duration of residence could serve as an effective instrument to monitor immigrants’ health changes. However, differences in receiving country contexts and immigrant populations’ composition seem to be important to predict the level and direction of behavioural change. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO CRD42018108881.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol P. Juárez
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Sol P. Juárez,
| | - Helena Honkaniemi
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina-Katri Gustafsson
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Rostila
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Berg
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ogungbe O, Turkson-Ocran RA, Nkimbeng M, Cudjoe J, Miller HN, Baptiste D, Himmelfarb CD, Davidson P, Cooper LA, Commodore-Mensah Y. Social determinants of hypertension and diabetes among African immigrants: the African immigrants health study. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:1345-1357. [PMID: 33550838 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2021.1879026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between social determinants of health, hypertension, and diabetes among African immigrants. METHODS The African Immigrant Health Study was a cross-sectional study of the health of African immigrants in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The outcomes of interest were self-reported diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between educational status, employment, income, social support, health insurance, and self-reported diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes, adjusting for age, sex, and length of stay in the U.S. RESULTS A total of 465 participants with mean (±SD) age 47 (±11.5) years were included. Sixty percent were women, 64% had a college degree or higher, 83% were employed, 67% had health insurance, and 70% were married/cohabitating. Over half (60%) of the participants had lived in the United States for ≥ 10 years, and 84% were overweight/obese. The overall prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 32% and 13%, respectively. The odds of diabetes was higher (aOR: 5.00, 95% CI: 2.13, 11.11) among those who were unemployed than among those who were employed, and the odds of hypertension was higher among those who had health insurance (aOR:1.73, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.00) than among those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Among African immigrants, those who were unemployed had a higher likelihood of a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes than those who were employed. Also, people who had health insurance were more likely to self-report a diagnosis of hypertension. Additional studies are needed to further understand the influence of social determinants of health on hypertension and diabetes to develop health policies and interventions to improve the cardiovascular health of African immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lisa A Cooper
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Mensah D, Ogungbe O, Turkson-Ocran RAN, Onuoha C, Byiringiro S, Nmezi NA, Mannoh I, Wecker E, Madu EN, Commodore-Mensah Y. The Cardiometabolic Health of African Immigrants in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7959. [PMID: 35805618 PMCID: PMC9265760 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, the number of African immigrants in high-income countries (HICs) has increased significantly. However, the cardiometabolic health of this population remains poorly examined. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to examine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in HICs. Studies were identified through searches in electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2021. Data on the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors were extracted and synthesized in a narrative format, and a meta-analysis of pooled proportions was also conducted. Of 8655 unique records, 35 articles that reported data on the specific African countries of origin of African immigrants were included in the review. We observed heterogeneity in the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors by African country of origin and HIC. The most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (27%, range: 6-55%), overweight/obesity (59%, range: 13-91%), and dyslipidemia (29%, range: 11-77.2%). The pooled prevalence of diabetes was 11% (range: 5-17%), and 7% (range: 0.7-14.8%) for smoking. Few studies examined kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and diagnosed cardiometabolic disease. Policy changes and effective interventions are needed to improve the cardiometabolic health of African immigrants, improve care access and utilization, and advance health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Mensah
- College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA;
| | - Oluwabunmi Ogungbe
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (O.O.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Chioma Onuoha
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Samuel Byiringiro
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (O.O.); (S.B.)
| | - Nwakaego A. Nmezi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Ivy Mannoh
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (I.M.); (E.W.)
| | - Elisheva Wecker
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (I.M.); (E.W.)
| | - Ednah N. Madu
- College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530, USA;
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (O.O.); (S.B.)
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Rosenthal T, Touyz RM, Oparil S. Migrating Populations and Health: Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:325-340. [PMID: 35704140 PMCID: PMC9198623 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize results of recent studies of migrants in Europe and North America and ongoing efforts to adapt strategies to provide them with inclusive sensitive health care. RECENT FINDINGS Major predisposing factors for developing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome in migrating populations and refugees were identified. Susceptibility to the metabolic syndrome is predominantly due to environmental factors and psychological stress. Acculturation also contributes to the emergence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in first-generation adult immigrants. Increased risk for later development of hypertension and dyslipidemia has also been detected in adolescent immigrants. Targets for public health efforts were based on data that show important differences in CV risk factors and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among ethnic immigrant groups. Studies in young adults focused on lifestyle and dietary behaviors and perceptions about weight and body image, while the focus for older adults was end-of-life issues. Two important themes have emerged: barriers to health care, with a focus on cultural and language barriers, and violence and its impact on immigrants' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talma Rosenthal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suzanne Oparil
- Vascular Biology & Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0007, USA.
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Mukaz DK, Melby MK, Papas MA, Setiloane K, Nmezi NA, Commodore-Mensah Y. Diabetes and acculturation in African immigrants to the United States: analysis of the 2010-2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:770-780. [PMID: 32977725 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2020.1820958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study sought to assess the association between unidimensional acculturation and diabetes, and analyze mediating pathways of the association in African immigrants to the United States (U.S.).Hypothesis: Acculturation would be positively associated with diabetes and that BMI (Body mass index), physical activity, and psychological distress would mediate this association.Methods: An analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2010-2017 National Health Interview Surveys was performed. Adults aged ≥ 18 years who were born in Africa (African immigrants) and residing in the U.S. were considered. The outcome was self-reported diabetes, and acculturation was defined by percent of life spent in the U.S. and citizenship. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between acculturation and diabetes, and mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating effects of BMI, physical activity, and psychological distress on this association.Results: The analytic sample included 1648 African immigrants with mean (SD) age of 41.3 ± 0.45 years; 56.4% male. Additionally, 46% had ≥ college education, and 21.4% lived below the poverty threshold. About two-thirds were overweight/obese. Less than 50% exercised at adequate levels of physical activity levels. A small percentage (1.8%) reported psychological distress. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 6.1%, and 76.5% reported being acculturated. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher levels of acculturation were associated with higher odds of diabetes diagnosis (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.4). Although BMI mediated the association between acculturation and diabetes (ZMediation = 2.11, p = 0.036), only 18.9% of the total effect of acculturation on diabetes was explained by BMI.Conclusions: Acculturation increased the odds of diabetes diagnosis, and BMI mediated the association. Thus, tailoring culturally-appropriate interventions to control BMI may contribute to preventing diabetes within African immigrant communities to the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Kamin Mukaz
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Melissa K Melby
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Mia A Papas
- Value Institute, Christiana Care Research, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Kelebogile Setiloane
- Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Department of Community-Public Health Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nkimbeng M, Rosebush CE, Akosah KO, Yam H, Russell WN, Bustamante G, Albers EA, Shippee TP, Sasikumar AP, Gaugler JE. The Immigrant Memory Collaborative: A Community-University Partnership to Assess African Immigrant Families' Experiences with Dementia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074075. [PMID: 35409758 PMCID: PMC8997896 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests a disparity in the prevalence of dementia, with Black older adults having double the risk compared to their White counterparts. African immigrants are a fast-growing segment of the U.S. Black population, but the dementia care needs and resources of this population are not fully understood. In this paper, we describe the process of working collaboratively with a community partner and project advisory board to conduct a culturally informed project. Specifically, we describe the process of developing culturally informed instruments to collect data on dementia care needs and resources among African immigrants. Working together with a diverse project advisory board, a guide was developed and used to conduct community conversations about experiences with dementia/memory loss. Transcripts from six conversations with 24 total participants were transcribed and analyzed thematically by two independent coders in Nvivo. These qualitative findings were used to inform the development of a survey for quantitative data collection that is currently ongoing. Themes (e.g., cultural attitudes, challenges, and current resources) from the community conversations that informed the survey are described briefly. Despite the challenges of conducting research during a global pandemic, having trusting relationships with a partnering community organization and project advisory board facilitated the successful development of instruments to conduct preliminary dementia care research in an underserved population. We anticipate that survey results will inform interventions that increase education, outreach, and access to dementia care and caregiving resources for this population. It may serve as a model for community–university partnerships for similar public health efforts in dementia as well as other chronic disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manka Nkimbeng
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Christina E. Rosebush
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Kwame O. Akosah
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Hawking Yam
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Wynfred N. Russell
- African Career Education and Resources Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, USA; (W.N.R.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Gabriela Bustamante
- Program in Health Disparities Research, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- School of Public Health, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Elizabeth A. Albers
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Tetyana P. Shippee
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Arundhathi P. Sasikumar
- African Career Education and Resources Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, USA; (W.N.R.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Joseph E. Gaugler
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.E.R.); (K.O.A.); (H.Y.); (E.A.A.); (T.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
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13
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Osokpo OH, Lewis LM, Ikeaba U, Chittams J, Barg FK, Riegel BJ. Self-Care of African Immigrant Adults with Chronic Illness. Clin Nurs Res 2022; 31:413-425. [PMID: 34726102 PMCID: PMC8951348 DOI: 10.1177/10547738211056168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to describe the self-care of adult African immigrants in the US with chronic illness and explore the relationship between acculturation and self-care. A total of 88 African immigrants with chronic illness were enrolled. Self-care was measured with the Self Care of Chronic Illness Inventory v3 and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale. Scores are standardized 0 to 100 with scores >70 considered adequate. Acculturation was measured using a modified standardized acculturation instrument and predefined acculturation proxies. The self-care scores showed adequate self-care, with the mean scores of 78.6, 77.9, and 75.6 for self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management. Self-care self-efficacy mean score was 81.3. Acculturation was not significantly associated with self-care. Self-care self-efficacy was a strong determinant of self-care maintenance (p < .0001), monitoring (p < .0001), and management (p < .0001). The perception of inadequate income was a significant determinant of poor self-care management (p = .03). Self-care self-efficacy and perceived income adequacy were better determinants of self-care than acculturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onome H. Osokpo
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa M. Lewis
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Uchechukwu Ikeaba
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 25 University Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - Jesse Chittams
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frances K. Barg
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 915 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Barbara J. Riegel
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Obichi CC, Dee V. Acculturation, Cultural Beliefs, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Levels Among Nigerian, Ghanaian and Cameroonian Immigrants in the United States. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 24:1154-1160. [PMID: 34997444 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01321-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.). Immigrant groups from sub-Saharan Africa in the U.S. have higher CVD risk than their African American counterparts. This study examines associations of sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education, & income) to acculturation, cultural beliefs, and CVD risk levels (CVDRL) among Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Cameroonian immigrants (NGCI) in the U.S. A correlational cross-sectional design was used. Data from a convenience sample (n = 178) of NGCI were analyzed using correlations, regressions, and path analysis. Acculturation had a statistically significant influence on cultural beliefs (β = 0.16, P < .05). Age, sex, and education were the strongest predictors of CVDRL among the NGCI sample. High acculturation among NGCI in the U.S. have been associated with more health-promoting cultural beliefs. It is important that NGCI who may have difficulties understanding the culture of the U.S. healthcare system receive quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivien Dee
- School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA, 91702, USA
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Horlyck-Romanovsky MF, Huang TTK, Ahmed R, Echeverria SE, Wyka K, Leung MM, Sumner AE, Fuster M. Intergenerational differences in dietary acculturation among Ghanaian immigrants living in New York City: a qualitative study. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e80. [PMID: 34616551 PMCID: PMC8477345 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary acculturation may explain the increasing risk of diet-related diseases among African immigrants in the United States (US). We interviewed twenty-five Ghanaian immigrants (Youth n 13, Age (Mean ± sd) 20 y ± 5⋅4, Parents (n 6) and Grandparents (n 6) age 58⋅7 ± 9⋅7) living in New York City (NYC) to (a) understand how cultural practices and the acculturation experience influence dietary patterns of Ghanaian immigrants and (b) identify intergenerational differences in dietary acculturation among Ghanaian youth, parents and grandparents. Dietary acculturation began in Ghana, continued in NYC and was perceived as a positive process. At the interpersonal level, parents encouraged youth to embrace school lunch and foods outside the home. In contrast, parents preferred home-cooked Ghanaian meals, yet busy schedules limited time for cooking and shared meals. At the community level, greater purchasing power in NYC led to increased calories, and youth welcomed individual choice as schools and fast food exposed them to new foods. Global forces facilitated nutrition transition in Ghana as fast and packaged foods became omnipresent in urban settings. Adults sought to maintain cultural foodways while facilitating dietary acculturation for youth. Both traditional and global diets evolved as youth and adults adopted new food and healthy social norms in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe F. Horlyck-Romanovsky
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Center for Systems and Community Design, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry T.-K. Huang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA; Center for Systems and Community Design, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sandra E. Echeverria
- Department of Public Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Katarzyna Wyka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - May May Leung
- Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne E. Sumner
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Fuster
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Center for Systems and Community Design, New York, NY, USA
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Fiorini G, Cerri C, Magri F, Chiovato L, Croce L, Rigamonti AE, Sartorio A, Cella SG. Risk factors, awareness of disease and use of medications in a deprived population: differences between indigent natives and undocumented migrants in Italy. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:302-307. [PMID: 31705141 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdz123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undocumented migrants experience many health problems; a comparison with a suitable control group of natives living in the same socio-economic conditions is still lacking. METHODS Demographic data and data on risk factors, chronic conditions and dietary habits were obtained for 6933 adults (2950 Italians and 3983 undocumented migrants) receiving medical assistance from 40 non-governmental organizations all over the country. RESULTS Attributed to the fact that these were unselected groups, differences were found in their demographic features, the main ones being their marital status (singles: 50.5% among Italians and 42.8% among migrants; P < 0.001). Smokers were more frequent among Italians (45.3% versus 42.7% P = 0.03); the same happened with hypertension (40.5% versus 34.5% P < 0.001). Migrants were more often overweight (44.1% versus 40.5% P < 0.001) and reporting a chronic condition (20.2% versus 14.4% P < 0.001). Among those on medications (n = 1354), Italians were fewer (n = 425) and on different medications. Differences emerged also in dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS Differences in health conditions exist between native-borns and undocumented migrants, not because of a bias related to socio-economic conditions. Further studies are needed to design sustainable health policies and tailored prevention plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesare Cerri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bicocca, 20100 Milano, Italy
| | - Flavia Magri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Chiovato
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Croce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonello E Rigamonti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (Pharmacology), University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Auxo-Endocrinological Department, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan and Verbania, Italy
| | - Silvano G Cella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (Pharmacology), University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy.,Osservatorio Povertà Sanitaria, Banco Farmaceutico Onlus, 20100 Milan, Italy
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17
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Shoup EM, Hormenu T, Osei-Tutu NH, Ishimwe MCS, Patterson AC, DuBose CW, Wentzel A, Horlyck-Romanovsky MF, Sumner AE. Africans Who Arrive in the United States before 20 Years of Age Maintain Both Cardiometabolic Health and Cultural Identity: Insight from the Africans in America Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249405. [PMID: 33333954 PMCID: PMC7765413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The overall consensus is that foreign-born adults who come to America age < 20 y achieve economic success but develop adverse behaviors (smoking and drinking) that lead to worse cardiometabolic health than immigrants who arrive age ≥ 20 y. Whether age of immigration affects the health of African-born Blacks living in America is unknown. Our goals were to examine cultural identity, behavior, and socioeconomic factors and determine if differences exist in the cardiometabolic health of Africans who immigrated to America before and after age 20 y. Of the 482 enrollees (age: 38 ± 1 (mean ± SE), range: 20–65 y) in the Africans in America cohort, 23% (111/482) arrived age < 20 y, and 77% (371/482) arrived age ≥ 20 y. Independent of francophone status or African region of origin, Africans who immigrated age < 20 y had similar or better cardiometabolic health than Africans who immigrated age ≥ 20 y. The majority of Africans who immigrated age < 20 y identified as African, had African-born spouses, exercised, did not adopt adverse health behaviors, and actualized early life migration advantages, such as an American university education. Due to maintenance of cultural identity and actualization of opportunities in America, cardiometabolic health may be protected in Africans who immigrate before age 20. In short, immigrant health research must be cognizant of the diversity within the foreign-born community and age of immigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa M. Shoup
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Thomas Hormenu
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Nana H. Osei-Tutu
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | - M. C. Sage Ishimwe
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
- National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute of Global Health Equity Research, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali 6955, Rwanda
| | - Arielle C. Patterson
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Christopher W. DuBose
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Annemarie Wentzel
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
| | | | - Anne E. Sumner
- Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.M.S.); (T.H.); (N.H.O.-T.); (M.C.S.I.); (A.C.P.); (C.W.D.); (A.W.)
- National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence:
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18
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Simchoni M, Hamiel U, Pinhas-Hamiel O, Zucker I, Cukierman-Yaffe T, Lutski M, Derazne E, Beer Z, Behar D, Keinan-Boker L, Mosenzon O, Tzur D, Afek A, Tirosh A, Raz I, Twig G. Adolescent BMI and early-onset type 2 diabetes among Ethiopian immigrants and their descendants: a nationwide study. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2020; 19:168. [PMID: 33023586 PMCID: PMC7542395 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-020-01143-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed in a nationwide cohort the association between adolescent BMI and early-onset (< 40 years) type 2 diabetes among Israelis of Ethiopian origin. METHODS Normoglycemic adolescents (range 16-20 years old), including 93,806 native Israelis (≥ 3rd generation in Israel) and 27,684 Israelis of Ethiopian origin, were medically assessed for military service between 1996 and 2011. Weight and height were measured. Data were linked to the Israeli National Diabetes Registry. Incident type 2 diabetes by December 31, 2016 was the outcome. Cox regression models stratified by sex and BMI categories were applied. RESULTS 226 (0.29%) men and 79 (0.18%) women developed diabetes during 992,980 and 530,814 person-years follow-up, respectively, at a mean age of 30.4 and 27.4 years, respectively. Among native Israeli men with normal and high (overweight and obese) BMI, diabetes incidence was 9.5 and 62.0 (per 105 person-years), respectively. The respective incidences were 46.9 and 112.3 among men of Ethiopian origin. After adjustment for sociodemographic confounders, the hazard ratios for type 2 diabetes among Ethiopian men with normal and high BMI were 3.4 (2.3-5.1) and 15.8 (8.3-30.3) respectively, compared to third-generation Israelis with normal BMI. When this analysis was limited to Israeli-born Ethiopian men, the hazard ratios were 4.4 (1.7-11.4) and 29.1 (12.9-70.6), respectively. Results persisted when immigrants of other white Caucasian origin were the reference; and among women with normal, but not high, BMI. CONCLUSIONS Ethiopian origin is a risk factor for early-onset type 2 diabetes among young men at any BMI, and may require selective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Simchoni
- Department of Military Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Uri Hamiel
- Genetic Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit Pinhas-Hamiel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Safra Children Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Inbar Zucker
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tali Cukierman-Yaffe
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Endocrinology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Miri Lutski
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Estela Derazne
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zivan Beer
- Department of Military Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Lital Keinan-Boker
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ofri Mosenzon
- The Diabetes Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dorit Tzur
- Department of Military Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Arnon Afek
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Central Management, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Amir Tirosh
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Endocrinology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Itamar Raz
- The Diabetes Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilad Twig
- Department of Military Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem and the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Institute of Endocrinology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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19
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Westgard B, Martinson BC, Maciosek M, Brown M, Xu Z, Farah F, Ahmed O, Dalmar A, Dubois D, Sanka L, Pryce D. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors Among Somali Immigrants and Refugees. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 23:680-688. [PMID: 32940817 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks are of concern among immigrants and refugees settling in affluent host countries. The prevalence of CVD and risk factors among Somali African immigrants to the U.S. has not been systematically studied. METHODS In 2015-2016, we surveyed 1156 adult Somalis in a Midwestern metropolitan area using respondent-driven sampling to obtain anthropometric, interview, and laboratory data about CVD and associated risk factors, demographics, and social factors. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes and low physical activity among men and women was high. Overweight, obesity, and dyslipidemia were also particularly prevalent. Levels of calculated CVD risk across the community were greater for men than women. CONCLUSION Though CVD risk is lower among Somalis than the general U.S. population, our results suggest significant prevalence of risk factors among Somali immigrants. Comparison with prior research suggests that CVD risks may be increasing, necessitating thoughtful intervention to prevent adverse population outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjorn Westgard
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, 8170 33rd Avenue S., MS23301A, Minneapolis, MN, 55425, USA.
| | - Brian C Martinson
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, 8170 33rd Avenue S., MS23301A, Minneapolis, MN, 55425, USA
| | - Michael Maciosek
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, 8170 33rd Avenue S., MS23301A, Minneapolis, MN, 55425, USA
| | - Morgan Brown
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, 8170 33rd Avenue S., MS23301A, Minneapolis, MN, 55425, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, 8170 33rd Avenue S., MS23301A, Minneapolis, MN, 55425, USA
| | - Farhiya Farah
- Saint Mary University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Osman Ahmed
- East Africa Health Project, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ahmed Dalmar
- Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Laura Sanka
- Wellshare International, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Douglas Pryce
- Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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20
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Turkson‐Ocran RN, Nmezi NA, Botchway MO, Szanton SL, Golden SH, Cooper LA, Commodore‐Mensah Y. Comparison of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among African Immigrants and African Americans: An Analysis of the 2010 to 2016 National Health Interview Surveys. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013220. [PMID: 32070204 PMCID: PMC7335539 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Racial/ethnic minorities, especially non-Hispanic blacks, in the United States are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, less is known about the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among ethnic sub-populations of blacks such as African immigrants residing in the United States. This study's objective was to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among African immigrants and African Americans in the United States. Methods and Results We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the 2010 to 2016 National Health Interview Surveys and included adults who were black and African-born (African immigrants) and black and US-born (African Americans). We compared the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity, hypercholesterolemia, physical inactivity, and current smoking by sex between African immigrants and African Americans using the 2010 census data as the standard. We included 29 094 participants (1345 African immigrants and 27 749 African Americans). In comparison with African Americans, African immigrants were more likely to be younger, educated, and employed but were less likely to be insured (P<0.05). African immigrants, regardless of sex, had lower age-standardized hypertension (22% versus 32%), diabetes mellitus (7% versus 10%), overweight/obesity (61% versus 70%), high cholesterol (4% versus 5%), and current smoking (4% versus 19%) prevalence than African Americans. Conclusions The age-standardized prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors was generally lower in African immigrants than African Americans, although both populations are highly heterogeneous. Data on blacks in the United States. should be disaggregated by ethnicity and country of origin to inform public health strategies to reduce health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah L. Szanton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD
| | - Sherita Hill Golden
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD
| | - Lisa A. Cooper
- Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineSchool of Nursing, and Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD
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Omenka OI, Watson DP, Hendrie HC. Understanding the healthcare experiences and needs of African immigrants in the United States: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:27. [PMID: 31914960 PMCID: PMC6950921 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Africans immigrants in the United States are the least-studied immigrant group, despite the research and policy efforts to address health disparities within immigrant communities. Although their healthcare experiences and needs are unique, they are often included in the "black" category, along with other phenotypically-similar groups. This process makes utilizing research data to make critical healthcare decisions specifically targeting African immigrants, difficult. The purpose of this Scoping Review was to examine extant information about African immigrant health in the U.S., in order to develop lines of inquiry using the identified knowledge-gaps. METHODS Literature published in the English language between 1980 and 2016 were reviewed in five stages: (1) identification of the question and (b) relevant studies, (c) screening, (d) data extraction and synthesis, and (e) results. Databases used included EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar (hand-search). The articles were reviewed according to title and abstract, and studies deemed relevant were reviewed as full-text articles. Data was extracted from the selected articles using the inductive approach, which was based on the comprehensive reading and interpretive analysis of the organically emerging themes. Finally, the results from the selected articles were presented in a narrative format. RESULTS Culture, religion, and spirituality were identified as intertwined key contributors to the healthcare experiences of African immigrants. In addition, lack of culturally-competent healthcare, distrust, and complexity, of the U.S. health system, and the exorbitant cost of care, were identified as major healthcare access barriers. CONCLUSION Knowledge about African immigrant health in the U.S. is scarce, with available literature mainly focusing on databases, which make it difficult to identify African immigrants. To our knowledge, this is the first Scoping Review pertaining to the healthcare experiences and needs of African immigrants in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogbonnaya I Omenka
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, PHSB 404E, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, USA.
| | - Dennis P Watson
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hugh C Hendrie
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Alloh FT, Hemingway A, Turner-Wilson A. Systematic review of diabetes management among black African immigrants, white and South Asian populations. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e2019020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Horlyck-Romanovsky MF, Fuster M, Echeverria SE, Wyka K, Leung MM, Sumner AE, Huang TTK. Black Immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean Have Similar Rates of Diabetes but Africans Are Less Obese: the New York City Community Health Survey 2009-2013. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2019; 6:635-645. [PMID: 30725381 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-019-00562-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine (a) whether the prevalence and odds of either obesity or diabetes differed in foreign-born black Africans and Caribbeans living in New York City (NYC) and (b) whether time in the United States (US) affected odds of either outcome. METHODS Data were obtained from NYC Community Health Survey 2009-13 for 380 African-born blacks and 2689 Caribbean-born blacks. Weighted logistic regression estimated odds of obesity and diabetes, adjusting for age, sex, education, income, marital status, children < 18, BMI (diabetes models only), and time in the US. RESULTS Obesity prevalence in Africans (60.2%, male; age, 46.0 ± 13.5 years, (mean ± SD); BMI, 27.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2) was 16.7 and 30.2% in Caribbeans (39.3%, male; age, 49.7 ± 14.7 years; BMI, 28.0 ± 5.8 kg/m2). Prevalence of diabetes was 10.5% in Africans and 14.7% in Caribbeans. Africans had lower adjusted odds of obesity (aOR = 0.60 (95% CI, 0.40-0.90); P = 0.015), but there was no difference in diabetes odds between groups. Obesity odds were higher in African (aOR = 2.35 (95% CI, 1.16-4.78); P = 0.018) and Caribbean women (aOR = 2.20 (95% CI, 1.63-2.98); P < 0.001) than their male counterparts. Odds of diabetes did not differ between sexes in either group. Time in the US did not affect odds of either obesity or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Africans living in NYC are less obese than Caribbeans, but odds of diabetes do not differ. Time in the US does not affect odds of either obesity or diabetes. Hence, BMI and diabetes risk profiles in blacks differ by region of origin and combining foreign-born blacks into one group masks important differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe F Horlyck-Romanovsky
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Center for Systems and Community Design, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Community Health and Social Science, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Melissa Fuster
- Brooklyn College, Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sandra E Echeverria
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Community Health and Social Science, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katarzyna Wyka
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Center for Systems and Community Design, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - May May Leung
- Hunter College, Nutrition Program, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne E Sumner
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Terry T-K Huang
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Center for Systems and Community Design, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Community Health and Social Science, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Gyamfi J, Butler M, Williams SK, Agyemang C, Gyamfi L, Seixas A, Zinsou GM, Bangalore S, Shah NR, Ogedegbe G. Blood pressure control and mortality in US- and foreign-born blacks in New York City. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2017; 19:956-964. [DOI: 10.1111/jch.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Gyamfi
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Mark Butler
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Stephen K. Williams
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health; Academic Medical Centre; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Lloyd Gyamfi
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Azizi Seixas
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Grace Melinda Zinsou
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
| | - Sripal Bangalore
- The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology; New York University School of Medicine; New York NY USA
| | - Nirav R. Shah
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California; Pasadena NY USA
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Department of Population Health; NYU School of Medicine; Center for Healthful Behavior Change; NYU Langone Medical Center; New York NY USA
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Commodore-Mensah Y, Ukonu N, Obisesan O, Aboagye JK, Agyemang C, Reilly CM, Dunbar SB, Okosun IS. Length of Residence in the United States is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Immigrants: A Contemporary Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:JAHA.116.004059. [PMID: 27815269 PMCID: PMC5210341 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.004059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors including hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia are high among United States ethnic minorities, and the immigrant population continues to burgeon. METHODS AND RESULTS Hypothesizing that acculturation (length of residence) would be associated with a higher prevalence of CMR factors, the authors analyzed data on 54, 984 US immigrants in the 2010-2014 National Health Interview Surveys. The main predictor was length of residence. The outcomes were hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. The authors used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between length of US residence and these CMR factors.The mean (SE) age of the patients was 43 (0.12) years and half were women. Participants residing in the United States for ≥10 years were more likely to have health insurance than those with <10 years of residence (70% versus 54%, P<0.001). After adjusting for region of birth, poverty income ratio, age, and sex, immigrants residing in the United States for ≥10 years were more likely to be overweight/obese (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.10-1.29), diabetic (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.17-1.73), and hypertensive (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32) than those residing in the United States for <10 years. CONCLUSIONS In an ethnically diverse sample of US immigrants, acculturation was associated with CMR factors. Culturally tailored public health strategies should be developed in US immigrant populations to reduce CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nwakaego Ukonu
- Counseling Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolyn M Reilly
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff, School of Nursing Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sandra B Dunbar
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff, School of Nursing Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ike S Okosun
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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Fiorini G, Cerri C, Bini S, Rigamonti AE, Perlini S, Marazzi N, Sartorio A, Cella SG. The burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases in undocumented migrants: a 1-year survey of drugs dispensation by a non-governmental organization in Italy. Public Health 2016; 141:26-31. [PMID: 27932012 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was carried out with two objectives. The first one was to have an insight into the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD) in undocumented migrants, and the second one was to evaluate if differences existed among different ethnic groups. STUDY DESIGN The study is based on the collection of data on drug dispensation by a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing free medical assistance to undocumented migrants in Milan, Italy. All the prescriptions to adult subjects from January 1 to December 31 2014 (total 8438) were recorded and analyzed. All the data available for the patients receiving prescriptions (age, gender and country of birth) were also collected in anonymous form. Ethical approval for the study was given by the Ethics Committee of the NGO. METHODS Drugs were grouped according to the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification and their quantities expressed as daily defined doses (DDDs)/1000 patients/day. The 56 ATC levels were divided into three groups according to their use for acute, chronic, or both acute and chronic diseases. The statistical analysis of drug dispensation was performed for the whole population and for the five ethnic groups into which it had been divided. RESULTS Prescription of medicines for chronic conditions was significantly greater than for acute (154.2 ± 45.9 vs 51.3 ± 18.4 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02) and for both acute and chronic conditions (57.9 ± 12.8 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02). Five ATC classes accounted for 60% of all chronic prescriptions. They were differently distributed among the five ethnic groups (e.g., Asians required more antihypertensives and antidiabetics, East Europeans required more lipid modifying drugs, antihypertensives and antithrombotics). CONCLUSIONS Our data show an important use of medicines for chronic diseases in a population of undocumented migrants. Though with some limitations, this could be an indicator of a high prevalence of CNCD in this population, with significant differences among different ethnic groups. This situation should be considered when planning health interventions, also in consideration of the fact that it could have an impact on European Health Services in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fiorini
- Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Carate, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - C Cerri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - S Bini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - A E Rigamonti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - S Perlini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - N Marazzi
- IRCCS - Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Milan, Verbania, Italy
| | - A Sartorio
- IRCCS - Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Milan, Verbania, Italy
| | - S G Cella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy.
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Bini S, Cerri C, Rigamonti AE, Bertazzi PA, Fiorini G, Cella SG. Pharmacoepidemiological Data from Drug Dispensing Charities as a Measure of Health Patterns in a Population not Assisted by the Italian National Health Service. J Public Health Res 2016; 5:623. [PMID: 27747200 PMCID: PMC5062753 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2016.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We analysed drug dispensation by charitable organisations in a year time. Drugs were grouped according to the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification and the amount dispensed was calculated with the system of the Daily Defined Dose (DDD) and expressed as DDD/1000 subjects/day. A number of 87,550 subjects were studied (13,308 Italians; 74,242 Immigrants). Though we noticed a great sesonal variability, the drugs most frequently dispensed were those for the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system and antibiotics, which is different from the rest of the Italian population and the immigrant population assisted by our National Health Service (NHS). We also found that chronic diseases are increasing in these subjects. We conclude that the subjects not receiving NHS assitance have, at least in part, different health patterns and requirements. This should be considered when planning tailored interventions. Significance for public health Our work may be important for public health mainly under two aspects: i) likely, the analysis of drugs dispensation by Charities is currently the only way to assess health patterns and needs of the low income population not assisted by the Italian National Health Service (NHS), that would otherwise be virtually invisible. Based on the present results, we plan to use this approach for increasing our knowledge on this rapidly growing component of all western societies by investigating ethnic and environmental influences, prescription appropriateness, therapeutic compliance, etc. ii) We have shown that this population, when compared to the NHS assisted one, has both some peculiar features (e.g. a greater use of respiratory drugs) and some comparable patterns (e.g. a growing prevalence of chronic diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bini
- Departmet of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano
| | - Cesare Cerri
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca , Italy
| | | | - Pietro A Bertazzi
- Departmet of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano
| | | | - Silvano G Cella
- Departmet of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano
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Reuven Y, Dreiher J, Shvartzman P. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity among immigrants from East Africa and the former Soviet Union: a retrospective comparative 30-year cohort study. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2016; 15:74. [PMID: 27151384 PMCID: PMC4858852 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-016-0392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported an increasing prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in immigrants who moved from low-cardiovascular-risk regions to Western countries, but little is known about time trends following immigration. Methods A retrospective cohort study of immigrants from Ethiopia in east Africa (EAI), the former Soviet Union (FSUI) and native-born Israelis (NBI) over a 35-year period. EAI were divided into three groups by date of immigration. Associations between ethnicity, age, sex and metabolic risk factors were assessed using logistic regression models. Results The study included 58,901 individuals (20,768 EAI, 20,507 FSUI, and 17,626 NBI). The multivariate odds ratios (OR) for diabetes were 2.4 (95 % CI 2.1–2.6), 2.1 (95 % CI 1.9–2.2) and 1.5 (95 % CI 1.3–1.7), respectively, for the three waves of EAI immigrations (P < 0.001 for trend) and 1.1 (95 % CI 0.9–1.2) for FSUI. For hypertension, the corresponding ORs were 1.8 (95 % CI 1.6–1.9), 1.4 (95 % CI 1.3–1.5), and 1.1 (95 % CI 0.9–1.2), respectively (P < 0.001) for EAI, and 2.1 (95 % CI 1.9–2.2) for FSUI. For obesity the ORs were −0.5 (95 % CI 0.4–0.6), 0.5 (95 % CI 0.4–0.6), and 0.3 (95 % CI 0.2–0.3), respectively (P < 0.001) for EAI, and 1.2 (95 % CI 1.1–1.3) for FSUI. The prevalence of diabetes in NBI with a BMI of 30 was identical to a BMI of 23.4 for EAI and 28.9 for FSUI. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was higher in EAI and increased over the years, despite a lower prevalence of obesity. It exceeded the prevalence rates in NBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Reuven
- Division of Community Health, Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84150, Beer-sheva, Israel.
| | - Jacob Dreiher
- Division of Community Health, Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84150, Beer-sheva, Israel.,Hospital Division, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pesach Shvartzman
- Division of Community Health, Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, 84150, Beer-sheva, Israel.,Southern District, Clalit Health Services, Beer-sheva, Israel
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