Romantic Relationships Among Unmarried African Americans and Caribbean Blacks: Findings From the National Survey of American Life

This study investigated the correlates of relationship satisfaction, marriage expectations, and relationship longevity among unmarried African American and Black Caribbean (Caribbean Black) adults who are in a romantic relationship. The study used data from the National Survey of American Life, a national representative sample of African Americans and Caribbean Blacks in the United States. The findings indicated that the correlates of relationship satisfaction, expectations of marriage, and relationship longevity were different for African Americans and Black Caribbeans. For Black Caribbeans, indicators of socioeconomic status were particularly important correlates of relationship satisfaction. For African Americans, indicators of parental status were important for relationship longevity. Policy and practice implications for nonmarital unions are discussed.

Behçet's disease in patients of west African and Afro-Caribbean origin

AIM

To report the presence of Behçet's disease with ocular involvement in patients of west African or Afro-Caribbean origin.

METHODS

Case series of eight patients reporting to a tertiary uveitis service.

RESULTS

Eight patients with typical features of the disease are presented. Six of the eight patients were tested and found to be HLA-B51 negative.

CONCLUSION

Behçet's disease has only been reported in sporadic case reports in the indigenous west African and Afro-Caribbean populations, in whom the incidence of HLA B51 is also very low. A series of patients from the London region presented with the typical symptoms and signs of disease, most of whom were also HLA B51 negative. The presence of disease in this population, when absent in the indigenous population, suggests either that ascertainment of disease is poor in the indigenous population or that acquired factors may be important in the aetiology of the disease.