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Tamankag E, Valkendorff T, Lämsä R. African immigrants' health behaviors related to non-communicable diseases- a qualitative systematic review. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2025; 44:144. [PMID: 40319288 PMCID: PMC12049766 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-025-00854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise globally, accounting for approximately 71% of deaths worldwide. This upward trend has also been observed among the increasing population of African immigrants residing in Western countries, where health behavior and various sociocultural and socioeconomic factors contribute to the growing prevalence of NCDs in this group. AIM This study explored the health behaviors of African immigrants related to NCDs, and the sociocultural and socioeconomic factors influencing these behaviors. The aim is to provide evidence-based insight that can be used in the development of culturally sensitive interventions in the prevention of NCDs among African immigrants in Western countries. METHOD A comprehensive search of relevant literature was done to identify relevant articles using three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS) between 2022-2024. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were included in the final synthesis. RESULTS The findings showed that African immigrants retain both positive and negative health behaviors after migration, while also adopting certain behaviors from their host countries that heighten their risk of developing NCDs. Additionally, socioeconomic status before and after migration, as well as sociocultural values, were found to have a negative influence on their health behaviors. Gender-specific factors also contributed to shaping these behaviors. CONCLUSION Considering the changing environment African immigrants encounter in their host countries, it is essential to account for the unique characteristics of this growing group when designing culturally sensitive health interventions aimed at preventing NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmaculate Tamankag
- Department of Public Health, Helsinki University, Tukholmankatu 8 B, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Tiina Valkendorff
- Department of Social and Public Policy, Tukholmankatu 8 B, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Lämsä
- Department of Public Health, Helsinki University, Tukholmankatu 8 B, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Li D, Gao D, Yamada M, Chen C, Xiang L, Nie H. Healthcare-seeking behavior and spatial variation of internal migrants with chronic diseases: a nationwide empirical study in China. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2024; 19. [PMID: 38804697 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2024.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Individuals migrating with chronic diseases often face substantial health risks, and their patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior are commonly influenced by mobility. However, to our knowledge, no research has used spatial statistics to verify this phenomenon. Utilizing data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey of 2017, we conducted a geostatistical analysis to identify clusters of chronic disease patients among China's internal migrants. Geographically weighted regressions were utilized to examine the driving factors behind the reasons why treatment was not sought by 711 individuals among a population sample of 9272 migrant people with chronic diseases. The results indicate that there is a spatial correlation in the clustering of internal migrants with chronic diseases in China. The prevalence is highly clustered in Zhejiang and Xinjiang in north-eastern China. Hotspots were found in the northeast (Jilin and Liaoning), the north (Hebei, Beijing, and Tianjin), and the east (Shandong) and also spread into surrounding provinces. The factors that affect the migrants with no treatment were found to be the number of hospital beds per thousand population, the per capita disposable income of medical care, and the number of participants receiving health education per 1000 Chinese population. To rectify this situation, the local government should "adapt measures to local conditions." Popularizing health education and coordinating the deployment of high-quality medical facilities and medical workers are effective measures to encourage migrants to seek reasonable medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
| | - Dawei Gao
- College of Economics and Management, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Province.
| | - Masaaki Yamada
- Division of International Environmental and Agricultural Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
| | - Chuangbin Chen
- Business School, Shantou University, Shantou City, Guangdong Province.
| | - Liuchun Xiang
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
| | - Haisong Nie
- Division of International Environmental and Agricultural Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
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Patel T, Umeh K, Poole H, Vaja I, Ramtoola S, Newson L. Health professionals interface with cultural conflict in the delivery of type 2 diabetes care. Psychol Health 2023; 38:230-248. [PMID: 34351821 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1960346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the knowledge and experiences of health professionals (HPs) caring for South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DESIGN Fourteen HPs, who supported patients with T2D, were interviewed. The recruitment strategy employed purposeful and theoretical sampling methods to recruit HPs who worked across primary and secondary care settings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Grounded Theory (GT) methodology and analysis generated a theoretical framework that explored HP's perceptions and experiences of providing diabetes care for South Asian patients. RESULTS A GT, presenting a core category of Cultural Conflict in T2D care, explores the influences of HP's interactions and delivery of care for South Asian patients. This analysis is informed by four categories: (1) Patient Comparisons: South Asian vs White; (2) Recognising the Heterogeneous Nature of South Asian Patients; (3) Language and Communication; (4) HPs' Training and Experience. CONCLUSIONS The findings consider how the role of social comparison, social norms, and diminished responsibility in patient self-management behaviours influence HPs' perceptions, implicit and explicit bias towards the delivery of care for South Asian patients. There was a clear call for further support and training to help HPs recognise the cultural-ethnic needs of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Patel
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kanayo Umeh
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen Poole
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ishfaq Vaja
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Shenaz Ramtoola
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, UK
| | - Lisa Newson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Hossain A, Alam MJ, Mydam J, Tareque M. Do the issues of religious minority and coastal climate crisis increase the burden of chronic illness in Bangladesh? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:270. [PMID: 35144577 PMCID: PMC8830131 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic illness with disability and its out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains a big financial challenge in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to explore how religious minority problem and coastal climate crisis with other common risk factors determined chronic illness with a disability and its financial burden in Bangladesh. Existing policy responses, especially, social safety net programs and their governance were analyzed for suggesting better policy options that avoid distress financing. METHODS Binary logistic and multiple linear regression models were respectively used to identify the factors of disability, and high OOPE based on Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2016 data. RESULTS We found that disable people had relatively higher OOPE than their non-disabled counterparts and this OOPE further surges when the number of disabilities increases. In addition to the common factors, the novelty of our findings indicated that the religious minority problem as well as the coastal climate crisis have bearing on the disability burden in Bangladesh. The likelihood of having a chronic illness with a disability was 13.2% higher for the religious minorities compared to the majorities (Odds ratio (OR): 1.132, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.033-1.241) and it was 21.6% higher for the people who lived in the exposed coast than those who lived in the non-exposed area (OR: 1.216, 95% CI: 1.107-1.335). With disabilities, people from the exposed coast incurred higher OOPE than those from the non-exposed areas. Although receiving assistance from social safety net programs (SSNPs) seemed to reduce their high OOPE and financial distress such as selling assets and being indebted, the distribution was not equitably and efficiently managed to confirm the process of inclusion leakage-free. On average, those who enrolled from the minority group and the exposed coast paid the relatively higher bribes. CONCLUSIONS To reduce burden, the government should strengthen and specify the existing SSNPs more for disable people, especially from the minority group and the exposed coast, and ensure the selection process more inclusive and leakage-free.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Hossain
- Department of Statistics, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Jahangir Alam
- Department of Statistics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Janardhan Mydam
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, 1969 Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Mohammad Tareque
- Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Lin CY, Hung HJ, Chung CJ, Huang CT, Wu TN, Chen CY. Ethnic disparity in metabolic syndrome and related obesity and health behavior: a community study in Taiwan. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2021; 13:134. [PMID: 34789325 PMCID: PMC8597312 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-021-00751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As studies on ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in Taiwan are still rare, the aims of this study were: (1) to detect the differences in the rates of metabolic syndrome, obesity and health behaviors between two ethnic groups (indigenous Tsou and nonindigenous Han) living in the same area and with similar age and sex distributions; (2) to examine whether ethnicity per se plays a significant role in the occurrence of metabolic syndrome, while taking other risk factors including sociodemographic characteristics, obesity and health behaviors into consideration. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study using data from a community survey conducted in Chiayi County in southwestern Taiwan. A frequency matching strategy by age and sex with a ratio of 1 (Tsou) to 3 (Han) was applied to select a comparable sample between both ethnic groups (667 Tsou and 2001 Han) from among the survey participants. Furthermore, participants with cardiometabolic diseases diagnosed before the surveyed day were excluded to avoid confounding any associated risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome (MS). A final analytic sample of 1482 remained. The used information included sociodemographic characteristics, medical histories, health behaviors, and the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose. RESULTS Indigenous Tsou had significantly higher rates of metabolic syndromes, obesity and unhealthy behaviors than their Han counterparts (MS: 54.0% vs. 29.1%, obesity: 54.0% vs. 23.2%, drinking alcohol: 17.5% vs. 13.6%, and higher intake of fried food: 6.4% vs. 4.4%), even though they were similar in age and sex distributions. The significant risk factors for subsequently developing MS included being indigenous Tsou (adjusted POR = 2.62, P < 0.001), older, single, and obese. Stratified analyses on the risk factors for developing MS by health behaviors and by obese problems also indicated increased risks of being indigenous Tsou. CONCLUSIONS There existed ethnic differences in the rates of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and health behaviors. Ethnicity per se did play a significant role in developing MS; in particular indigenous Tsou people had increased risks, suggesting possible biological reasons rooted in their origins that need further exploration. In addition, unhealthy behaviors may potentially have an indirect effect on developing MS via their effect on obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ying Lin
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung, 40604 Taiwan
| | - Hui-Jung Hung
- Department of Nursing and Graduate Institute of Nursing, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354 Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Chung
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung, 40604 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ti Huang
- Medical Affairs Section, Public Health Bureau, Taitung County, No. 336, Bo’ai Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County 95043 Taiwan
| | - Trong-Neng Wu
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354 Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Ying Chen
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung, 40604 Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Rd., Taichung, 40402 Taiwan
- Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, College of Health, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, No. 193, Sec. 1, Sanmin Rd., Taichung, 40401 Taiwan
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Patel T, Umeh K, Poole H, Vaja I, Newson L. Cultural Identity Conflict Informs Engagement with Self-Management Behaviours for South Asian Patients Living with Type-2 Diabetes: A Critical Interpretative Synthesis of Qualitative Research Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2641. [PMID: 33807965 PMCID: PMC7967381 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing, particularly among South Asian (SA) communities. Previous research has highlighted the heterogeneous nature of SA ethnicity and the need to consider culture in SA patients' self-management of T2D. We conducted a critical interpretative synthesis (CIS) which aimed to a) develop a new and comprehensive insight into the psychology which underpins SA patients' T2D self-management behaviours and b) present a conceptual model to inform future T2D interventions. A systematic search of the literature retrieved 19 articles, including 536 participants. These were reviewed using established CIS procedures. Analysis identified seven constructs, from which an overarching synthesizing argument 'Cultural Conflict' was derived. Our findings suggest that patients reconstruct knowledge to manage their psychological, behavioural, and cultural conflicts, impacting decisional conflicts associated with T2D self-management and health professional advice (un)consciously. Those unable to resolve this conflict were more likely to default towards cultural identity, continue to align with cultural preferences rather than health professional guidance, and reduce engagement with self-management. Our synthesis and supporting model promote novel ideas for self-management of T2D care for SA patients. Specifically, health professionals should be trained and supported to explore and mitigate negative health beliefs to enable patients to manage social-cultural influences that impact their self-management behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Patel
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (K.U.); (H.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Kanayo Umeh
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (K.U.); (H.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Helen Poole
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (K.U.); (H.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Ishfaq Vaja
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (K.U.); (H.P.); (I.V.)
- NHS Bradford Teaching Hospital, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Lisa Newson
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (K.U.); (H.P.); (I.V.)
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7
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Shaaban AN, Peleteiro B, Martins MRO. The Writing's on the Wall: On Health Inequalities, Migrants, and Coronavirus. Front Public Health 2020; 8:505. [PMID: 33042945 PMCID: PMC7517327 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nabil Shaaban
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Barbara Peleteiro
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosario O Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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8
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Tosi B, Rosselli M, Mascherini G, Modesti PA. When in Rome, don't do as the Romans do. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:829-831. [PMID: 30047008 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-018-1917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Tosi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Rosselli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mascherini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro Amedeo Modesti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Fedeli U, Cestari L, Ferroni E, Avossa F, Saugo M, Modesti PA. Ethnic inequalities in acute myocardial infarction hospitalization rates among young and middle-aged adults in Northern Italy: high risk for South Asians. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:177-182. [PMID: 28176186 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge of ethnic-specific health needs is now essential to design effective health services and population-based prevention strategies. However, data on migrant populations living in Southern Europe are limited. The study is designed to investigate ethnic inequalities in hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the Veneto region (Italy). Hospital admissions for AMI in Veneto for the whole resident population aged 20-59 years during 2008-2013 were studied. Age and gender-specific AMI hospitalization rates for immigrant groups (classified by country of origin according to the United Nations geoscheme) and Italians were calculated. The indirect standardization method was used to estimate standardized hospitalization ratios (SHR) for each immigrant group, with rates of Italian residents as a reference. Overall, 8200 AMI events were retrieved, 648 among immigrants. The highest risk of AMI is seen in South Asians males (SHR 4.2, 95% CI 3.6-4.9) and females (SHR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5). AMI rates in South Asian males sharply increase in the 30-39 years age class. Other immigrant subgroups (Eastern Europe, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, other Asian countries, Central-South America, high-income countries) displayed age- and gender-adjusted hospitalization rates similar to the native population. Present findings stress the urgent need for implementation of ethnic-specific health policies in Italy. The awareness about the high cardiovascular risk in subjects from South Asia must be increased among general practitioners and immigrant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy.
| | - Laura Cestari
- Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Francesco Avossa
- Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Mario Saugo
- Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Pietro Amedeo Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Bonaccorsi G, Modesti PA. Health literacy, a new perspective for patient empowerment in the public health approach to hypertension. Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:737-739. [PMID: 28378279 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro Amedeo Modesti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Chinese First-Generation Migrants and Italians in Prato, Italy: The CHIP Study. Int J Hypertens 2017; 2017:6402085. [PMID: 28487768 PMCID: PMC5406722 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6402085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on health needs of Chinese living in the South of Europe are lacking. To compare prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors for hypertension between Chinese migrants and Italian adults, a sample of 1200 first-generation Chinese migrants and 291 native Italians aged 35–59 years living in Prato (Italy) was recruited in a community-based participatory cross-sectional survey. Primary outcome measure was hypertension, diagnosed for blood pressure values ≥ 140/90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medications. Associations with exposures (including age, gender, body mass index, waist, education level, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) were examined using logistic regression. When compared with Italians, Chinese had higher hypertension prevalence (27.2% versus 21.3%, p < 0.01), with comparable levels of awareness (57.4% and 48.4%) but lower treatment rates (70.6% and 90.0%, resp.). In both ethnic groups age and parental history of hypertension were predictors of awareness and treatment, body mass index being predictor of hypertension diagnosis. In Chinese participants, where the optimum cut-off point for body mass index was ≥23.9 kg/m2, the sensibility and specificity prediction for hypertension were 61.7% and 59.8%, respectively (area under the ROC curve = 0.629). Implementation of specific, culturally adapted health programs for the Chinese community is now needed.
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