Ethnicity And Health

For the few last decades, demographers have given notable attention towards the study of birth interval on child mortality. This study is concerned with the analysis of preceding birth interval on under-five mortality using the data of Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS), 2011. The key independent variable is the length of the preceding birth interval measured as the number of months between two successive births of a mother. Several child and mother-specific variables were used. Hazard ratios are calculated to estimate relative risk. Kaplan Meier approach and log-rank test is used for bivariate analysis to examine the association of selected covariates with under-5 mortality. Semi Parametric Cox Proportional Hazard Model is introduced for survival analysis. Shorter preceding birth interval significantly affects under-five mortality. Under-five mortality risk is drastically high among the children with preceding birth interval 0 to 24 months. This study suggests to make wome...

Although EU member states are obligated to take special account of the situation of particularly vulnerable refugees, appropriate and specific measures to detect affected asylum seekers are not yet available. This study tries to pave the way for the implementation of an adequate instrument which at the same time assesses these needs of suffering people whilst responding to the need for mental health assessments specifically designed for refugees. This was done by testing the implementation of a screening method (Refugee Health Screener RHS-15) for trauma related mental health problems in refugees. Two refugee samples in Germany (differing in arrival time: 126 applicants for asylum residing in the initial reception center and 116 living in long term communal accommodations) were assessed with the culturally sensitive Refugee Health Screener (RHS-15) to detect the incidence of mental health problems amongst them. Test fairness, reasonableness, susceptibility, transparency, acceptance,...

Testing and Personal Risk: COVID-19 Pandemic were put in high-risk situations when patients or colleagues were not flagging symptoms of COVID-19. Not having access to testing in the initial stages of the pandemic was somewhat accepted but when available, was valued. Conclusion: Access to adequate PPE and testing, as well as training for staff and education for patients about the importance of ensuring staff safety is crucial. Given PCPs' varied response in how they appraised personal risk and their tolerance for working, PCPs may benefit from the autonomy in deciding how they want to work during health emergencies.

The transitional phase between puberty and adulthood, also known as adolescence, is a critical phase contributing to the growth and overall development of a human being. Also, most of the physical and psychological changes occurs during this period. Adolescence is an intense anabolic period when requirements for all nutrients increases. Objectives: A cross-sectional study based on age-group (years) was undertaken to determine the prevalence of thinness and the association between thinness and socio-economic status of school going adolescent boys in Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram district. Methods: A total of 516 adolescent school boys from three different schools

The rapid decline in fertility is a crucial driver of population ageing worldwide. In India, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased from 2.9 (NFHS-2) to 2.0 (NFHS-5). Sikkim, however, has an alarmingly low TFR of 1.1, significantly below the national average of 2.0 and far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability. Given these trends, understanding the factors influencing fertility in Sikkim is critical. This study, a communitybased cross-sectional analysis covering all districts of Sikkim, examines various sociodemographic, economic, and marital factors affecting fertility in the state. The analysis of fertility in Sikkim highlights critical influencing factors. Urban residence significantly lowers fertility by 41% (OR=0.59, p=0.02), while caste has no notable impact (OR=0.81, p=0.30). Education shows an inverse relationship with fertility; illiterate women are 2.08 times more likely to have children than their educated counterparts (OR=2.08, p=0.012). Financial stability also reduces fertility, with higher-income women 44.4% less likely to have children (OR=0.55, p=0.0002). Early marriage (ages 0-18) strongly increases fertility, making women 4.1 times more likely to have children (OR=4.09, p<0.0001). The length of marriage has a strong negative correlation with fertility (r=-0.91), explaining 81.98% of fertility variation (p<0.0001). Coital frequency has a substantial positive effect, with women engaging in weekly sexual activity being 3.9 times more likely to have children (OR=3.9, p<0.0001). Family planning significantly reduces fertility (OR=0.6, p=0.008), while contraceptive use shows a

The review involved the study of GDM and its possible causes during the pregnancy phase. It focused on the link between overconsumption of potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum) and increased risk of GDM during pregnancy and effects of Glycaemic index. It also proposed the surveys and researches done on the same. The study thus briefly evaluated the entire concept of GDM in Women. The Nurses Health Study II performed some surveys to prove this linkage of potatoes and GDM risk with the help of some nurses in 1989. The survey involved only female nurses which were provided with some questionnaires comprising some basic data of their diets during their pregnancy times. A journal concerning the same survey was published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 describing the whole process and significance of this survey. A rapid increase in the glucose level observed in pregnant women who consumed more potatoes in their pre-pregnancy phase. Women with higher potato consumption were examined to have increased blood sugar levels than those with lesser potato consumptions. It can be inferred from this study that women should avoid consuming more potatoes in their pre-pregnancy period, else; they may develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus during their pregnancy which can affect both the parent and the baby.

Black and Latino minorities have traditionally had poorer access to primary care than non-Latino Whites, but these patterns could change with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To guide post-ACA efforts to address mental health service disparities, we used a nationally representative sample to characterize baseline race-, ethnicity-, and nativity-associated differences in mental health services in the context of primary care. Data were obtained from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS), a two-year panel study of healthcare use, satisfaction with care, and costs of services in the United States (US). We pooled data from six waves (14-19) of participants with serious psychological distress to examine racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in medical and mental health visits to primary care (PC) and specialty mental health (SMH) providers around the time of ACA reforms, 2010-2015. Of the 2747 respondents with serious psychological distress, 1316 were non-Latino White, 632 non-Lat...

Background: In the era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), it is quite important to understand the root-cause and method of management, as NCDs are not curable in most cases. Factory workers are exposed to several risk factors, such as smoke, dust, different harmful chemicals, metals etc. everyday. Their food habit, consumption of tobacco, alcohol etc., stressful responsibilities are other factors those may induce NCDs. Hence, to demark a baseline and reduce the NCD burden gradually, regular medical examination (RME) was planned and this study was conducted to estimate the change in NCD prevalence and risk reduction occurred after a year. Methods: The participants in this study were 602 workers from various departments of a steel plant, located in Dhenkanal, Odisha. Two phases of data were acquired for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, random blood sugar level, body mass index (BMI) and serum cholesterol. Continuous variables were described as mean and standard deviation or median with inter-quartile range, while categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was applied to evaluate the mean difference before and after one year. Results: Most of the participants either improved their health or maintained their health status. Except for serum cholesterol, all other blood parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar level) reduced significantly, though BMI increased significantly. Only serum cholesterol increased marginally. The initiative of RME was found to be effective. If continued, RME has the potential to keep employees healthy in a factory setup.

Objective-Identify health perspectives among Asian Indians in greater Houston area, to guide a tailored community wide survey. Design-Four focus groups of different ages, gender, and nativity were conducted at which participants were asked for their opinions about specific health topics. Key informant interviews were conducted with ten community leaders to validate focus group responses. Recordings from focus groups and key informant interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Results-Diabetes, cancer, and hypertension were primary health concerns. Common themes were sedentary lifestyle and poor health literacy. Older participants were more accepting of having familial hypertension and high cholesterol. Women were more concerned about health of family members and dietary habits. Perspectives differed on eating habits, physical activity, use of Western medicine, and smoking based on nativity. Responses from key informant interviews validated focus group findings. on health may differ among Asian Indians depending on gender, age, and nativity.

Objectives. Determine community needs and perspectives as part of planning health service incorporation into Wanang Conservation Area. Design. Clinical and rapid anthropological assessment (individual primary care assessments, Key Informant [KI] interviews, Focus Groups [FGs], ethnography) with parallel treatment of urgent cases.Setting. Wanang (pop. c189), a village in the rainforests of Madang province, Papua New Guinea.Participants. 129 villagers provided medical histories (54 females (f), 75 males (m); median 19y, range 1mo–73y), 113 had clinical assessments (51f, 62m; median 18y, range 1mo–73y). 26 ≥18y participated in sex-age stratified FGs (f&lt;40y; m&lt;40y; f&gt;40y; m&gt;40y). Five KIs were interviewed (1f, 4m). Data collectors recorded daily ethnographic fieldnotes.Results. Of 113 examined, 11 were ‘well’, 62 (30f, 32m) treated urgently, 31 referred (15f, 16m), indicating considerable unmet need. FGs top-4 ranked health issues concorded with KI views, medical histories, ...

Objectives: Sleep problems are associated with a host of psychiatric disorders and have been attributed to race disparities in health and wellness. Studies of sleep and mental health do not typically consider within-group differences among Blacks. Thus, our understanding of how the sleep-mental health relationship among Caribbean Blacks is limited. This study identified sleep profiles among Caribbean-born Blacks who reside in the United States. Design: Latent class analysis and data from the National Survey of American Life Re-interview study were used to identify and compare the associations between 'sleep quality classes,' sociodemographic factors, stress, and depression risk among Caribbean Blacks. Results: Two sleep quality classes were identified -'good sleep quality' and 'poor sleep quality'with each class demonstrating a complex pattern of sleep experiences, and illuminating the association between sleep and depression risk. Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the influence of sociodemographic factors and social stressors on the sleep experience of Caribbean Blacks and the importance of considering within-group differences to better understand risk and resilience among Caribbean Blacks living in the United States. Findings also highlight the importance of screening for sleep problems in an effort to reduce the burden of depression experienced by this population.

Objective-Evidence for the cardioprotective effects of a Mediterranean-style (Med-style) diet is strong, however few Medstyle dietary interventions have been developed for and tested among Hispanic Americans (HAs), especially younger HAs of reproductive age whose dietary habits may strongly influence dietary intake for all family members. Design-We adapted a previously tested and evidence-informed lifestyle intervention to reduce CVD risk and evaluated its feasibility, acceptability, and effects on self-reported lifestyle behaviors in this study enrolling low-income HA women attending a Title X family planning clinic in eastern North Carolina. The 3-month long intervention, given to all participants, promoted a Med-style dietary pattern with a focus on increasing consumption of foods commonly consumed by HA that have high quality dietary fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats primarily from plant sources and fish) and carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). The intervention also recommended increasing physical activity and was given during 2 face-to-face counseling sessions and 2 telephone counseling sessions. Major outcomes were engagement with study activities and intervention acceptability; lifestyle behavior change at 3-month follow-up is also reported. Results-Baseline characteristics (n = 36) were: mean age 33 years, 35 (97%) without health insurance, 32 (89%) born in Mexico, and mean BMI 30 kg/m2. Engagement was high among the 36 participants with 33 (92%) completing the intervention and follow-up measures. At follow-up, most participants thought the intervention was helpful (range: 85-100%) and acceptable (100% agreed 'I would recommend the program to others'). The mean dietary fat quality score improved by 0.5 units (95% CI: 0.0-1.1) and the mean fruit-vegetable servings/day improved by 0.7/day (95% CI: 0.1-1.3).

Objectives: Within their local realities, people experience and interpret disease in diverse ways that do not necessarily correlate or converge with Western biomedical interventions. In the high cervical cancer burden setting of Papua New Guinea, understanding how people experience and interpret cervical cancer is necessary for effective intervention. Drawing on work by Street on the production of unstable biomedical knowledge, we explored how ambiguity and uncertainty, coupled with cultural taboos and linguistic limitations, affect what and how people 'know' about women's reproductive organs and their associated disease. Design: A qualitative research approach was used to explore and understand how people in PNG articulate matters of health and disease as they relate to cervical cancer and HPV infection. Specifically, how unstable biomedical knowledge is produced and sustained. We employed a mixed-methods approach in collecting data from 208 (147 women) participants between 2011 and 2012 across 3 provinces in PNG. Results: We found that knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer were poor. Five thematic areas emerged in our analysis, which included the gendered knowledge of women's reproductive health, the burden of cervical cancer in the community and the role (or limitation) of language. We further identified four ways in which ambiguity and uncertainty operate on both sociocultural and biological levels, and in the intersection between to produce unstable biomedical knowledge. These included poor knowledge of where the cervix is located and the uncertainty or unreliability of (lay) diagnoses of disease. Conclusion: Local understandings of cervical cancer reflected the limitations of Tok Pisin as a lingua franca as well as the wider uncertain biomedical environment where diagnoses are assembled and shared. There is a clear need to improve understanding of the female reproductive organs in order that people, women in particular, can be better informed about cervical cancer and ultimately better receptive to intervention strategies.

To test for differences in cardiovascular and metabolic risk (CMR) by educational attainment and physical capital. To compare CMR among black, indigenous, and mixed populations, accounting for socioeconomic status (SES). We conducted multivariate analyses using cross-sectional data from a national survey of Colombian adults (n = 10,814) to examine the social patterning of CMR. In sex/gender-stratified models, a CMR index was regressed on educational attainment, physical capital, ethnicity/race, and age. Women with a primary education (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.15) had higher age- and ethnicity/race-adjusted odds of CMR than women with more than secondary education. Men with a primary education (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.92) had significantly lower adjusted odds of CMR than men with more than secondary education; these associations did not remain significant after adjustments for physical capital. Men in the first (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.57) and second (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57,...

Practical background. Gypsies and Travellers are one of the most excluded groups in society as reflected in low life expectancy and poor rates of educational achievement and participation (CRE, 2006) There are reports of growing unemployment and welfare dependency (CRE, 2004). Site managers in Niner’s 2003 study reported that &#39;on seven out of ten sites a minority of households work’, with over one third of site managers noting that less than ten per cent of residents were in employment (Niner, 2003). Traveller economic inclusion has been neglected by researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

EDITORIAL p1 Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and migrant populations OVERVIEW p2 1) Migration and diabetes: a poorly recognized challenge 2) Metabolic syndrome among ethnic minority groups in Europe NEWS p7 EVENTS p7 OPINION p8 RECOMMENDED READING p10 EDITORIAL BOARD

To build on Evans-Campbell&#39;s [2008. &quot;Historical Trauma in American Indian/Native Alaska Communities: A Multilevel Framework for Exploring Impacts on Individuals, Families, and Communities.&quot; Journal of Interpersonal Violence 23 (3): 316-338. doi:10.1177/0886260507312290.] multilevel framework of historical trauma and health by focusing on the cycle of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the socio-cultural, historical, and interpersonal context of trauma shared by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples. We analyzed qualitative data from focus groups with seventy four urban AI/ANs who were 15 years of age and older. Community-based participatory research methods were used for data collection and analysis. Our study explored knowledge and attitudes about FASD, perspectives on FASD risk factors, and culturally relevant approaches to FASD prevention and healthcare. According to our study&#39;s participants, efforts to address FASD among urban AI/ANs should ...

Introduction: Adolescence period is a very important period in human life cycle, most of the physical and psychological changes occur in this period. During this time body composition changes markedly. In humans body composition varies depending on ethnicity, heredity, age, sex, environment and nutrition. This study focuses on examining the factors influencing nutritional status and body composition. Methods: This study was done among 516 boys belonging to the age of 10-17 years, chosen randomly. Data on monthly family income, community, anthropometric and body composition variables were taken using a pretested schedule. Statistical tests like t-Test, ANOVA and Regression analysis were performed using SPSS 16.0 v. Significance level was set up at the level p<0.05. Results: The mean values of every variable discussed, found to be highest in higher income category i.e. >7396.00 Rs. And lowest in lower income category i.e. <4634.99 Rs. PBF, FM and FMI are observed to increase with increasing income category. The mean values of PBF, FM, FMI and FFMI are higher in non-tribal participants, and FFM and BMI are found to have no significant difference between the two groups. There is significant effect of income on PBF, FM, FFM, FMI, FFMI and BMI. There is also significant effect of community on PBF, FFM, FFMI, BMI, except FM and FMI. It is also observed that if income can be controlled for the participants, over that community has impact on the body composition variables except FM and FMI. Conclusion: Many factors are influencing body composition with a combined effect. More such studies need to be done to compare the diverse pattern of body composition change among other ethnic populations across world.

Currently, there is no consensus on ideal dietary treatments for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This scoping review analyzed dietary recommendations throughout the history of T2DM management, focusing on carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRDs), historical milestones, and the evolution of recommended nutrient percentages and foods over time. A systematic search was performed in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases using terms related to DM and CRDs. Additionally, official documents from governments, regulatory agencies, and global diabetes organizations were consulted. A total of 23 articles and 22 official documents were analyzed. It was found that dietary recommendations for the treatment of DM changed over time, being initially directed to the control of disease symptoms, followed by a focus on energy and carbohydrate restriction in the pre-insulin period. After the emergence of insulin treatments, the first recommendations focused on increasing dietary carbohydrate intake, and the supposed association with cardiovascular complications has also led to an emphasis on lower-fat diets. Between the 1970s and 1990s, there was an increase in the amount of recommended carbohydrates. In the current post-insulin period, the recommendation for carbohydrate restriction has resurged, although with some caveats. Current knowledge on dietary modifications for glycemic control, in parallel with the increased prevalence of T2DM despite existing guidelines, underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of T2DM management and the need to reassess recommendations on CRDs to improve the care of patients with T2DM.

Objectives: Cancer experiences can bring positive as well as negative impacts. The current literature, however, focuses mainly on the negative impacts. This qualitative study examines Korean childhood cancer survivors' post-traumatic growth, which concerns how they respond positively to the cancer experience and how they change as a result of their experience. Design: In-person or telephone interviews were conducted with 31 adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer posttreatment who were living in Korea. Results: Thematic analysis found that childhood cancer survivors experienced growth by feeling gratitude (being content with the present, making comparisons with worse situations), engaging in self-affirmation ('I am strong'; 'My example can help others'; 'I am ready for new challenges'), deepening faith (communicating with God, trusting God's direction), and finding the social meaning of cancer (becoming a self-advocate, mapping out a career path). The study findings can be used by psychosocial care professionals to support Korean cancer survivors to recognize post-traumatic growth and, thus, achieve improved well-being.

Objectives: Cancer experiences can bring positive as well as negative impacts. The current literature, however, focuses mainly on the negative impacts. This qualitative study examines Korean childhood cancer survivors' post-traumatic growth, which concerns how they respond positively to the cancer experience and how they change as a result of their experience. Design: In-person or telephone interviews were conducted with 31 adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer posttreatment who were living in Korea. Results: Thematic analysis found that childhood cancer survivors experienced growth by feeling gratitude (being content with the present, making comparisons with worse situations), engaging in self-affirmation ('I am strong'; 'My example can help others'; 'I am ready for new challenges'), deepening faith (communicating with God, trusting God's direction), and finding the social meaning of cancer (becoming a self-advocate, mapping out a career path). The study findings can be used by psychosocial care professionals to support Korean cancer survivors to recognize post-traumatic growth and, thus, achieve improved well-being.

"Background: Risk factors of Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing among Indian tribes. However, this issue remains unexplored in migrants of Odisha’s Santal tribe, in Bhubaneswar city. Objective: To assess the prevalence of behavioural and selected metabolic risk factors of NCDs among Santal migrants aged 18 to 69 years in Bhubaneswar.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 516 Santal migrants was conducted from September to Decem-ber 2022 using the WHO STEPS survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed using R statistical software.
Results: Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use were 80% (95% CI: 76.3–83.3) and 81.8% (95% CI: 78.1–85.0), respectively with higher rates among males. Low physical activity was reported by 30.6% (95% CI: 26.7–34.8), commonly among females. 98.8% participants had inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Hypertension was found in 40.3% (95% CI: 36.1–44.7), abdominal obesity in 33.5% and obesity in 28.5%.
Conclusions: High prevalence of NCD risk factors was observed among Santal migrants with inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, followed by alcohol and tobacco use being most prevalent. Male gender was independently linked to tobacco and alcohol use; age 45-69 years with alcohol use and low education with tobacco use. Culturally appropriate, community-based health promotion programs could be beneficial."

Physical growth in children is a fundamental aspect of development, characterized by
significant changes in height, weight, body composition, and overall physical capabilities. This
study investigates the physical growth patterns of the Lodha children under five years of age
in rural Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Using data from 192 children across eight
villages, age-sex differences in height, weight, MUAC, and head circumference were analyzed
using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results indicate better growth patterns for boys
than girls in most age groups regarding growth indicators like height, weight, head
circumference, and chest circumference. Sex difference between Lodha boys and girls were
statistically significant in most age groups; in mean height, the sex difference is statistically
significant in 2+ (t=2.377; p≤0.05) and 4+ (t=2.778; p≤0.05) years age group and in mean
weight, in 2+ (t=2.437; p≤0.05), 3+ (t=2.118; p≤0.05), 4+ (t=3.138; p≤0.05) years age group.
Compared to international standards, the overall growth of the Lodha boys and girls is very
concerning as only a few children (percentile chart) exhibited satisfactory growth, which is
concerning. The differences in growth indicators like height and weight between present study
participants and international growth standard are significant in all age-sex groups, where the
present study participants show significantly lower growth values. The findings highlight the
need for targeted nutritional and care interventions to improve growth outcomes.

This paper will explore the social history of the transnational migration of foreign-trained doctors to western countries in the post-WWII era, by examining, as a case study, South Asian-trained doctors who were first licensed in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia between 1961 and 1971. This article draws on both quantitative and qualitative primary sources. First, we analyzed the 1966 and 1971 copies of the Canadian Medical Directories (CMD), the annual compendium of all licensed practitioners in the country (over 20,000 practitioners). These CMD entries were supplemented by the annual returns of &#39;intended occupation&#39; (those designated as &#39;physician&#39;…

Shortly after Denmark's 2019 national elections, 'social mixing' became a key housing policy and urban development strategy. Aiming to end a period of neoliberal speculation, the new Social Democratic government promoted egalitarianism, civic participation and a benevolent public administration. Despite the government touting social mix as a revitalizing force for Danish cities, global data suggest that spatial proximity does not necessarily reduce social distance, as interactions between different social groups are often limited. Concurrently, more urban residents are withdrawing from traditional participatory forms such as neighborhood associations and municipal institutions, which often fail to address their concerns and accommodate their schedules. This essay questions whether the Danish version of social mixing is indeed a panacea for robust welfare urbanism. For those urban residents who may not have the resources to embody and enact the participatory ideal suggested by a welfare society, withdrawal may come to constitute a viable and often pragmatic form of care through connectedness. Paradoxically, then, compassion for the city is here articulated through deliberate and concerted strategies of moving away from major urban collectivities.

To understand what motivates sedentary indigenous and ethnic minority men to become more physically active. Design: We use thematic analysis to present data from a qualitative study exploring 23 sedentary indigenous Māori (New Zealand) men's experiences of completing a 12-week exercise intervention to improve their metabolic health. Results: Four themes emerged: The Broshaving fellowship and mutual motivation; Being better informed about exercise; Impacting overall wellbeing; and Disseminating the findings beyond the study Exercise interventions informed by indigenous Māori cultural values and knowledge increased its relevance to their daily lives. The motivation for these indigenous men was more culturally-based external factors than an inherent desire to lose weight. Conclusion: Indigenous and minority men in many developed countries have high morbidity and premature mortality related to sedentary lifestyles. The low uptake of physical activities possibly relates to focusing more on outcomes such as weight loss which lacks cultural relevance. When offering health promotion interventions for marginalized populations these findings highlight the importance of culturally tailoring interventions to the unique sources of motivation for each group to increase activity to improve their efficacy.

This chapter is a contribution to the book "Pandemia e vaccinazioni Aspetti economici, sociali e politici nel caso del Covid-19" (ed. by Marco Giansoldati) and published by "Biblioteca della società aperta. Studi e ricerche" (Edizioni Università di Trieste).
Here is the link to the book, available in open access: https://www.openstarts.units.it/collections/10966708-2013-4e51-88a5-02da37995e74

Human body fat distribution is related to several variables of clinical importance. Systematic information on age variations in regional adiposity amongst young adult Nigerians is scarce in the literature. This study investigated the pattern of age-related body fat distribution amongst medical students in the urban Lagos area. Anthropometric measurements including body mass, stature, waist circumference, maximum gluteal circumference, triceps, and subscapular skinfolds were taken from 245 volunteer male undergraduate medical students aged 16 to 27 years, selected by systematic random sampling, were used to derive the following body fat indices: subscapular/triceps ratio (STSR), centripetal fat (CPR) skin folds ratio, waist-hip ratio and conicity index (CI). Data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics and presented as mean, median, and standard deviation using SPSS version 14. P values were set at 0.05. The study observed statistically significant and persistent age differences in the estimate

To describe levels of risky sexual behaviour, HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men and women in Guatemala by ethnic group and to identify adjusted associations between ethnicity and these outcomes. Data on 16,205 women aged 15-49 and 6822 men aged 15-59 from the 2008-2009 Encuesta Nacional de Salud Materno Infantil were used to describe ethnic group differences in sexual behaviour, HIV knowledge and testing. We then controlled for age, education, wealth and other socio-demographic factors in a multivariate logistic regression model to examine the effects of ethnicity on outcomes related to age at sexual debut, number of lifetime sex partners, comprehensive HIV knowledge, HIV testing and lifetime sex worker patronage (men only). The data show low levels of risky sexual behaviour and low levels of HIV knowledge among indigenous women and men, compared to other respondents. Controlling for demographic factors, indigenous women were more likely than other women never to have been tes...

Introduction: According to India's national family health survey 5 (NFHS-5), In 2019-2020, 32.1% of children under five years of age were found to be underweight. 19.3% were wasted and 35.5% were stunted as per the NFHS-5 data, the prevalence of underweight and stunting was 21.2% and 30%, respectively. The current under-five mortality rate in India is 28/1000, and under nutrition is one of the significant. Malnutrition among under-five children is a major public health problem in India. According to WHO malnutrition is divided into two main types like under-nutrition, over-nutrition, nutritional deficiency malnutrition contributors to under-five mortality in India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children. Prior permission was obtained to conduct a study. Informed consent was obtained from parents of all the under five children. The study comprised of 100 samples. The samples who met with inclusion criteria were selected by convenient sampling technique-a type of non-probability method, in which the participants were selected according to the convenient of researcher. The data collection was conducted at sanatorium and Kelambakkam. The participants were screened for malnutrition using weighing scale, the malnutrition was calculated by various formulas and interpreted with GOMEZ'S classification of malnutrition. The obtained data was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The present study revealed that the prevalence of malnutrition among 100 under-five children, 44(44%) of them had I-degree malnutrition, 28(28%) of them had II-degree malnutrition, 3(3%) of them had III-degree malnutrition, 5(5%) of them had obesity, 20(20%) of them were normal. Conclusion: Assessing the degree of malnutrition among children under five years old is crucial for identifying and addressing nutritional deficiencies that can have long-term effects on their health and development. Therefore, the community was educated about malnutrition and its preventive measures, awareness program and counselling to parents to prevent malnutrition for under-five children.

Objective-To explore similarities and differences in the use and perception of communication channels to access weight-related health promotion among women in three ethnic minority groups. The ultimate aim was to determine whether similar channels might reach ethnic minority women in general or whether segmentation to ethnic groups would be required. Design-Eight ethnically homogeneous focus groups were conducted among 48 women of Ghanaian, Antillean/Aruban, or Afro-Surinamese background living in Amsterdam. Our questions concerned which communication channels they usually used to access weight-related health advice or information about programs and whose information they most valued. The content analysis of data was performed. Results-The participants mentioned four channels -regular and traditional healthcare, general or ethnically specific media, multiethnic and ethnic gatherings, and interpersonal communication with peers in the Netherlands and with people in the home country. Ghanaian women emphasized ethnically specific channels (e.g., traditional healthcare, Ghanaian churches). They were comfortable with these channels and trusted them. They mentioned fewer general channelsmainly limited to healthcare -and if discussed, negative perceptions were expressed. Antillean women mentioned the use of ethnically specific channels (e.g., communication with Antilleans in the home country) on balance with general audience-oriented channels (e.g., regular healthcare). Perceptions were mixed. Surinamese participants discussed, in a positive manner, the use of general audience-oriented channels, while they said they did not use traditional healthcare or advice from Surinam. Local language proficiency, time resided in the Netherlands, and approaches and messages received seemed to explain channel use and perception. The predominant differences in channel use and perception among the ethnic groups indicate a need for channel segmentation to reach a multiethnic target group with weight-

Objective: The multiracial adult population is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population, yet much remains to be learned about multiracial health. Considerable research finds racial/ethnic disparities in self-rated health, however subgroups within the multiracial population have not been consistently described. Design: We use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and multivariate logistic regression analyses to compare self-rated health of multiracial and monoracial young adults (n = 7880). Results: Overall, there were no significant differences in poor selfrated health status of multiracial adults as a single group odds ratio 0.84 (95% CI: 0.52-1.36) compared to monoracial White adults. Analyses further revealed important variations in healthstatus by specific subgroups and show that some multiracial subgroups may not fit existing patterns of health disparities. For instance, Asian-White multiracial adults do not fit documented patterns of health disparities and report better health than monoracial Asian and monoracial White adults. This study illustrates that the inclusion of specific multiracial categories provides evidence to enhance understanding of the pathways that are linked to health outcomes and the implications for health disparities.

Objectives. This study investigated differences in behavioural health protective and risk factors in US Latino and non-Latino White adolescents as well as differences among Latinos with different levels of acculturation using a bicultural acculturation model. The bicultural model is consistent with current understanding of cultural change processes; however it has infrequently been applied to understand adolescent health outcomes. The outcomes included risk and health behaviours as well as mental health factors consistent with Jessor's framework for describing adolescents' health status. Design. Participants included 1119 students randomly selected from all middle schools of a Northern California district. Respondents completed project staff administered self-reports surveys in their schools that included assessments of health behaviours, mental health, and socio-cultural variables-including acculturation level. . Latinos were at higher risk than non-Latino Whites in the following areas: academic orientation, physical activity, and sunscreen use. Boys and those of lower social class were more likely to report use of various substances and violence. Among Latinos, those in the marginalised acculturation group-those with less attachments and adaptations to Latino and other cultures, showed less desirable mental health outcomes than the bicultural group. These results extend prior research by assessing the health needs of early adolescent youth. The study found important differences within Latinos using a bicultural acculturation model. The use of a bicultural acculturation model, or cultural orientation approach more generally, may have especial utility for addressing health issues wherever minority populations interact with a dominant society.

Objective-Identify health perspectives among Asian Indians in greater Houston area, to guide a tailored community wide survey. Design-Four focus groups of different ages, gender, and nativity were conducted at which participants were asked for their opinions about specific health topics. Key informant interviews were conducted with ten community leaders to validate focus group responses. Recordings from focus groups and key informant interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Results-Diabetes, cancer, and hypertension were primary health concerns. Common themes were sedentary lifestyle and poor health literacy. Older participants were more accepting of having familial hypertension and high cholesterol. Women were more concerned about health of family members and dietary habits. Perspectives differed on eating habits, physical activity, use of Western medicine, and smoking based on nativity. Responses from key informant interviews validated focus group findings. on health may differ among Asian Indians depending on gender, age, and nativity.

Objective: To compare predominantly-Black and predominantly-White Maryland areas with similar socioeconomic status to examine the role of both race and socioeconomic status on tobacco outlet availability and tobacco outlet access. Design: Maryland tobacco outlet addresses were geocoded with 2011-2015 American Community Survey sociodemographic data. Two-sample t-tests were conducted comparing the mean values of sociodemographic variables and tobacco outlet density per Census Tract, and spatial lag based regression models were conducted to analyze the direct association between covariables and tobacco outlet density while accounting for spatial dependence between and within jurisdictions. Results: Predominantly-White jurisdictions had lower tobacco outlet availability and access than predominantly-Black jurisdictions, despite similar socioeconomic status. Spatial lag model results showed that median household income and vacant houses had consistent associations with tobacco outlet density across most of the jurisdictions analyzed, and place-based spatial lag models showed direct associations between predominantly-Black jurisdictions and tobacco outlet availability and access. Conclusion: Predominantly-White areas have lower levels of tobacco outlet density than predominantly-Black areas, despite both areas having similar socioeconomic statuses.

Undernutrition has always been a significant public health challenge in middle and lower-income countries. However, due to improved socio-economic conditions and lifestyle changes, undernutrition is decreasing while overnutrition is increasing rapidly. This has led to a dual burden of malnutrition, particularly among women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases in 2019 and 2022, among adult women (18 to <60 years) in the Midnapore municipal area of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India, with the aim of assessing the nutritional status of adult women in the area. The study also aimed to examine the socio-economic factors that influence the nutritional status of the study population. Primary data were collected using structured surveys and interviews, and anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures. Total 200 participants were included in the study using purposive  sampling method. Statistical significance was considered at p-values ≤0.05. The study found that overnutrition is highly prevalent among the participants (45%), while undernutrition is also a concern, affecting a significant number of women (8%). Additionally, central obesity is high among the participants. Factors such as age, education, occupation, and physical activity were found to be statistically associated with the nutritional status of the participants. In India, the focus of academic and awareness programs has historically been on combating undernutrition. However,  with the changing circumstances, there is a need to realign the focus and promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

To determine whether older Mexican-Americans who cannot speak and/or understand spoken English have higher rates of mobility limitations or fear of falling than their English-speaking counterparts. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1169 community-dwelling Mexican-Americans aged 72-96 years from the 2000-2001 wave of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. Mobility limitations were defined as having a Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9, and fear of falling by participant report of being somewhat, fairly, or very afraid of falling. We determined the rates and odds ratios, for having mobility limitations and fear of falling as a function of English ability in those who were 72-96, &lt;80, and ≥80 years of age. Among participants who were unable to speak and/or understand spoken English 85.7% had mobility limitations and 61.6% were afraid of falling, compared to 77.6% and 57.5%, respectively, of English speakers. Before adjusti...

Objectives: Low-income children (6-19 years) are at higher risk for BMI-determined overweight and obesity, but this relationship varies by children's race/ethnicity. BMI, however, is a poor marker of excess adiposity in minority children. The objective of this study was to determine if the relationships of income and/or race/ethnicity with weight status was consistent between BMI-determined overweight or obesity and adiposity measured via dual energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA). Design: This study included a nationally representative sample of U.S. children (N = 9857, 14.0 years, 52.8% male, 31.8% low-income, 52.1% middle-income). Disparities in household income-to-poverty ratio (low-income = 0.00-1.00, middle-income = 1.01-4.00, highincome > 4.00) was the exposure with prevalence of BMIdetermined overweight or obesity (i.e. age/sex specific CDC cutoffs) and DXA-determined excess adiposity (i.e. body fat %≥75th percentile) as the outcome. Results: For DXA, children from high-income households were 0.47 (95CI = 0.35, 0.65) and 0.55 (95CI = 0.44, 0.70) times as likely to have excess adiposity compared to children in middle and low-income households, respectively. Similar findings were observed with BMIdetermined overweight and obesity. Stratified analyses by individual racial/ethnic groups showed children from high-income households were less likely to have excess adiposity compared to their low-income peers for White, Black, and Hispanic children. However, these relationships did not hold for BMI-determined overweight and obesity in Black and Hispanic children. Conclusions: This study revealed that the relationships between income and DXA-determined adiposity differed from the relationships between income and BMI-determined overweight and obesity for children who are Black and Hispanic. This suggests that BMI may be an inappropriate surveillance tool when exploring relationships between race/ethnicity, income, and adiposity.

The aims of the study were, first, to describe and analyze healthcare services utilization patterns of older immigrants in Finland, and particularly to compare the availability and accessibility of health services between older Somalis and Finns. The second aim was to examine the preferences for mental healthcare within the group of Somalis. The third aim was to test the existence of a service usage gap expected to be characteristic of the Somali group, in which high levels of mental health problems occur alongside simultaneous low levels of mental health service usage. The participants were 256 men and women between the ages of 50-85; half were Somali migrants and the other half Finnish matched pairs. The participants were surveyed regarding their usage of somatic, mental, and preventive health services, as well as symptoms of depression, general distress, and somatization. The Somali participants were also surveyed regarding their usage of traditional healing methods and preferences for mental healthcare. The Somali group had significantly lower access to personal/family doctors at healthcare centers as well as a lower availability of private doctors and occupational health services than the Finns. Instead, they used more nursing services than Finnish patients. The Somali participants attended fewer age-salient preventive check-ups than the Finns. The majority of the Somalis preferred traditional care, most commonly religious healing, for mental health problems. The hypothesized service gap was not substantiated, as a high level of depressive symptoms was not associated with a low usage of health services among the Somalis, but it was found unexpectedly among the Finns. Our findings call for culturally appropriate general and mental health services for older immigrants, which requires awareness of clients' preferences, needs, and alternative healing practices. Somali participants encountered institutional barriers in accessing healthcare, and they preferred informal mental healthcare, especially religious healing instead of Western practices.

Poverty is a world-wide and multi-dimensional phenomenon and it exists both in developed and underdeveloped economy. In Rio- Declaration, the commission has given prominence on bio-diversity, climate change, forest management and conservation along with a priority to the poorest sections of the community. The central government of India, under UPA Government, enacted a National Employment Guarantee Act. This would provide a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of employment to begin with an asset-creating public works programmes every year at minimum wages to at least one able bodied person in a family. The act was notified on 7th September, 2005. The significance of the programmes makes the government legally acceptable for providing employment to those who ask for it. It was considered as growth engine for sustainable development of an agricultural economy through the process of providing employment on works that address causes of chronic poverty such as drought, deforestation and soil erosion. The Act seeks to strengthen the natural resource base of rural livelihood and create durable asset in rural areas. The present study has been conducted on the rural population under MGNREGA, who are able to cross their subsistence level of surviving. The incidence of poverty is very high in the different rural areas than estimated by Planning Commission of India (based on Suresh Tendulkar Committee). Keywords: poverty, sustainable development, MGNREGA, Planning Commission of India, incidence of poverty.

This study sought to determine whether the association between varying levels of physical activity (PA) and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality differ by race/ethnicity in older adults. The sample comprised 2520 women and 2398 men drawn from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994) aged ≥ 60 years. We used the metabolic equivalent (MET) of self-reported PA levels to define activity groups (inactive: those who did not report any PA; active: those who reported 3-6 METs for ≥5 times/week or &gt;6 METs, ≥3 times/week; insufficiently active: those meeting neither criteria). Racial/Ethnic differences were modeled using proportional hazard regression (HR) adjusting for age, education, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. Among those classified as inactive, Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.90) and Mexican Americans (HR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.45-0.78) had a lower risk of all-cause mortality when compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Among those classif...

Background. A cross-sectional survey was designed to provide a baseline data on the prevalence and distribution of overweight and obesity and their associations among adults in Palestine. Methods. A random representative sample of 3617 adults aged 18-64 years was collected between October 1999 and October 2000. Results. The prevalence of overweight was 35.5% in women and 40.3% in men, obesity was 31.5% in women and 17.5% in men. Adults aged 45-54 years old were significantly more likely to be obese (29.2% in men and 50.2% in women) or overweight (48.1% in men and 37.2% in women). When compared with women, men showed significantly more normal BMI level (40.5% versus 31.6%; P &lt; 0.05). Cut-off points for a high waist circumference and high waist-to-hip ratio identified 57.8% and 47.2% of the population, respectively, to be at an increased and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Sociodemographic factors (age, sex, educational level, and marital status) were also found to be signifi...

This study is an extension of the Master’s dissertation by the first author at the Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai. The authors would like to thank the faculty members of MSE and the thesis examiner Dr. K. Nagaraj for useful comments and suggestions. This paper was also presented at the

Objectives: Although an extensive amount of research has been devoted to models defining cultural competence of healthcare professionals in short-term care, there is unclarity about the cultural competencies that professionals providing lifelong care and support should have. The current study aimed to explore which cultural competencies are used by these healthcare professionals, and whether these competencies enabled them to make cultural adaptations to their regular care practices. Design: To investigate cultural competencies and cultural adaptations, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with eight professionals who provide lifelong care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Five cultural competencies were explored: awareness, knowledge, skills, motivation, and encounters. Results: A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that professionals providing lifelong care and support used all cultural competencies in their care practices. Moreover, our analysis suggested that these competencies could be categorized as either practical or analytical cultural competencies. Although these competencies were conditional in order to make cultural adaptations to care practices, the presence of cultural competencies did not automatically lead to these cultural adaptations. Conclusions: All five cultural competencies were used by professionals in lifelong care and support. Our analysis revealed that both practical and analytical cultural competencies were essential in providing culturally sensitive lifelong care and support. We additionally suggest that the cultural competence of professionals is necessary, but not sufficient, for making cultural adaptations to lifelong care and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In many cases, other factors also played a role in a professional's final decision to adapt their care practices.

Locating research informants in a multi-ethnic community: ethnic identities, social networks and recruitment methods Original citation: McLean, C. and Campbell, C. (2003) Locating research informants in a multi-ethnic community: ethnic identities, social networks and recruitment methods. Ethnicity and health, 8 (1). pp. 41-61.

Background Tooth loss is an oral health condition with high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life. It is the result of the history of oral diseases and their treatment as well as provision of dental care and access to dental services. Socioeconomic characteristics are determinants of tooth loss and living in rural areas is also a risk factor for its incidence. Objective To identify contextual and individual factors associated with self-reported tooth loss among adults and elderly people living in rural riverside areas. Methods A cross-sectional household-based survey was conducted in 2019 with rural riverside communities on the left bank of the Rio Negro River, Manaus, Amazonas. These communities are covered by a fluvial health team and two riverside health teams. Interviews were conducted in a representative random sample of dwellers aged � 18 years, using electronic forms to obtain information on oral health conditions, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and use of and access to health services. The outcome was self-reported tooth loss. After the descriptive analysis of the data, a multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence ratio for the outcome. Variables with p-value �0.20 in the bivariate analyses were included in the multiple analysis considering the hierarchy between individual and contextual variables in the multilevel model. Variables with p-value �0.10 were kept in the final model and the significance level adopted was 0.05.