Search

Purpose\ud \ud Hydrocephalus is a major cause of morbidity in the pediatric population, with potentially severe consequences if left untreated. Two viable strategies for management of non-communicating hydrocephalus are endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. However, there is uncertainty over the safety and efficacy of ETV in younger infants aged 1 year or below. In this systematic review, we aim to elucidate the success rate and procedural risks of ETV in this age group.\ud Methods\ud \ud A multi-database (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) literature search between January 1990 and April 2018 was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were included if they (i) examined non-communicating hydrocephalus; (ii) quantified the success/failure rates of ETV; and (iii) assessed outcomes in children 1 year of age or younger.\ud Results\ud \ud A total of 19 articles with 399 patients were eligible for inclusion. Mean age at procedure was 4.2 months (range 34 weeks gestation to 12 months), with 116 females and 143 males. Commonest underlying aetiology was congenital aqueductal stenosis (AS) (60.4%). Remaining causes included post-haemorrhagic, post-infection, Chiari malformations, malignancies and others. Overall and AS mean success rates were 51.6% and 56.5% respectively. Overall complication rate was 10.0%, consisting mainly of CSF leak, infection, and haemorrhage. Younger age was significantly associated with poorer ETV success rate when divided into

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory and/or physical fitness health problems in adolescent (ages 18-21) water pipe (WP) smokers (with or without cigarette smoking), cigarette-only smokers, and nonsmokers.A comparative four-group study design was used to recruit a non-probability sample of 153 WP smokers only, 103 cigarette smokers only, and 102 cigarette+WP smokers along with 296 nonsmokers. Our hypothesis was that youth who smoked WPs and/or cigarettes would report more respiratory problems and/or poorer physical fitness than those who did not smoke.The results showed that coughs were significantly associated with smoking in all three of the smoking groups (p.05). Cigarette-only smokers reported the most adverse outcomes with more wheezing, difficulty breathing, and less ability to exercise without shortness of breath. A dose-response analysis showed similar patterns of adverse health effects for both WP and cigarette smokers. The combined use of both products was not appreciably worse than smoking one product alone. This could be due to cigarette+WP smokers' reporting using less of the respective products when only one product was smoked.Even during the adolescent years, WP and/or cigarette smoking youth experienced reportable negative health effects.

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women in the US and cultural barriers and medical mistrust have been associated with breast cancer screening (BCS) rates among minority populations. A heterogeneous sample of Arab women (N = 196) were recruited from across the Detroit metropolitan area and administered a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses revealed an association between Arab Cultural Specific Barriers (ACSB) to BCS and Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale. The environmental ACSB to BCS was associated with the medical mistrust—suspicion of HC providers (β = 0.363, p = 0.01), lack of HC provider support (β = 0.396, p = 0.001), and Arab inequities (β = 0.250, p = 0.05). Findings suggest that ACSB to BCS are predictive of medical mistrust for Arab American women. This study illuminates the need to emphasize strategies that will target the medical care system and the cultural barriers to BCS that Arab American women face in the health care system.

Health literacy and the family can be used to promote cancer screenings. We examined the associations of socio-demographic factors, family communication, and cancer literacy in a diverse population. Baseline data from the Kin Keeper(SM) Cancer Prevention randomized controlled trial were analyzed for Black (n=216), Latino (n=65), and Arab (n=235) women. Key variables were based on the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale IV, and the Cancer Literacy Assessment Tool. Among Blacks, cervical cancer literacy was positively associated with family communication. Cancer literacy was associated with higher educational level, employment, and family self-rated health status among Black and Arab women. Among Latinas, who were the least educated and had the lowest literacy scores, family communication was inversely related to breast cancer literacy. Family-centered networks may be a viable resource for the transmission of health cancer literacy information, inform health care decision-making, and contribute to decreasing breast and cervical cancer mortality.

Summary The behavioral response to a sensory stimulus may depend on both learned and innate neuronal representations. How these circuits interact to produce appropriate behavior is unknown. In Drosophila, the lateral horn (LH) and mushroom body (MB) are thought to mediate innate and learned olfactory behavior, respectively, although LH function has not been tested directly. Here we identify two LH cell types (PD2a1 and PD2b1) that receive input from an MB output neuron required for recall of aversive olfactory memories. These neurons are required for aversive memory retrieval and modulated by training. Connectomics data demonstrate that PD2a1 and PD2b1 neurons also receive direct input from food odor-encoding neurons. Consistent with this, PD2a1 and PD2b1 are also necessary for unlearned attraction to some odors, indicating that these neurons have a dual behavioral role. This provides a circuit mechanism by which learned and innate olfactory information can interact in identified neurons to produce appropriate behavior. Video Abstract, Highlights • Specific Drosophila lateral horn neurons mediate innate attraction to food odors • The same neurons receive plastic odor information from the mushroom body • Recall after associative learning depends on reduced drive to lateral horn neurons • Connectomics circuit for integration of learned and innate odor representations, Sensory stimuli can engage both learned and innate behaviors. Dolan et al. identify neurons in Drosophila that directly integrate unlearned and plastic odor representations; they are required for innate approach to food odors but also learned aversive recall.

How intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, and barriers to services affect Arab American women in the United States is not very well documented. This cross-sectional exploratory descriptive study examines (a) the relationship between depression and IPV and (b) whether living in the United States 10 or more years decreases barriers to reporting intimate partner violence and depression in a sample ( N = 312) of Arab American women 19 years and older. Findings demonstrate significant relationships between women who were at risk for IPV and depression scores ( r = .44, p < .001), and number of years living in the United States and barriers to service ( r = .25, p < .001). There was a significant negative relationship between barriers to service and depression ( r = −.30, p < .001), and barriers to service and IPV ( r = −.23, p < .001), and number of years living in the United States and depression ( r = .25, p < .001). Findings underscore the importance of screening referral and follow-up for Arab American women experiencing IPV and depression.

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based, culturally-specific, Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-adapted, group lifestyle intervention in Arab-Americans.Overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m(2)) Arab-Americans aged ≥ 30 years and without a history of diabetes were recruited to participate in a 24-week group lifestyle intervention. The DPP core-curriculum was culturally rewritten, translated into Arabic, and delivered in weekly sessions over a 12-week period. Follow-up was performed at week-24. The primary goals were to achieve ≥ 7% weight loss and ≥ 150 min/week of physical activity. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed.Of the 71 participants (mean age ± SD 47 ± 10 years, 38% males), 44% achieved ≥ 7% weight loss, 59% achieved ≥ 5% reduction in weight, and 78% reached the physical activity goal of ≥ 150-min/week. The mean ± SD weight loss was 5.2 ± 4.4 kg at week-24 (p0.0001), Marked reduction in body measurements, daily energy and fat intake were noted. Retention was high with 86% completing the intervention.This trial demonstrates that a culturally-specific, DPP-adapted, group lifestyle intervention implemented in a community setting is feasible and effective in Arab-Americans.

Background. To address the issue of cancer disparities among women whose first language is not English, researchers and public health educators are challenged to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate material and instruments. Methods. This study documents the process used to linguistically and culturally translate breast and cervical cancer literacy assessment tools from English to Spanish and from English to Arabic by using a community-based method. Results. Results from field testing the assessments demonstrated good reliability for overall cancer literacy in English (Cronbach's alpha .99), Spanish (Cronbach's alpha .99), and Arabic (Cronbach's alpha .81). Conclusion. Using a community-based approach to translate the cancer assessments helped to insure they were culturally appropriate.

Asthma and obesity-related health problems disproportionately impact low-income ethnic minority communities residing in urban areas. Environmental risk factors, particularly those related to housing and indoor air, may impact the development or exacerbation of asthma. There is increasing evidence to suggest a link between obesity-related health problems and asthma. Previous studies have also reported that immigrant status may influence myriad risk factors and health outcomes among immigrant populations. The Arab American Environmental Health Project (AAEHP) was the first study to explore environmental health problems among Arab Americans. This paper examined whether hypertensive status modified the relationship between environmental risk factors and asthma among Arab Americans in metro Detroit. An environmental risk index (ERI) was used to quantify household environmental risk factors associated with asthma. Physician diagnosed hypertension was self-reported, and asthma status was determined using responses to a validated symptoms checklist and self-reported diagnosis by a physician. Hypertension significantly modified the relationship between ERI and asthma in this study population. The positive association between household environmental risk factors and asthma was stronger among participants diagnosed with hypertension. Effect modification of the relationship between environmental risk factors and asthma could have serious implications among high-risk communities. However, further research is needed to elucidate the relationships between hypertension, environmental risk factors, and asthma.

Background Water-pipe smoking is a rapidly growing form of tobacco use worldwide. Building on an earlier report of experimentation with cigarette and water-pipe smoking in a U.S. community sample of Arab-American youth aged 14–18 years, this article examines water-pipe smoking in more detail (e.g., smoking history, belief in harmfulness compared to cigarettes, family members in home who smoke water pipes) and compares the water-pipe–smoking behaviors of Arab-American youth with non–Arab-American youth in the same community. Methods A convenience sample of 1872 Arab-American and non–Arab-American high school students from the Midwest completed a 24-item tobacco survey. Data were collected in 2004–2005 and analyzed in 2007–2008. Results Arab-American youth reported lower percentages of ever cigarette smoking (20% vs 39%); current cigarette smoking (7% vs 22%); and regular cigarette smoking (3% vs 15%) than non–Arab-American youth. In contrast, Arab-American youth reported significantly higher percentages of ever water-pipe smoking (38% vs 21%) and current water-pipe smoking (17% vs 11%) than non–Arab-American youth. Seventy-seven percent perceived water-pipe smoking to be as harmful as or more harmful than cigarette smoking. Logistic regression showed that youth were 11.0 times more likely to be currently smoking cigarettes if they currently smoked water pipes. Youth were also 11.0 times more likely to be current water-pipe smokers if they currently smoked cigarettes. If one or more family members smoked water pipes in the home, youth were 6.3 times more likely to be current water-pipe smokers. The effects of ethnicity were reduced as a result of the explanatory value of family smoking. Conclusions Further research is needed to determine the percentages, patterns, and health risks of water-pipe smoking and its relationship to cigarette smoking among all youth. Additionally, youth tobacco prevention/cessation programs need to focus attention on water-pipe smoking in order to further dispel the myth that water-pipe smoking is a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.

The goal of this study was to examine whether the retributive justice enacted by the elimination of the oppressive regime in Iraq has positive mental health effects on Iraqi refugees. The study was conducted on a sample of 501 Iraqi refugees. Data was collected with measures for retributive justice, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), cumulative trauma, futuristic orientation, sociocultural adjustment, post-traumatic growth, social support, and other measures. Multiple regression and path analyses found that the variable regaining self-control and executive functions was the most predictive of the positive mental health gains. However, improvements in PTSD symptoms were not observed, possibly because of previous traumas or the ongoing trauma of discrimination and the war in Iraq.

The goal of the 2 studies discussed in this article was to explore how persons who have undergone torture and other general trauma differ from persons who have undergone only general trauma and to compare the effects of torture to other kinds of traumas. The studies were conducted in 2001 and 2003. Contrary to our hypotheses, we found that although tortured individuals have a significantly higher trauma dose, they are more resilient, are more socioculturally adjusted, have more posttraumatic growth, and practice their religion more. They are more tolerant of differences in religion, race, and culture, and feel more supported. However, they are less healthy physically than individuals in the community who were not tortured. We used theories of attribution, identity trauma, and cumulative trauma to understand the results. Recommendations for counseling and therapy are discussed.

OBJECTIVE—To estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Arab Americans by age, sex, and BMI and to examine the association between insulin resistance and each of the components of the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied a representative, cross-sectional, population-based sample of 542 Arab Americans aged 20–75 years. The metabolic syndrome was defined by Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). RESULTS—The age-adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 23% (95% CI 19–26%) by the ATP III definition and 28% (24–32%) by the WHO definition. Although the prevalence increased significantly with age and BMI in both sexes by both definitions, differences in estimates were noted. With ATP III, the age-specific rates were similar for men and women aged 20–49 years but were significantly higher for women aged ≥50 years. With WHO, rates were higher for men than women aged 20–49 years and similar for those aged ≥50 years. The most common component of the metabolic syndrome in men and women was low HDL cholesterol with the ATP III and the presence of glucose intolerance and HOMA-IR with the WHO. Strong associations between HOMA-IR and individual components of the metabolic syndrome were observed. After fitting a model with HOMA-IR as the outcome, waist circumference, triglyceride level, and fasting plasma glucose level were significantly associated with HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS—The metabolic syndrome is common among Arab Americans and is related to modifiable risk factors.

OBJECTIVE—To examine the relationship between dysglycemia (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes) and acculturation, physical activity, and perceived stress in Arab immigrants in the U.S. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a cross-sectional population-based study, we examined 520 Arab Americans, aged 20–75 years, who were born in the Middle East and immigrated to southeastern Michigan. Dysglycemia was assessed by history and with a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Acculturation, physical activity, and perceived stress were measured with standardized questionnaires. RESULTS—Associations were found between dysglycemia in men and older age at immigration, unemployment, speaking Arabic with friends, being less active in Arabic organizations, more frequent consumption of Arabic food, and less integration into American society. Dysglycemia in women was associated with being raised in rural areas of the Middle East, older age at immigration, longer length of stay in the U.S., not being employed outside the home, less than high school education, not attending Arabic or American schools, and not being able to read Arabic. Among men, older age at immigration, shorter length of stay in the U.S., less activity in Arab organizations, and eating Arabic food were associated with dysglycemia independent of age and BMI. Among women, acculturation was very low and was confounded with age and BMI as powerful risk factors for dysglycemia. No association was found between physical activity, perceived stress, and the risk of dysglycemia in either sex. CONCLUSIONS—Lack of acculturation is an important risk factor for dysglycemia in immigrant Arab Americans. Intervention programs aimed at diabetes prevention should consider the acculturation process.

Objective This ecological study evaluates the correlation of asthma clusters with outdoor air pollution, race, and household income in South-western Detroit, Michigan.

A quasi-experimental design was used to test a modified Project Towards No Tobacco (TNT) use program on cigarette smoking in 380 Arab American and 236 non-Arab American 9th graders in the Midwest. Tenth grade Non-Arab American students given the intervention as 9th graders were 23% less likely to experiment (Odds Ratio = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.64) or to have smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days (Odd Ratio = 1.43 times, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.01) compared to Arab American youth. Arab American students reported greater experimentation with water pipe smoking than cigarettes (38% vs. 22%), and more current (16% vs. 6%) and regular (7% vs. 3%) use of water pipes than cigarettes, respectively. The intervention designed to focus on cigarette smoking had non-significant effects on water pipe smoking. These findings provide support for a school-based intervention revised to focus on prevention as well as cessation and to be culturally consistent. They also call for further research and intervention tailoring to address the problem of water pipe smoking in a growing Arab American adolescent population.

This chapter addresses health disparities, determinants of disparities, documented health disparities between Arab Americans and the majority group, and the Arab American community response to address disparities through advocacy. As such, it draws upon information for specific diseases reviewed in other chapters in this Health & Disease Section. Furthermore, as disparities in the USA reflect historical and social forces, the reader is referred to Section One, Culture, for information about historical and social forces impacting Arab Americans. We conclude that sufficient evidence exists from the health disparities literature for Arab Americans to be considered an ethnic minority, and more information and action are needed to address these disparities.

Background Although breast and cervical cancer deaths have declined due to early screening, detection, and more effective treatment, racial and ethnic disparities persist. This paper describes the study design and baseline characteristics of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of the Kin KeeperSM Cancer Prevention Intervention, a family-focused educational intervention for underserved women applied in a community-based setting to promote health literacy and screening adherence to address cancer disparities. Methods Female public health community health workers (CHWs) were trained to administer the intervention. They recruited female clients from their public health program caseload and asked each to assemble two to four adult female family members for the breast and cervical cancer home-based education sessions the CHWs would deliver in English, Spanish or Arabic. We randomized the clients into the kin keeper group (treatment) or the participant client group (control). Results Complete data were obtained on 514 Black, Latina, and Arab women. Close to half were unemployed and had yearly family income below $20,000. Thirty-four percent had no medical insurance, and 21% had diabetes. Almost 40% had no mammography in the last year. Treatment and control groups were similar on most sociodemographics but showed differences in breast and cervical screening history. Conclusions This innovative study demonstrates the implementation of an RCT using community-based participatory research, while delivering cancer prevention education across woman's life span with women not connected to the health care system.

Background All mass gatherings can place travelers at risk for infectious diseases, but the size and density of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) present important public health and infection control challenges. This survey of protective practices and respiratory illness among US travelers to the 2009 Hajj was designed to evaluate whether recommended behavioral interventions (hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, cough etiquette, social distancing, and contact avoidance) were effective at mitigating illness among travelers during the 2009 Hajj. Methods US residents from Minnesota and Michigan completed anonymous surveys prior to and following travel to the 2009 Hajj. Surveys assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to influenza A(H1N1), vaccination, health‐seeking behaviors, sources of health information, protective behaviors during the Hajj, and respiratory illness during and immediately after the Hajj. Results Pre‐ and post‐travel surveys were completed by 186 participants. Respiratory illness was reported by 76 (41.3%) respondents; 144 (77.4%) reported engaging in recommended protective behaviors during the Hajj. Reduced risk of respiratory illness was associated with practicing social distancing, hand hygiene, and contact avoidance. Pilgrims who reported practicing more recommended protective measures during the Hajj reported either less occurrence or shorter duration of respiratory illness. Noticing influenza A(H1N1) health messages during the Hajj was associated with more protective measures and with shorter duration of respiratory illness. Conclusions Recommended protective behaviors were associated with less respiratory illness among US travelers to the 2009 Hajj. Influenza A(H1N1) communication and education in KSA during the Hajj may also have been an effective component of efforts to mitigate illness. Evaluations of communication efforts and preventive measures are important in developing evidence‐based public health plans to prevent and mitigate disease outbreaks at the Hajj and other mass gatherings.

The increasing incidence of breast cancer in the Arab world, coupled with a relatively early age of onset, raises concern for the presence of hereditary risk factors in this population. However, due to potential structural and cultural barriers, Arab Americans make up the smallest percentage of individuals tested for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome in the United States. The objectives of this qualitative pilot focus group of 13 Arab-American women were to explore attitudes, knowledge and beliefs regarding hereditary breast cancer in the Arab-American community in metropolitan Detroit, identify barriers that would prevent women from seeking hereditary cancer screening/testing and determine who women would talk to about inherited cancer. Results indicated that cultural beliefs and personal experiences with cancer influenced the women’s perspectives on hereditary cancer risk. A high level of secrecy about cancer within Arab-American families was present, which may prevent accurate risk assessment and referral for genetic services. Other identified barriers that may influence hereditary risk assessment included stigma, fears and misconceptions of cancer. While these barriers were present, participants also expressed a strong need for education and tailored cancer risk information for their community.

Refugees suffer from a higher rate of mental health symptoms than the general population since they have experienced extreme suffering and the accumulated effects of trauma. Because of the diversity of regions from which refugees originate, there is a need to understand some of the unique experiences that are specific to each sub-groups of immigrants. The purpose of the present study was to explore mental health symptoms in Iraqi refugee clients who immigrated to the United States after the Gulf War of the early 1990's. As part of a larger study, 116 adult Iraqi immigrants to the United States (46 male, 70 females) who were seeking mental health services completed measures of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. As expected, the majority of refugees reported intense anxiety and depression, and many met the DSM IV criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. Like refugees from other countries-of-origin, Iraqi refugees are in need of culturally sensitive assessment and mental health treatment. The results are discussed in light of the treatment needs of Iraqi refugee clients, their resilience and motivation for a better life, and the ways that health professionals can assist in optimizing their adjustment.

Little is known about the health outcomes or the quality of care among Arab American patients with diabetes. The objective of this study is to examine the use of glucose-lowering agents and aspirin therapy in this population compared to the drug utilization patterns reported in nationally representative surveys.A random sample of adult Arab American patients with self-reported diabetes was selected. Complete medication histories were recorded during a face-to-face interview. Medication utilization of the glucose-lowering agents and aspirin were compared to data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).The study sample consisted of 53 participants (20 males, 33 females) with mean age +/- SD of 59.4 +/- 12 years and A1C levels of 8.0 +/- 2%. Compared to US adults, Arab American patients with diabetes were less likely to be treated with insulin (27% vs 17%) and more likely to receive oral hypoglycemic agents (65% vs 81%). Similar proportions of participants were maintained on insulin-oral hypoglycemic-combined therapy (10% US adults vs 9% Arab Americans). Aspirin use was significantly lower among the study participants (23%) compared to the reported national prevalence of aspirin intake (64%).The therapeutic management of diabetes in the Arab-American patients with diabetes is suboptimal. The use of insulin and aspirin was lower than that reported by participants in the NHANES and BRFSS national databases. More aggressive approaches for the management of hyperglycemia and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases are needed to improve health outcomes in the Arab-American community.

To determine tobacco use rates (cigarette, water pipe smoking [WPS] or narghile) in Arab American compared to non-Arab youth.A convenience sample of 2,782 14- to 18-year-old high school students from a midwest community completed a 21-item tobacco use history survey.Seventy-one percent of the participants were ArA. Grades 9 through 12 were equally represented. Results included 'ever tried cigarettes [narghile]' (20%, 39%); 'smoked cigarettes [narghile] in the past 30 days' (7%, 22%); and 'regular smoking [narghile]' (3%, 15%) for ArA and non-Arab youths, respectively. Each was significantly related to grade and ethnicity. WPS for ArA and non-Arab youths was (38%, 21%); (17%, 11%); and (7%, 5%) for 'ever used,' 'used in the past 30 days,' and 'regular use,' respectively. Grade, ethnicity, and sex were significantly related to WPS.Cigarette smoking rates for non-Arab youth were lower than current national youth smoking rates but significantly higher than ArA youth. Rates for ArA youth were much lower than current national reported data. Rates of WPS for US youth, regardless of race or ethnicity, are not known. Findings from this study indicate that both ArA and non-Arab youth are experimenting and using WPS regularly. These results underscore the importance of assessing novel forms of tobacco use, particularly WPS, a growing phenomenon among US youth.

To study the relationship between anthropometric measurements and living conditions in infants and children living in refugee camps.Cross-sectional study.Four Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.Thirty-three infants younger than two years of age and 234 children (106 males) younger than 15 years of age.Weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/length squared (m2). A parent of the subject answered a questionnaire on employment status, household size, food, and financial assistance as well as child's food consumption.Anthropometric measurements were standardized to the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS) growth data as age- and sex-specific Z scores. No significant difference was seen between males and females. For all sites studied, the Z scores for weight (WAZ) and height (HAZ) of infants were not significantly different from zero. Among older children, WAZ, HAZ, and Z scores for BMI (BMIZ) were significantly less than zero. In infants, exclusive breast feeding, in addition to receiving financial help, correlated positively while meat and fruit consumption of less than three times per week correlated negatively with WAZ and HAZ. In older children, a mixed relationship was seen among the number of children younger than 10 years of age in a household, the child's meat, vegetable, and fruit consumption less than three times per week, and WAZ and HAZ.Living conditions and socioeconomic restrictions on Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon do not appear to influence growth of infants younger than two years of age but may contribute to the growth deficit in older children.

The quality of care received by Arab American patients with type 2 diabetes residing in a city with a large migrant Arab population has not been examined. Arab American adults with a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes were identified in a rigorous cross-sectional, population-based epidemiologic study conducted in Dearborn, MI. Quality of diabetes care was determined by assessing adherence to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) clinical practice recommendations. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) provided data for a national comparison. Among the 53 participants, mean age was 59+/-12 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.3+/-13.3 years. The ADA goal for an A1c of7% was met by 30% of study subjects. LDL (100mg/dL) and BP (130/85) goals were met by 36% and 16% of subjects, respectively. The majority of the Arab American subjects studied were treated less aggressively with pharmacologic agents than recommended by the ADA. 26% of the Arab Americans had an A1c9.5% as compared to 18% of the national population. Arab Americans generally had worse blood pressure control but better lipid control compared to the national sample. This is the first report of the quality of diabetes care in an Arab American population, and demonstrates sub-optimal quality of care according to the ADA clinical practice recommendations.

Background There is a paucity of knowledge relating to dermatologic conditions in Arab Americans. Objective To assess common skin diseases and concerns and to evaluate access to dermatologic care and perception of skin in Arab Americans. Methods Arab Americans from 3 Southeast Michigan locations (community health center [n = 207], mosque [n = 95], and church [n = 99]) completed a survey questionnaire. Results The most common self-reported skin conditions were acne, eczema/dermatitis, warts, fungal skin infections, and melasma. The most pressing skin concerns were uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dry skin, acne, and facial hair. Significant associations exist between socioeconomic status and having seen a dermatologist. Attitudes surrounding skin perception were related to the number of years of residence in the United States. Limitations The skin condition data were gathered from a self-reported survey. Conclusions Skin conditions and other related issues that affect Arab Americans are similar to those which affect other skin-of-color populations.

The Gulf War in 1991 resulted in an influx of refugees from Iraq to the United States and to other regions of the world. The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported medical complaints of Iraqi American refugees who were seeking mental health services in southeastern Michigan. We anticipated that the frequency and pattern of medical symptoms would differ from that reported in the literature on United States Gulf War veterans or other Arab Americans who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s. Potential reasons for such differences include indirect effects, such as neglect of general health prior to and during the war, or direct effects, such as the impact of environmental changes from the war itself. As part of a larger study on the health of refugees from Iraq, self-reported medical conditions and symptoms were analyzed in a sample of 116 adult Iraqi immigrants (46 male, 70 female) who were seeking or already receiving outpatient mental health services (n = 87) or treatment in a partial hospitalization program (n = 29). Measures were translated into Arabic and administered in an interview format by one of two bilingual mental health workers. The results were consistent with other studies on refugees in which the number of medical complaints reported was relatively high. Discussion centers on the importance of addressing the specific medical needs of refugees in general, and of the Iraqi refugees in particular, and on how they may be better served within our primary health care systems.

Immigrant populations provide a unique intersection of cultural and environmental risk factors implicated in asthma etiology. This study focuses on asthma prevalence and severity in 600 Arab American households in metro Detroit, the largest immigrant reception zone for Arab Americans in North America. The survey method introduced a number of novel features: (a) a ranking scheme for the key environmental risk factors for asthma was used to derive an aggregated environmental risk index (ERI) for each household, and (b) an aggregate measure of asthma severity based on symptom frequency and intensity. Environmental risk factors and surrogates for socioeconomic status (SES) were found to be stronger predictors of asthma prevalence than asthma severity, while demographic variables such as English fluency and birth in the United States were better predictors of asthma severity than asthma prevalence. These results suggest that SES variables may be more reflective of environmental exposures in communities involved in this study, while English fluency and birth in the United States may be linked to health care access and utilization behavior that can influence the asthma management. We also found a significant relationship between asthma prevalence and degree of acculturation. Asthma prevalence was highest among moderately acculturated immigrants compared with new immigrants and those who were well acculturated, suggesting that among Arab Americans in the Detroit area, risk factors associated with new immigrant status are replaced by “western” risk factors as the population becomes more acculturated.

Background Respiratory-borne infectious diseases can spread rapidly at mass gatherings. The 2009 Hajj took place during the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. This study investigates factors associated with compliance with recommended influenza A (H1N1)-related health practices and behaviors among American pilgrims to the 2009 Hajj: receiving seasonal influenza vaccinations, receiving influenza A (H1N1) vaccinations, and behaviors intended to mitigate respiratory illness. Methods American residents from Minnesota and Michigan completed anonymous surveys prior to and following travel to the 2009 Hajj. Surveys assessed demographics; knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to influenza A (H1N1); seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations; health-seeking behaviors; sources of health information; and protective behaviors during the Hajj. Results Pre- and post-travel surveys were completed by 186 participants. Receiving seasonal influenza vaccination was reported by 138 (63%) respondents, and 80 (36%) reported receiving an influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. One hundred forty-four (79%) respondents reported engaging in protective behaviors during the Hajj to prevent illness. In multivariable models, greater perceived severity of influenza A (H1N1) before traveling was associated with: seasonal influenza vaccination (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.14-2.62, p=.01), influenza A (H1N1) vaccination (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.35-3.02, p=.001), and engaging in protective behaviors during the Hajj (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.00-2.63, p=.003). Conclusions This study found that accurate knowledge of influenza A (H1N1) symptoms, transmission, and prevention was associated with greater perceived severity of influenza A (H1N1); and perceived influenza A (H1N1) severity was associated with engaging in recommended protective health practices. Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of compliance with recommended behaviors can help guide the development of tailored outreach strategies to mitigate the impact and spread of respiratory disease.

Exposure to environmental contaminants is complicated by factors related to socioeconomic status, diet, and other culturally conditioned risk behaviors. Determination of a trace element profile in toenails can be used as a tool in biomonitoring the exposure history or assessing the deficiency of a particular element in a study population, which can lead to a better understanding of environmental and disease risks. Toenail clippings from 259 Arab Americans (163 adults, 96 children) residing in a highly industrialized area were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Tl, and Pb using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Mean concentrations were compared with published values, and the influence of age, gender, and other demographic factors were explored. Elevated levels of Ni in this population warrant further investigation. Significant differences in the mean concentration of Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Se exist between toenails of adults and children. Pearson correlation coefficients reveal strong significant associations among Cd, Cr, and Tl (p

OBJECTIVE—To examine the prevalence of diabetes and glucose intolerance by age and sex in the Arab-American community of Dearborn, Michigan. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Participants were randomly selected adult Arab Americans, 20–75 years of age, from randomly selected households in Dearborn, Michigan. Demographic and anthropometric data were recorded. Glucose tolerance was assessed with 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests and classified according to 1997 American Diabetes Association and 1998 World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS—A total of 626 eligible adults were selected, and 542 participated (87% response rate). Because prevalence increases with age and the overall response rate for women (328/352; 93%) was higher than that for men (214/274; 78%), prevalence rates were adjusted for age and sex. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 15.5% (95% CI 12.2–18.7%) in women and 20.1% (15.0–25.2%) in men (P = 0.13). The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was similar to that of undiagnosed diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were present in 16.8% (12.8–20.8%) of women and 29.7% (23.4–35.9%) of men (P = 0.0007). The combined rates of glucose intolerance (diabetes, IGT, and IFG) were 32.3% (27.8–36.7%) for women and 49.8% (43.1–56.4%) for men (P < 0.0001). Among younger adults, the prevalence in men was higher than that in women. As expected, subjects with diabetes or IGT/IFG were older and had greater BMI and waist-to-hip ratios than subjects with normal glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS—The prevalence of diabetes and glucose intolerance is extremely high among adult Arab Americans in Michigan and represents a major clinical and public health problem. Community-based intervention programs to prevent and treat diabetes are urgently needed.

Black and Latina women experience the highest disparities in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer and breast cancer mortality in spite of lower incidence than non-Hispanic white women. Among diverse and low literacy populations, family centered networks represent an important mechanism for communication about health concerns, including preventive screening practices. The purpose of the study is to examine the associations between family communication, demographic factors, and breast and cervical cancer health literacy. Black (n=216), Latina (n=65), and Arab (n=233) women enrolled in a randomized trial of Kin KeeperSM, a cancer prevention intervention delivered by community health workers. Self-reported family communication scores (FACES) were cross-tabulated with age, education, literacy scores and presence of grandmother. Analyses were replicated by race and ethnicity. Black and Arab women are the most likely to have a college degree or more and also the most likely to rate their health as excellent compared to Latina respondents. Blacks had the lowest family communication scores while Arabs had the highest family communication scores. Among Blacks, lower FACES score associated with lower cervical cancer literacy and with presence of a grandmother. FACES scores were higher among those who had lower educational attainment(less than a high school degree) and lower among all race/ethnic groups who rated their health status as poor. The unique contribution of this study is the inclusion of Arab women and its focus on family communication scores. The implications of these data are that for low-income diverse groups there are disparities in family communication, and that family network is an important and viable resource for the transmission of health cancer literacy information. Note: This abstract was withdrawn after the Program and Proceedings were printed and was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Adnan Hammad, Karen Patricia Williams, Ruth E. Zambrana, Cristian Meghea. The role of family communication in cancer screening practices. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A15.