Crcadian changes in body temperature and renal excretion of bedouin Arabs, non-bedouin Arabs and Europeans.
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Body Temperature↗
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Immunochemical studies on gum arabic. Blood group antigens other than Lea in gum arabic.
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ABO Blood-Group System↗
Renal failure and transplantation activity in the Arab world. Arab Society of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation.
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Humans↗
Sensitization due to gum arabic (Acacia senegal): the cause of occupational allergic asthma or crossreaction to carbohydrates?
BACKGROUND: A pharmaceutical industry worker was exposed to dust of gum arabic in the tablet coating plant and complained of work-related shortness of breath, chest tightness, runny nose, itching and redness of the eyes. This case was investigated for allergy to gum arabic and compared with a control group. The aim of the study was to identify the IgE-binding components responsible for the work-related symptoms. METHODS: Skin prick tests (SPTs)and specific IgE (sIgE) measurements with environmental and occupational allergens, spirometry and a specific bronchial challenge with gum arabic were performed. One hundred and nineteen control subjects underwent SPT with gum arabic and 43 controls were tested for sIgE. Crossreactivity between gum arabic and horse radish peroxidase was investigated by IgE CAP inhibition. A combined procedure of immunoblotting and periodate treatment was applied to identify the epitope nature of gum arabic. RESULTS: Allergy to gum arabic was shown by SPT, presence of sIgE and a positive bronchial challenge with gum arabic. Sensitization to gum arabic was demonstrated by SPT or sIgE in 7 and 5 controls, respectively. The results of inhibition with horse radish peroxidase, immunoblotting and periodate treatment suggest that gum arabic sIgE of the patient and 1 SPT-positive control subject were directed to the polypeptide chains of gum arabic. In contrast, gum arabic sIgE of the other controls reacted to carbohydrate components. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to gum arabic carbohydrate structures occurs casually in atopic patients with pollen sensitization without obvious exposure to gum arabic. This study suggests that allergy to gum arabic is mediated preferentially by IgE antibodies directed to polypeptide chains of gum arabic.
Adult↗
Racial variation in risk factors and occurrence of acute myocardial infarction: comparison between Arab and South Asian men in Kuwait.
BACKGROUND: There are little data available on the rates of occurrence, risk factors and mortality due to acute myocardial infarction among the various ethnic groups living in Middle-East countries. Therefore, we did a study to compare Arabs and South Asians living in Kuwait. METHODS AND RESULTS: The data for this retrospective study were collected from the computerized database of the Coronary Care Unit at the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital (a 476-bed teaching hospital) and the 1997-2000 Census data for the State of Kuwait. Arab and South Asian men above 25 years admitted between September 1997 and August 2000 with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were included in the study A total of 866 Arabs and 277 South Asian men were admitted. The rate of admission for the entire patient population was two-fold higher among Arabs as compared with South Asians (6.7/1000 population and 3.3/1,000, respectively). Diabetes mellitus was present in 453 Arabs (52.3%) and 109 South Asians (39.4%) (p< or = 0.001) of those >25 years of age. Hypertension was recorded in 247 Arabs (28.5%) and 57 South Asians (20.6%) (p < or = 0.01). Among patients <55 years of age (454 Arabs and 226 South Asians); the rate of admission was 4.0/1,000 in Arabs and 3.5/1,000 in South Asians (not significant). Hypertension was present in 97 Arabs (21.3%) and 43 South Asians (19%) (not significant). Diabetes mellitus was present in 202 Arabs (44.5%) and 80 South Asians (35.4%) (p < or = 0.05). Smoking was recorded in 353 Arabs (77.8%) and 160 South Asians (70.8%) (notsignificant). Hypercholesterolemia was presentin 182 (40.1%) and 88 (39%), respectively (not significant). While in hospital, 11 Arabs and 9 South Asians died (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Among men >55 and <75 years of age, Arabs had a higher rate of admission with acute myocardial infarction compared with men of South Asian origin. The incidence of diabetes and hypertension was significantly higher among Arabs in this age group. In younger patients (<55 years), the rate of acute myocardial infarction was not different between the two groups; however, diabetes was present more often among Arabs. The smoking rate is very high in both groups and is an important risk factor for both Arab and South Asian men living in the Middle East.
Adult↗
Prostate cancer risk: the significance of differences in age related changes in serum conjugated and unconjugated steroid hormone concentrations between Arab and Caucasian men.
INTRODUCTION: Factors responsible for the low incidence of clinical prostate cancer (3-8/100,000 men/year) in the Arab population remain unclear, but may be related to changes in steroid hormone metabolism. We compared the levels of serum conjugated and unconjugated steroids between Arab and Caucasian populations, to determine if these can provide a rational explanation for differences in incidence of prostate cancer between the two populations. PATIENTS/METHOD: Venous blood samples were obtained from 329 unselected apparently healthy indigenous Arab men (Kuwaitis and Omanis) aged 15-80 years. Samples were also obtained from similar Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The samples were taken between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon. Serum levels of total testosterone, (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI); adrenal C19-steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADT) were determined using Immulite kits (Diagnostic Systems Laboratories Inc, Webster Texas, USA). The results obtained in Arab men were compared with those reported for similarly aged Chinese, German and White USA men. RESULTS: In all four ethnic groups, median TT and FAI declined with age, while SHBG increased with age. However, the mean TT and SHBG was significantly lower (p < 0.01) and the FAI significantly higher in Arab men (p < 0.01) compared to German men only in 21-30 years age group. In the other age groups the levels of TT and SHBG were higher in the Germans but the differences were not statistically significant. In all the racial groups serum levels of DHEAS and ADT reached a peak by about 20 years of life, and then declined progressively. The mean DHEAS in American Caucasians aged 20-29 years was 11.4 micromol/l compared to 6.22 micromol/l in the Arabs (p < 0.001). The mean DHEAS in USA Caucasians aged 70-79 years was 2.5 micromol/l compared to 1.8 micromol/l (p < 0.03) in the Arabs. There was no significant difference in mean serum levels of DHEAS between German and USA men. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the level of the hormones between Arab and Chinese men. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer had high serum TT, SHBG and DHEAS compared to those without the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The mean TT and SHBG was significantly lower in Arab men compared to Caucasian men especially in early adulthood. Caucasians have significantly higher serum levels of the precursor androgens DHEAS and ADT especially in early adulthood compared to Arab men. These observations of low circulating androgens and their adrenal precursors in Arab men may partially account for the decreased risk for prostate cancer among Arab men.
Adolescent↗
A bridge between hearts: mutual organ donation by Arabs and Jews in Israel.
BACKGROUND: The availability of organ transplants depends largely on the will of the donor families. Given the current state of affairs in Israel, the authors evaluated the stance of Jews and Arabs toward mutual organ donations. METHODS: Between October 1997 and December 1999, there were 4.8 million Jews and 1.09 million Arabs living in Israel. Data gathered from 22 general hospitals for this period yielded 373 potential organ donors and 171 families (45.8%) that consented to the procedure. Actual donation was obtained from 157 patients. The authors examined the characteristics of the potential organ donors and organ recipients and the reasons (religious and nonreligious) for familial consent or refusal. Donation made since onset of the Intifada (armed Palestinian resistance) was also reviewed to determine whether any changes took place. RESULTS: Consent was obtained from 48.9% of the Jewish families approached, 30.7% of the Muslim Arabs, and 66.6% of the Christian Arabs. For the whole sample, altruism was the main reason for consenting. The percentages of Arabs and Jews (per population) on the waiting list for a heart (Jews, 90%; Arabs, 10%) or liver (Jews, 78.66%; Arabs, 21.34%) and who received a heart (Jews, 90%; Arabs, 10%) or liver (Jews, 78.36%; Arabs, 21.64%) were similar. There were relatively more Arab recipients of kidney transplants (waiting list, 11%; recipients, 18.6%) because of the higher percentage of children in the Arab group who were given priority. Since September 2000 (start of the Intifada), there has been a trend toward an increasing rate of refusal to donate among Arabs (consent obtained in 52.9% of Jewish families approached vs. 27.9% of the Muslim Arabs), mainly because of fear of rejection by the community for cooperating with Jews. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of organ donations among Arabs and Jews in Israel is proportional to their representation in the general population. The main reason for donating organs is altruism. Apparently, altruism cuts across the boundaries of religion and ethnic groups, even in a country where conflict prevails. We trust that progress in the international arena will bring the current cycle of violence to an end and allow humanitarian values to take preference over politics.
Adult↗
Do differences in age specific androgenic steroid hormone levels account for differing prostate cancer rates between Arabs and Caucasians?
OBJECTIVE: Factors responsible for the low incidence of clinical prostate cancer in the Arab population remain unclear, but may be related to differences in androgenic steroid hormone metabolism between Arabs and other populations, especially as prostate cancer is believed to be androgen dependent. We therefore measured the levels of serum androgenic steroids and their binding proteins in Arab men and compared results obtained with values reported for Caucasian populations to determine if any differences could at least partially account for differences in incidence of prostate cancer rates between the two populations. METHODS: Venous blood samples were obtained from 327 unselected apparently healthy indigenous Arab men (Kuwaitis and Omanis) aged 15-79 years. Samples were also obtained from 30 Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), derived free androgen index (FAI); adrenal C19 -steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADT) were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Age specific reference intervals, mean and median for each analyte were determined. Frequency distribution pattern for each hormone was plotted. The reference range for hormones with normal distribution was mean +/- 2SD and 2.5-97.5% for those with non-normal distribution. The mean serum levels of the hormones in Arab men with prostate cancer were compared with values in healthy age-matched Arab men. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease between the 21-29 years age group and the 70-79 years age group for TT (-38.77%), DHEAS (-70%), ADT (-36%) and FAI (-63.25%), and an increase for SHBG (+64%). The calculated reference ranges are TT (2.73-30.45 nmol/L), SHBG (6.45-65.67 nmol/L), FAI (14.51-180.34), DHEAS (0.9-11.0 micromol/L) and ADT (0.54-4.26 ng/mL). The mean TT, SHBG, DHEAS and ADT in Arab men were significantly lower than those reported for Caucasians especially in the 21-29 years age group. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer had higher serum TT (P < 0.7), ADT (P < 0.2), SHBG (P < 0.2) and lower DHEAS (P < 0.008) compared to aged matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TT, SHBG, DHEAS and ADT levels are significantly lower in Arab men compared to those reported for Caucasian men, especially in early adulthood. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer have higher circulating androgens compared to healthy controls. We suggest that low circulating androgens and their adrenal precursors in Arab men when compared to Caucasians may partially account for the relatively lower risk for prostate cancer among Arab men.
Adolescent↗
[Epidemiology of transitional cell carcinoma among Israeli Arabs].
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Environmental, nutritional and hereditary factors are known to influence the epidemiology and the course of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) and hence attribute to major ethnic and national differences. The focus of this study was on the characteristics of TCCB among Israeli Arabs who form a particular ethnic group in the Israeli population and were treated in our medical centers. METHODS: All the Arab patients who presented with TCCB between 1993-2003 to 3 medical centers (Meir, Kfar Saba; Soroka, Beer Sheba and Hillel Yaffe, Hadera) were included in this study. Data was collected retrospectively, with special attention given to epidemiological parameters, risk factors, and treated history of TCCB among these patients. RESULTS: Of 1638 patients who presented with TCCB between 1993 and 2004 at those 3 medical centers, 100 (6.1%) were Israeli Arabs. Male to female ratio among Arabs was 13.4:1 (93 males, 7 females). The prevalence of smoking was 91% and 14% among Arab men and women respectively. The mean age at presentation was 64 (22-93). Arab women were older than men at the time of presentation (mean age 75.7 and 63.1 respectively). Eighty-three percent of patients presented with superficial TCCB and 17% were diagnosed with invasive disease: 80% of patients who presented with superficial TCCB did not progress during the follow-up. In 15% of the patients with stage Ta TCCB progressed to stage T1, while 20% of the patients with superficial TCCB progressed to an invasive stage. The distribution of tumor grades at presentation was 21%, 47% and 32% for grades 1, 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates some major differences in the epidemiology of TCCB among Israeli Arabs in comparison to the general Jewish population. The male to female ratio is significantly skewed towards male predominance. The mean age of the Arab men at presentation with TCCB is younger in comparison to Jewish men as well as to Arab women. The prevalence of smoking among Arab men who present with TCCB is especially high. On the other hand, the treated history and course of TCCB among Arabs seems to follow the known figures of TCCB. Environmental, life style, nutritional and hereditary factors characteristic to the Israeli Arab population may be associated with these ethnic epidemiological differences.
Arabs↗
Relevance of cholesterol screening in the United Arab Emirates. A preliminary study.
The incidence of ischemic heart disease is rising rapidly in many of the affluent Arab countries and it is known that hypercholesterolemia is a well established risk factor for coronary artery disease. This community-based study was undertaken to determine if elevated cholesterol is a problem in the United Arab Emirates in order to be able to evaluate the contribution of cholesterol as a risk factor for atherosclerosis in this environment. Volunteers were recruited at busy urban public sites. Data on age, sex, nationality, weight, blood pressure and smoking history were collected, and blood samples were taken for estimation of total cholesterol, hemoglobin and individual blood group. A raw data set was developed, with calculation of body mass index and subsequent statistical analysis carried out on a PC using the SPSS programme. In the 834 patients, there were 19 nationalities represented which were pooled into 7 groups (5 Arab and 2 non Arab) according to their ethnic origins. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia varied from 47.2-53% in the Arab Nationals and from 22.7 to 44.5% in the non Arabs. The mean cholesterol levels of the Arab subgroups were similar and showed no difference, statistically. However, they were significantly higher than non Arabs, i.e. Indians (p < 0.001) and Iranians (p < 0.001). Similarly, within the Arab subgroups, the median cholesterol levels were no different but were higher than the non Arabs, i.e. Indians (p < 0.05) and Iranians (p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in the distribution of cholesterol (high, borderline high or desirable levels) among the seven ethnic groups. Hypercholesterolemia appears to be a problem in most nationalities living within the UAE. Overall, it afflicts nearly 50% of the adult population. Although the ethnic Arab groupings have a wide range of socioeconomic attributes, the similarity of the distribution of cholesterol may point to an underlying innate genetic etiology or an environmental cause such as dietary overindulgence, or both. Urgent public health measures such as education, case finding and further screening programs are required.
Adult↗
Health indicators and human development in the Arab region.
BACKGROUND: The present paper deals with the relationship between health indicators and human development in the Arab region. Beyond descriptive analysis showing geographic similarities and disparities inter countries, the main purpose is to point out health deficiencies and to propose pragmatic strategies susceptible to improve health conditions and consequently enhance human development in the Arab world. METHODS: Data analysis using Principal Components Analysis is used to compare the achievements of the Arab countries in terms of direct and indirect health indicators. The variables (indicators) are seen to be well represented on the circle of correlation, allowing for interesting interpretation and analysis. The 19 countries are projected on the first and second plane respectively. RESULTS: The results given by the present analysis give a good panorama of the Arab countries with their geographic similarities and disparities. The high correlation between health indicators and human development is well illustrated and consequently, countries are classified by groups having similar human development. The analysis shows clearly how health deficits are impeding human development in the majority of Arab countries and allows us to formulate suggestions to improve health conditions and enhance human development in the Arab World. DISCUSSION: The discussion is based on the link between different direct and indirect health indicators and the relationship between these indicators and human development index. Without including the GDP indicator, our analysis has shown that the 19 Arab countries may be classified, independently of their geographic proximity, in three different groups according to their global human development level (Low, Medium and High). Consequently, while identifying health deficiencies in each group, the focus was made on the countries presenting a high potential of improvement in health indicators. In particular, maternal mortality and infant mortality which are really challenging health authorities of the first and third group were critically discussed. CONCLUSION: The Arab countries have made substantial economic and social progress during the last decades by improving life expectancy and reducing maternal and infant mortality. However, considering its natural wealth and human resources, the Arab region has accomplished less than expected in terms of human development. Huge social inequalities and health inequities exist inter and intra Arab countries. In most Arab countries, a large percentage of populations, especially in rural areas, are deprived of access to health facilities. Consequently, many women still die during pregnancy and labour, yielding unacceptable levels of maternal and infant mortality. However, the problem is seen to be more complex, going beyond geography and technical accessibility to health care, it compasses, among others, levels of literacy, low social and economic status of women, qualification of health staff, general behaviour and interactions between patients and medical personnel (including corruption).
Arab World↗
High-resolution Y chromosome haplotypes of Israeli and Palestinian Arabs reveal geographic substructure and substantial overlap with haplotypes of Jews.
High-resolution Y chromosome haplotype analysis was performed in 143 paternally unrelated Israeli and Palestinian Moslem Arabs (I&P Arabs) by screening for 11 binary polymorphisms and six microsatellite loci. Two frequent haplotypes were found among the 83 detected: the modal haplotype of the I&P Arabs (approximately 14%) was spread throughout the region, while its one-step microsatellite neighbor, the modal haplotype of the Galilee sample (approximately 8%), was mainly restricted to the north. Geographic substructuring within the Arabs was observed in the highlands of Samaria and Judea. Y chromosome variation in the I&P Arabs was compared to that of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, and to that of North Welsh individuals. At the haplogroup level, defined by the binary polymorphisms only, the Y chromosome distribution in Arabs and Jews was similar but not identical. At the haplotype level, determined by both binary and microsatellite markers, a more detailed pattern was observed. Single-step microsatellite networks of Arab and Jewish haplotypes revealed a common pool for a large portion of Y chromosomes, suggesting a relatively recent common ancestry. The two modal haplotypes in the I&P Arabs were closely related to the most frequent haplotype of Jews (the Cohen modal haplotype). However, the I&P Arab clade that includes the two Arab modal haplotypes (and makes up 32% of Arab chromosomes) is found at only very low frequency among Jews, reflecting divergence and/or admixture from other populations.
Arabs↗
Epidemiology of HIV infection among Israeli Arabs.
OBJECTIVE: Israeli Arab citizens comprise Israel's largest minority group (15.6% of Israelis>12 years old). The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in this group for the first time at a national level, and to identify health promotion and treatment needs. METHODS: All HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases among Israeli Arab citizens that were notified to the Ministry of Health between 1985 and 2002 were analysed and compared with other Israelis (excluding immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and their children). RESULTS: Twenty-five AIDS cases and 51 HIV-positive cases were notified in adult/adolescent Israeli Arabs, (3.4% of all adult/adolescent cases). In addition, four child cases were reported. The cumulative rates for Arab and non-Arab Israelis were 10.1 and 37.8/100,000, respectively. The gender ratios (male/female) were 3.3 and 4.4 for AIDS cases and HIV cases, respectively. The median age was 31.5 years [interquartile range (IQR)=12] for AIDS cases and 30 (IQR=12) for HIV cases. Modes of transmission were heterosexual contact (34%), intravenous drug use (21%), male homosexual contact (19%), unknown (14%), haemophilia (6%), children of at-risk parents (4%) and blood (2%). The mean interval from HIV notification to AIDS diagnosis was 1.5 years until 1998 and 2.8 years thereafter. Knowledge, attitudes and practices studies on AIDS in Arabs are also discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: HIV prevalence is lower in Arab Israelis than in non-Arab Israelis and Arabs residing in neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, the shorter interval from HIV notification to AIDS diagnosis in Arab Israelis suggests a lower rate of HIV testing and diagnosis at a later stage of infection. Patterns of transmission in Arab Israelis need further evaluation, including behavioural surveys.
Adolescent↗
Putative role of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in the development of prostate cancer in Arab men.
INTRODUCTION: The incidence of clinical prostate cancer in the Arab population is among the lowest in the world. High serum IGF-1 level has been implicated as a possible risk factor for the development of prostate cancer in Caucasians. The purpose of this study was to determine serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in healthy Arab men and in Arab men with newly diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, and to compare these values with values reported in Caucasians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subjects were recruited in two groups: (a) indigenous, healthy Arab men aged 15-90 y (n = 383); (b) Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (n = 30) or BPH (n = 40). Blood was obtained from fasting patients and volunteers, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. The serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were determined using Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) kits. RESULTS: As in Caucasians, serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels declined with age in Arab men. The mean +/- s.d. of serum IGF-1 levels in healthy Arab men in the age group 15-20, 51-60, 61-70 y were lower (376.2 +/- 153.2, 134.9 +/- 105.7 and 89.6 +/- 48.4 ng/ml, respectively), compared to values reported for similarly aged Caucasians. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer had significantly higher serum IGF-1 level (P < 0.01) and lower IGFBP-3 levels (P < 0.01) compared to age-matched Arabs without the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Arab men have lower serum IGF-1 levels compared to Caucasians and this may be an important factor in the explanation of the low incidence of prostate cancer in the Arab population.
Adolescent↗
Frequencies of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DR, and HLA-DQ phenotypes in the United Arab Emirates population.
The high degree of polymorphism of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system provides means for the study of diversity in different populations. The aim of this work is to study the HLA phenotype frequencies in the United Arab Emiratis in comparison with other geographically related Arabs, Iranians, and Asians, all living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Healthy blood donors and potential kidney or bone marrow donors were typed for HLA class I (n = 1880) and class II (n = 2022). Only one representative member of each family was included to avoid bias. UAE Emiratis, Arabs of Arabian Gulf Peninsula (AGP), Arabs of South Mediterranean (SMR), North African Arabs (NA), Iranians, and Asians. HLA typing was done by microlymphocytotoxicity method and/or low-resolution polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer techniques. As an individual antigen, HLA-A2 had the highest frequency in all populations studied, however, the frequency of the broad antigen A19 surpassed A2 in all the groups except the AGP Arabs and Iranians. B5 was the predominant B antigen in all groups except the SMR and Asians. Amongst the class II broad antigens, DR2 was the most frequent antigen in UAE, AGP Arabs, Iranians, and Asians. The overall frequency of DQ1 was high in all groups except the SMR Arabs who had an almost equal distribution of DQ1 and DQ3. In conclusion, this study indicates that the most frequent antigens in the UAE population are HLA-A19, HLA-A2, HLA-B5, and HLA-DR2. It also sheds light on the similarities between the UAE Emiratis, AGP Arabs, Iranians, and Asians, specially the predominance of DR2 of the class II antigens.
Arabia↗
Mental health service utilization among the Arabs in Israel.
National hospitalization records (1995, 1986, N = 15,698) reveal that Arab women utilize psychiatric services less than Arab men. The exact reverse occurs among Jewish patients. Moreover, Arab patients significantly underutilize mental health services, compared to Jewish patients. Possible reasons for these utilization patterns include: Arab health care utilization patterns in general; the availability of mental health services in Arab communities; the influence of the "cultural" over the "professional" in Arab mental health utilization; the lack of Arab mental health practitioners; Arab attitudes towards mental health; and gendered role constructions within Arab society. Findings emphasize the need for a policy of developing infrastructure and trained personnel that can provide services adapted to the special cultural characteristics of the Arab population.
Arabs↗
Lack of acculturation is a risk factor for diabetes in arab immigrants in the US.
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.
Acculturation↗
Systemic lupus erythematosus among Arabs.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus differ among various ethnic groups. Few studies have reported on SLE in Arabs. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the demographic, clinical and laboratory features of Arab SLE patients and to compare them with other series from different Arab countries. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all Arab SLE patients who had been seen at the Carmel Medical Center in Halfa, the Nazareth Hospital and the Holy Family Hospital in Nazareth, and a professional clinic (a referral outpatient clinic of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel) in Acre--all cities in northern Israel. Only patients with symptoms of more than one year were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were documented and compared with those of four series from different Arab countries. RESULTS: The study group comprised 34 patients. The majority of the patients was Moslem; there were a few Druze and one Christian. There was no statistical difference between our patients and any of the other Arab series in terms of arthritis, neuropsychiatric manifestations and VDRL. The presence of serositis and mucocutaneous manifestations was significantly lower in our series compared to some of the other series. However, there was significantly less renal involvement in our patients compared to each of the other series. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of most clinical and laboratory parameters in Israeli Arab SLE patients is comparable to that of other series of SLE patients from different Arab countries. The prevalence of renal involvement in Israeli Arab SLE patients seems to be lower than in SLE patients from different Arab countries.
Adult↗