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Analysis of the African diaspora's health in Philadelphia
Thesis

Analysis of the African diaspora's health in Philadelphia

Alexandra Sheller
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
May 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3932
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Abstract

African diaspora Pennsylvania--Philadelphia Africans Public Health
Background: There are more than 200 million international migrants worldwide, and this movement of people has implications for individual and population health. The contribution of the African-born population to the domestic health concerns remains unclear. This study aims to look at the connection between length of time in the United States, and HIV risk factors in connection to hypertension, diabetes, and HIV prevalence rates in the African population in Philadelphia. Methods: Retrospective study using data from the African Diaspora Health Initiative (ADHI), which was operated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Cross sectional data collected from April 2011 thru January 2012 on foreign-born peoples (n=998) living in Philadelphia who provided blood samples. Chi square tests and multivariate analysis were conducted. Results: Foreign-born persons living in the U.S. for longer than or equal to ten years had significantly higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and lower rates of HIV than those who lived in the U.S. for less than ten years (p <0.05). Caribbean men displayed more known HIV risk behaviors than African men and less perceived risk. Two HIV risk factors were significantly associated with higher rates of hypertension and diabetes (p<0.05). Conclusion: Analysis of ADHI reveals that increased length of time in the United States is associated with decreased health in the African Diaspora Population. HIV prevalence rates were highest in Caribbean men and lowest in Caribbean women. The success of ADHI proves the need to continue community based screenings and connection to care in this marginalized population.

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