Black Health

  • A novel CYP2A6 allele, CYP2A6*23, impairs enzyme function in vitro and in vivo and decreases smoking in a population of Black-African descent

    Objectives: CYP2A6 is the main enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism in humans. We have identified a novel allele, CYP2A6*23 (2161C>T, R203C), in individuals of Black-African descent and investigated its impact on enzyme activity and association with smoking status. Methods: Wild-type and variant enzymes containing amino acid changes R203C (CYP2A6*23), R203S (CYP2A6*16) and V365M (CYP2A6*17) were…

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  • Experiences of and responses to HIV among African and Caribbean communities in Toronto, Canada

    African and Caribbean communities in Canada and other developed countries are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This qualitative study of African and Caribbean communities in Toronto sought to understand HIV-related stigma, discrimination, denial and fear, and the effects of multiple intersecting factors that influence responses to the disease, prevention practices and access to treatment and support…

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  • Towards a global citizenship education for Caribbean Canadian youth

    The number of people living in Canada of Caribbean heritage has increased substantially over the past forty years. This paper examines aspects of Caribbean culture and Caribbean education culture to explore if Caribbean Canadians can claim a Caribbean education philosophy. The research claims there is one. The article suggests that this philosophy should be recognized…

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  • The use of traditional medicine by Ghanaians in Canada.

    Background: Research into health and health-care seeking behaviour amongst immigrant populations suggests that culturally-based behaviours change over time towards those prevalent in the host culture. Such acculturation of immigrant groups occurs as part of the interaction of immigrants with mainstream culture. This study examined the acculturation of Ghanaian immigrants in Greater Toronto Area (Canada) focusing…

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  • Utilization of physician services for diabetic patients from ethnic minorities.

    Background: Diabetes is a common chronic disease, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. Although ethnic variations in disease prevalence are known, variations in the utilization of physician services for the disease (particularly in publicly funded health care systems) are uncertain. Methods: Self-reported ethnicity was determined from two population health surveys in Ontario, Canada. These…

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  • Results of the Ontario Survey on the Prevalence and Control of Hypertension

    Background: Available information on the prevalence and management of hypertension in the Canadian population dates back to 1986–1992 and probably does not reflect the current status of this major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the current prevalence and management of hypertension among adults in the province of Ontario. Methods: Potential respondents…

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  • Prevalence and correlates of conduct disorder and problem behavior in Caribbean and Filipino immigrant Adolescents

    This study investigates the prevalence and subtypes of conduct disorder (CD) and behavioral problems among youth in two communities characterized by prolonged parent–child separation upon immigration. CD and problem behaviors were assessed in 252 Caribbean–Canadian and Filipino–Canadian adolescents (12–19-year-old) using the DISC-C, the YSR and the CBCL cross-informant construct. Adolescents reported less problem behaviors than…

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  • Pathways to suicidality across ethnic groups in Canadian adults: the possible role of social stress

    Background: Ethnicity is an important determinant of mental health outcomes including suicidality (i.e. suicidal ideation and suicide attempt). Understanding ethnic differences in the pathways to suicidality is important for suicide prevention efforts in ethnically diverse populations. These pathways can be conceptualized within a social stress framework. Method: The study examines ethnic differences in the pathways…

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