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International Journal for Equity in Health

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Disparities in diabetes mellitus among Caribbean populations: a scoping review

Authors: Nadia R Bennett, Damian K Francis, Trevor S Ferguson, Anselm JM Hennis, Rainford J Wilks, Eon Nigel Harris, Marlene MY MacLeish, Louis W Sullivan, On behalf of the U.S. Caribbean Alliance for Health Disparities Research Group (USCAHDR)

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Despite the large body of research on racial/ethnic disparities in health, there are limited data on health disparities in Caribbean origin populations. This review aims to analyze and synthesize published literature on the disparities in diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications among Afro-Caribbean populations.

Methods

A detailed protocol, including a comprehensive search strategy, was developed and used to identify potentially relevant studies. Identified studies were then screened for eligibility using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. An extraction form was developed to chart data and collate study characteristics including methods and main findings. Charted information was tagged by disparity indicators and thematic analysis performed. Disparity indicators evaluated include ethnicity, sex, age, socioeconomic status, disability and geographic location. Gaps in the literature were identified and extrapolated into a gap map.

Results

A total of 1009 diabetes related articles/manuscripts, published between 1972 and 2013, were identified and screened. Forty-three studies met inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Most studies were conducted in the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, and used a cross-sectional study design. Overall, studies reported a higher prevalence of DM among Caribbean Blacks compared to West African Blacks and Caucasians but lower when compared to South Asian origin groups. Morbidity from diabetes-related complications was highest in persons with low socioeconomic status. Gap analysis showed limited research data reporting diabetes incidence by sex and socioeconomic status. No published literature was found on disability status or sexual orientation as it relates to diabetes burden or complications. Prevalence and morbidity were the most frequently reported outcomes.

Conclusion

Literature on diabetes health disparities in Caribbean origin populations is limited. Future research should address these knowledge gaps and develop approaches to reduce them.

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Title: Disparities in diabetes mellitus among Caribbean populations: a scoping review
Authors: Nadia R Bennett
Damian K Francis
Trevor S Ferguson
Anselm JM Hennis
Rainford J Wilks
Eon Nigel Harris
Marlene MY MacLeish
Louis W Sullivan
On behalf of the U.S. Caribbean Alliance for Health Disparities Research Group (USCAHDR)
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-015-0149-z

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Disparities in diabetes mellitus among Caribbean populations: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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