Epidemiological profile of an urban immigrant population

Abstract

PurposeThe health status and medical care of migrant populations is an increasingly important topic in light of the recent emergence of a number of global epidemics. This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of diseases, injuries, and other health problems in the Caribbean‐American population of Miami, Florida.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 290 Caribbean‐born permanent adult residents of Miami, representing 17 different Caribbean countries of origin, was interviewed at three health clinics regarding current health problems and treatments. Demographic data were also collected.FindingsIn total, 38 percent of the respondents indicated past or current health problems requiring professional medical care, while an additional 7 percent engaged in self‐care. The 62 different reported conditions ranged from lung cancer to ulcers, kidney stones, clinical depression, scoliosis, and diverticulitis. The most frequently stated disorders were hypertension, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. Anti‐hypertensives, cardiac modifiers, and analgesics accounted for the majority of the 26 reported prescription medications. A smaller number indicated the usage of chemotherapy, insulin, allergy medicines, and other individualized prescriptions. A total of 62.5 percent of the respondents employed traditional medicinal plants for preventive and therapeutic care or to supplement biomedicines in the treatment of culture‐bound syndromes.Research limitations/implicationsThe epidemiological profile of this sample suggests a positive correlation between genetically‐influenced degenerative disorders and urbanization.Originality/valueThis research reveals the health profile of a previously unstudied population and hopefully will guide future treatment plans for this and similar communities.