Some Medical Problems Affecting the Ethnic Minorities of the UK

Abstract

As a result of numerous influences, some genetic and others environmental, disease patterns in many of the minor ethnic groups are often at variance with those affecting the long established indigenes of the United Kingdom. Also, several important infective conditions can be acquired during brief visits to the land of their birth, or of their ancestors. As integration into the life-style of the UK becomes increasingly established, several diseases of the 'westernised' or 'industrialised' nations are assuming a major importance in these groups. The last few decades have witnessed the arrival of so many diverse groups from nearly all parts of the world that an intimate and in-depth knowledge of these disease patterns is now essential to the pursuance of competent medical practice in the UK.