Susceptibility to Health Problems among Specific Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Groups

Sub-Saharan Africans

• Sickle cell anemia occurs in populations originating in Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, and Sicily. In the US 0.3% of African Americans are homozygotes and 8–13% are heterozygotes. Sickle cell anemia has been shown to provide some protection against malaria.
• Lactose intolerance is common among Africans.
• Frequent relapse of P. Vivax malaria is common. Relapse of P. Ovale is less common, but can also occur, even several years after the initial infection.
• Recent immigrants may be suffering from dental caries as a result of poor dental care in their home country or increased consumption of processed foods since their arrival in the United States.
• Parasites, such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, strongyloides, or giardia may be present and affecting overall health.
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is regularly practiced in 28 African countries. Estimated rates of FGM range from 5% of women in Uganda to 80% of women in Egypt and 98% of women in Djibouti and Somalia. There are many severe health complications associated with this practice.
• Post-traumatic stress disorders may be present.