About the project
This project examines the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by diabetes status in five ethnic minority groups and quality of diabetes care for ethnic minority patients in general practice in Oslo. Data from three population-based studies, conducted between 2000 and 2002, and electronic medical record data from 2006 were used.
Objectives
The aims of this project were to 1) assess the prevalence of self-reported CVD, associated risk factors for CVD by diabetes status in five ethnic minority groups compared to ethnic Norwegians, 2) investigate the quality of diabetes care for ethnic minority patients compared with Norwegians and 3) explore the prevention of CVD in ethnic minority patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in general practice.
Outcomes
- The ethnic minority groups reported more cardiovascular disease and diabetes compared to ethnic Norwegians. The ethnic differences in prevalence of CVD were most prominent for individuals without diabetes.
- Diabetes was diagnosed at younger age in ethnic minority patients compared to Norwegians. Patients from ethnic minority groups have suboptimal glycaemic control despite more intensive glucose lowering therapy.
Publications
- Tran AT, Straand J, Diep LM, Meyer HE, Birkeland K, Jenum AK.
Cardiovascular disease by diabetes status in five ethnic minority groups compared to ethnic Norwegians. BMC Public Health 2011, 11:554. - Tran AT, Diep LM, Cooper JG, Claude T, Straand J, Birkeland K, Ingskog W, Jenum AK.
Quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes in general practice according to patients’ ethnic background: a cross-sectional study from Oslo, Norway. BMC Health Serv Res. 2010 May 28; 10(1):145.
Background
In Europe, several reports have shown that the occurrance of cardiovascular disease and diabetes is higher in the ethnic minority groups compared with the general population. In the recent decades, migration to Norway from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America has taken place. Owing to this fast demographic transition, studies that explore disparities in health and in quality of health care along with ethnic lines are warranted. Our study results may contribute to increased awareness of ethnic differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, associated risk factors and in quality of diabetes care, and these also may influence future strategies aiming at reducing ethnic health inequalities.
Financing
The Norwegian Medical Association, The Norwegian Diabetes Association and South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.
Cooperation
- Diabetes Research Centre
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- The Norwegian Quality Improvement of Primary Care Laboratories, NOKLUS
Project start and finish
Project started in 2008