Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among Haitian Americans: A Hidden Epidemic

Balkys Bivins, Tamar Rodney, Marc H. Bivins, Larider Ruffin, Carline P. Eliezer, Marlyn Lestage-Laforest, Brenda Owusu, Diana Baptiste, Natalia Cineas, Brenice Duroseau, Priscilla Bivins, Arvinder Singh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Haitian American population remains an important question. A recent study revealed an alarming prevalence of 39.9%. To corroborate these data, between November 2021 and September 2023 a representative sample was collected among 401 Haitian Americans in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Results revealed a crude prevalence rate of 36.6% (95% CI 31.85, 41.55%). The age-adjusted prevalence was 29.7% (CI 19.71%, 39.63%). This study's prevalence is nearly double the 16.8% (Z=10.48, p<.0001) rate in non-Hispanic African Americans and nearly two and a half times the 12.0% (Z=14.99, p<.0001) rate in all Americans. The crude prevalence for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was 13.38% (CI 10.19%, 17.14%), with 17.11% age-adjusted prevalence (CI 7.53%, 26.70%). The scope of the diabetes burden, especially the high rate of undiagnosed cases, indicates a need for better strategies for the prevention, screening, treatment, and management of diabetes among Haitian Americans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)605-618
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of health care for the poor and underserved
Volume35
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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