Cardiovascular health among two ethnic groups living in the same region: A population-based study.

Background: Poor cardiovascular health (CVH) among ethnic/racial minorities, studied primarily in the USA, may reflect lower access to healthcare. We examined factors associated with minority CVH in a setting of universal access to healthcare.

Methods And Results: CVH behaviors and factors were evaluated in a random population sample (551 Arabs, 553 Jews) stratified by sex, ethnicity and age.

[Tuberculosis among patients in Israel with anti-TNF].

Treatment with anti-TNF increases the rate of the reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. We present five case reports of patients who were treated with anti-TNF and developed active TB infection. Physicians should be aware of this possible complication and should conduct screening with the purified protein derivative test (PPD) or the interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) before anti-TNF treatment.

Blood pressure level and hypertension awareness and control differ by marital status, sex, and ethnicity: a population-based study.

Background: Population-based studies about factors associated with blood pressure (BP) levels and hypertension awareness and control are lacking in Israel. We aimed to identify covariables of BP level (across the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) categories) and hypertension awareness and control.

Methods: Participants (n = 763; aged 25-74 years) were randomly selected from the population registry and stratified by sex, age, and ethnicity (Arab or Jewish).

Jews and Arabs in the same region in Israel exhibit major differences in dietary patterns.

The Jewish majority and Arab minority populations in Israel exhibit disparities in nutrition-related chronic diseases, but comparative, population-based dietary studies are lacking. We evaluated ethnic differences in dietary patterns in a population-based, cross-sectional study of Arab and Jewish urban adults (n = 1104; age 25-74 y). Dietary intake was assessed with an interviewer-administered, quantified FFQ.

Lifestyle intervention in obese Arab women: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Few randomized controlled trials on lifestyle interventions have been reported in non-Western populations; none have been reported in Arab populations.

Methods: From 2 Muslim Arab communities in Israel, obese, nondiabetic women aged 35 to 54 years with 1 or more components of the metabolic syndrome were randomized to either an intensive (n = 100) or a moderate (control) (n = 101) 12-month lifestyle intervention. Women in the intensive intervention had 11 individual and 11 group counseling sessions per year with a dietitian and 22 physical activity group sessions per year.

Depression among Arabs and Jews in Israel: a population-based study.

Introduction: Depression is the second most common chronic disorder seen by primary care physicians. Risk factors associated with depression include medical and psychosocial factors. While in Israel, the rate and risk factors for depression are considered similar to those in other Western countries, population-based data are limited.

Obesity among Arabs and Jews in Israel: a population-based study.

Background: Arabs in Israel have high morbidity and mortality from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a risk factor for both conditions.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2), subjects' knowledge and behaviors, and their reports on practices of health-care professionals regarding body weight among Arabs and Jews.