Associations of psychosocial factors, knowledge, attitudes and practices with hospitalizations in internal medicine divisions in different population groups in Israel.

Background: Inequalities in healthcare utilization exist across ethnic groups; however, the contributions of health-related knowledge and psychosocial factors to these inequalities remain unclear. We examined associations of social determinants of health, psychological factors, knowledge, attitudes and health practices, with hospitalizations in internal medicine divisions, among Israeli adults, Jews and Arabs, with non-communicable diseases, in a setting of universal health insurance.

Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken among 520 Jews and Arabs aged 40 years or older with non-communicable diseases, members of a large health maintenance organization.

Correlates of hospitalizations in internal medicine divisions among Israeli adults of different ethnic groups with hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Background: Disparities in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) may affect health care utilization. We compared the correlates of hospitalizations in internal medicine divisions, of adults with NCDs, between the main population groups in Israel.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Jews (N = 17,952) and Arabs (N = 10,441) aged ≥40 years with diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, utilizing the computerized database of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel.

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.

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.

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and cognitive function in children at early school age: a community-based study.

Background: H. pylori infection has been linked to iron deficiency anemia, a risk factor of diminished cognitive development. The hypothesis on an association between H.

Is the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and anemia age dependent?

Background: The relationship between H. pylori infection and anemia in childhood is still unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the association between H.

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.

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease in an Arab population, Wadi Ara, Israel.

Background: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease varies among ethnic and geographic groups around the world, being very low in China and high in Argentina. While the main etiology of the disease has yet to be determined, environmental, occupational and genetic factors seem to play important roles.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of PD in an Arab Muslim population in Israel, using the drug tracer approach.

Presence of Helicobacter pylori in a sibling is associated with a long-term increased risk of H. pylori infection in Israeli Arab children.

Background And Objectives: We examined the dynamics of Helicobacter pylori infection between pre-school and school ages and compared the determinants of late acquisition of H. pylori infection with determinants of early and persistent H. pylori infection.

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.