High prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B and C in Minnesota Somalis contributes to rising hepatocellular carcinoma incidence.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are known risk factors for liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is substantial global variation in HBV and HCV prevalence resulting in variations in cirrhosis and HCC. We previously reported high prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in Somali immigrants seen at an academic medical center in Minnesota.

Reliability and validity of Somali version of the PHQ-9 in primary care practice.

Objectives Depression is one of the common mental health problems noticed in immigrants because of the experiences related to their resettlement which is the case for Somali population. Depression increases mortality, morbidity, disability, and costs of health care which can be controlled by screening depression in the primary care setting using a culturally and linguistically congruent screening tool. The aim of the current study is to translate the English PHQ-9 into Somali language using evidence-based translational methodology and establish psychometric properties of the Somali PHQ-9.

Protective practices and respiratory illness among US travelers to the 2009 Hajj.

Background: All mass gatherings can place travelers at risk for infectious diseases, but the size and density of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) present important public health and infection control challenges. This survey of protective practices and respiratory illness among US travelers to the 2009 Hajj was designed to evaluate whether recommended behavioral interventions (hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, cough etiquette, social distancing, and contact avoidance) were effective at mitigating illness among travelers during the 2009 Hajj.

Methods: US residents from Minnesota and Michigan completed anonymous surveys prior to and following travel to the 2009 Hajj.