ObjectiveIn a cross‐sectional study we examined total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL) ratio and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) ratio in 66 Foreign‐born Afro Caribbean (FBAC) living in the US for less than 10 years, 62 US‐born Afro Caribbean American (USBACA) and 61 African American (AA) adults (18‐40 years).ResultsMales had significantly (p<0.01) higher mean TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios than females (4.0 ± 1.2 vs. 3.5 ± 1.4) and (2.62 ±1.1 vs. 2.20 ± 1.2), respectively. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups with respect to mean TC/HDL or LDL/HDL ratios. Using the TC/HDL ratio (蠅 5.0, high risk) predicted 15.3% of individuals at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) (18.7% males and 12.2% females) whereas, using LDL/HDL ratio (蠅 3.6, high risk) predicted 14.3% of individuals at risk of CHD (16.5% males and 12.2% females). Also, more USBAC than FBAC and AA participants had elevated TC/HDL ratio 蠅 5.0 (19.4% vs. 13.6% and 13.1%) and, elevated LDL/HDL 蠅 3.6 (19.4% vs. 13.6% and 9.8%), respectively.ConclusionAlthough there were small differences between the predictive function of TC/HDL and LDL/HDL between the genders and the ethnic groups, this was not significant. However, because of ease of use (TC and HDL are measured values vs. LDL which is calculated) and TC being better reflective of the total lipid profile, we would suggest that the TC/HDL‐Cholesterol ratio be used for prediction of CHD risk.Source of funding: Florida International University Foundation

In a cross‐sectional study dietary, physical activity index (PAI), body mass index (BMI) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) values in 66 Foreign‐born Afro Caribbean (FBAC) living in the US for less than 10 years, 62 US‐born Afro Caribbean American (USBACA) and 61 African American (AA) adults (18–40 years) were studied. The USBACA and AA compared to FBAC participants consumed significantly (p<0.05) more total fat (g) (66.3±41.7 and 73.0±47.8 vs. 52.8±32.3), saturated fat (g) (23.1±14.9 and 24.9±15.8 vs. 18.6±11.5) and cholesterol (mg) (220.4±161.9 and 244.1±155.0 vs. 168.8±114.0). More USBACA and AA compared to FBAC participants played less sports and watched television often/very often. More USBACA and AA compared to FBAC (23.0% and 17.7% vs. 7.6%) were obese, whereas more AA compared to USBACA and FBAC (26.7% vs. 8.8% and 10.5%) had elevated hs‐CRP levels. All groups showed positive relationship between BMI and hs‐CRP. Dietary, PAI, BMI and hs‐CRP differences between different ethnic subgroups of the same racial group were found. Variations in health indicators among different ethnic groups of the same race can help us to develop culturally sensitive programs to improve health outcomes. Funded by a grant from FIU Foundation.

In a cross‐sectional study we examined fasting blood lipids, glucose (BG) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels of Foreign‐born Afro Caribbean American (FBCA, n=31) living in the US for less than 10 years, US‐born Afro Caribbean American (USBCA, n=30), and African American (AA, n=30) men, ages 18–40 years. Socio‐demographic data was collected. Total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), BG and hs‐CRP were analyzed by standard procedures. There were no significant differences between the male ethnic groups for mean (±SD) of TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and BG levels. However, more USBCA (36.7%; 43.3%) and AA (26.7%; 26.7%) than FBCA (19.4%; 22.6%) had elevated TC (≥200 mg/dL) and LDL‐C (≥130 mg/dL), respectively. Significantly (p< 0.01) more FBCA (48.4%) had low HDL‐C (<40 mg/dL) compared to USBCA (20.0%) but not AA (36.7%) males. Elevated BG (≥110 mg/dL) was observed in 6.5% FBCA, 6.7% USBCA and 6.7% AA, whereas more AA (23.3%) had elevated hs‐CRP (> 3.0 mg/L) levels than FBCA (10.7%) and USBCA (10.0%) males. We have demonstrated differences in CHD risk factors between different ethnic subgroups of the same racial group. The understanding of these differences will help healthcare professionals in the development of culturally sensitive programs and strategies for the improvement of health outcomes in this population.

ObjectiveIn a cross‐sectional study we examined total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL‐Cholesterol) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) values in 66 Foreign‐born Afro Caribbean (FBAC) living in the US for less than 10 years, 62 US‐born Afro Caribbean American (USBACA) and 61 African American (AA) adults (18–40 years).ResultsThere were no significant statistical differences between the groups with respect to TC, HDL‐Cholesterol or TC/HDL‐Cholesterol ratio. However, the AA participants compared to the FBAC and USBACA participants had significantly (p< 0.01) higher hs‐CRP levels (2.2 ± 2.7 vs. 1.1 ± 1.3 and 1.3 ± 1.6 mg/L). This statistical significant difference was also seen in the female ethnic groups but, not the males. There were no correlation between blood lipids and hs‐CRP, however, there were positive correlation between TC and TC/HDL‐C ratio but, negative correlation between HDL‐C and TC/HDL‐C ratio.ConclusionWe have demonstrated statistical significant differences in hs‐CRP levels between different ethnic subgroups of the same racial group. Understanding the ethnic and cultural differences and the variations in health indicators among different ethnic groups of the same race can help us to develop culturally sensitive programs and strategies for the improvement of health outcomesSource of funding: Florida International University Foundation