Exploring Ethnic Stereotypes and Prejudice Among Some Major Ethnic Groups in Ghana

Ethnicity has been documented to have an influence on the selection of medicinal resources and food. Pangolins are scaly mammals widely used for traditional medicine and consumed as bushmeat among local communities across Africa, yet no study has documented the influence of ethnicity on the cultural use of pangolins. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of ethnicity on the cultural use of pangolins in Ghana. Data on the use of pangolin for traditional medicine were gathered from 300 traditional medicinal practitioners from the major ethnic groups in Ghana through semi-structured individual interviews. Also, 150 chopbar operators were interviewed to determine the level of pangolin bushmeat preferences and consumption amongst the different ethnicity in Ghana. Peculiarities in knowledge, ethnic endogamy, inter-ethnic relations, and segregation in the settlement among the various ethnic groups affected the selection and use report of pangolin body parts and the assemblage of ethnic groups. Certain ethnic groups were very similar to one another in the use of pangolin body parts for traditional remedies but other were clearly different. Ethnicity did not have any influence on the consumption of pangolin bushmeat, however, scarceness of pangolin bushmeat was the main factor that affected the frequency of consumption. The findings of this study highlight the importance of cultural uses of pangolins by different ethnicities and how this information can be used to contribute to the design of a more effective and targeted conservation management strategy for these rare mammals.

We assessed long-term incidence and prevalence trends of dementia and parkinsonism across major ethnic and immigrant groups in Ontario. Linking administrative databases, we established two cohorts (dementia 2001-2014 and parkinsonism 2001-2015) of all residents aged 20 to 100 years with incident diagnosis of dementia (N = 387,937) or parkinsonism (N = 59,617). We calculated age- and sex-standardized incidence and prevalence of dementia and parkinsonism by immigrant status and ethnic groups (Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population). We assessed incidence and prevalence trends using Poisson regression and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Across selected ethnic groups, dementia incidence and prevalence were higher in long-term residents than recent or longer-term immigrants from 2001 to 2014. During this period, age- and sex-standardized incidence of dementia in Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population increased, respectively, among longer-term immigrants (by 41%, 58%, and 42%) and long-term residents (28%, 7%, and 4%), and to a lesser degree among recent immigrants. The small number of cases precluded us from assessing parkinsonism incidence trends. For Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population, respectively, prevalence of dementia and parkinsonism modestly increased over time among recent immigrants but significantly increased among longer-term immigrants (dementia: 134%, 217%, and 117%; parkinsonism: 55%, 54%, and 43%) and long-term residents (dementia: 97%, 132%, and 71%; parkinsonism: 18%, 30%, and 29%). Adjustment for pre-existing conditions did not appear to explain incidence trends, except for stroke and coronary artery disease as potential drivers of dementia incidence. Recent immigrants across major ethnic groups in Ontario had considerably lower rates of dementia and parkinsonism than long-term residents, but this difference diminished with longer-term immigrants.

The present research examines whether the perception of neighborhood disorder differs between ethnic majority and minority group members and whether perceived disorder has the same impact on fear of crime among ethnic minorities as among the majority group. To answer the research questions, data are used from a survey among persons of Moroccan, Turkish, and Flemish descent (n=960), gathered in three Flemish Belgian cities (Antwerp, Genk, and Ghent). Multiple regression analyses show differences between majority and minority group members with regard to the perception of loitering youths, dog mess, and littering. Also, results provide support for the broken windows hypothesis in all ethnic groups, but the impact of perceived disorder on fear of crime is highest among the Flemish majority. Possible explanations are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In this paper we analyze the ethnic undercurrent and macro-level determinants influencing voter participation in Ghana based on aggregate district-level data. The paper focuses on the determinants that influenced citizens’ political participation in the 2012 Presidential elections of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and their implications for the December 2020 national elections. The unique approach of this paper is that district-level aggregate data on economic characteristics compiled by the Ghana Statistical Service are synchronised with district-level national presidential election results compiled by the Electoral Commission of Ghana to ascertain the determinants of participation. The analysis is based on the concept of the “Average District Voter” which is analyzed using district-level census data combined with national election results. Statistical analysis was used to complementarily assess the determinants of voter participation in the Ghanaian 2012 presidential elections. The results of the analysis thus established two major points; that ethnic identification with regard to the two major ethnic groups in Ghana (i.e., the Asantes and the Ewes) has clearly influenced voter turnout, and second, that worsening socio-economic conditions played a role in voter turnout in the 2012 presidential elections and these issues will ultimately determine the winner of the 2020 national elections.

Awareness, understanding and attitudes towards epilepsy among Iranian ethnic groups

We examine demographic behaviour of Jewish adults of mixed ethnic ancestry, relative to those of the two major Jewish ethnic groups in Israel. Research has shown that for measures of socioeconomic status, such as educational attainment, outcomes for multi-ethnics are in between – and very close to the middle of – those associated with the two major ethnic groups. We find that, in contrast, the marriage and fertility behaviour of multi-ethnic adults is nearly identical to that of the more socially advantaged ethnic group and quite distinct from that of the less advantaged ethnic group. Through multivariate analyses, we explore factors associated with families of origin, including socioeconomic status and cultural indicators of family norms, which are associated with these patterns. We discuss interpretations of our findings.

the purpose of this study was to investigate differences in long-term mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients from three major ethnicities of Asia. We studied 15,151 patients hospitalized for AMI with a median follow-up of 7.3 years (maximum 12 years) in six publicly-funded hospitals in Singapore from 2000-2005. Overall and cause-specific cardiovascular (CV) mortality until 2012 were compared among three major ethnic groups that represent large parts of Asia: Chinese, Malay and Indian. Relative survival of all three ethnic groups was compared with a contemporaneous background reference population using the relative survival ratio (RSR) method. The median global registry of acute coronary events score was highest among Chinese, followed by Malay and Indians: 144 (25th percentile 119, 75th percentile 173), 138 (115, 167), and 131 (109, 160), respectively, p<0.0001; similarly, in-hospital mortality was highest among Chinese (9.8%) followed by Malay (7.6%) and Indian (6.4%) patients. In contrast, 12-year overall and cause-specific CV mortality was highest among Malay (46.2 and 32.0%) followed by Chinese (43.0 and 27.0%) and Indian (35.9 and 25.2%) patients, p<0.0001. The five-year RSR was lowest among Malay (RSR 0.69) followed by Chinese (RSR 0.73) and Indian (RSR 0.79) patients, compared with a background reference population (RSR 1.00). We observed strong inter-Asian ethnic disparities in long-term mortality after AMI. Malay patients had the most discordant relationship between baseline risk and long-term mortality. Intensified interventions targeting Malay patients as a high-risk group are necessary to reduce disparities in long-term outcomes.

Objectives To investigate the prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children aged 0-19 across 7 major ethnic groups. Background In March 2009, researchers in the department of health in Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA reported that the number of Somali children, aged 3 to 4 years, who participated in the ASD special educational programs was significantly higher than for children from other ethnic backgrounds. A study from Sweden in 2008 estimated the prevalence of autism among Somali children in Stockholm County to be 3-4 times higher than children of other ethnic origin. In our Borough; Somali families observed higher occurrence of ASD in their children and also relatives living in other countries. Methods Children aged 0-19 years with a diagnosis of ASD were recruited from the databases of the local Special Educational Needs Department and the local Autism Service. Duplications were removed. Estimates of the total child population (aged 0-19 years) in the Borough were obtained from the local public health demographic data (November 2008), the Mayhew Harper Associates population report May 2010 and the local projected population (2011). The estimated number was 61773 children. These children were separated into 7 major ethnic groups (table 1 and figure 1). The ASD group (N=355) were separated into the same 7 major ethnic groups and analyses between the two groups was made (table 2 and figure 2). Results In our borough, the Black African, Somali and Black Caribbean children constitute the smallest proportion of the ethnic groups at 3% each. The Bangladeshi and white population made up the largest proportion at 55% and 18% respectively. The prevalence of autism in Somali and black African children was found to be 1.2% (12.1 per 1000). The prevalence of Autism in the black Caribbean population was 1.1% (11 per 1000). The prevalence in the remaining ethnic groups was 0.55% (5.5 per 1000) See figure 3. Conclusion The analysis shows a higher prevalence of autism in Somali, Black African and Black Caribbean children which is at least twice the prevalence in all other ethnic groups in our borough. This supports what has previously been reported by other authorities.

Singapore has a small population-2.8 million, as well as a tiny territory and poor natural resources. Moreover it achieved independence in 1965, so its history as an independent nation is only 30 years. In spite of these handicaps Singapore has achieved a high economic performaance, and today thanks to it, Singapore has become a leading member of the NIES.On the other hand Singapore is well known as an attractive destination which draws the second largest number of tourists in Asia. The main purpose of this paper is to clarify the characteristics of tourism in Singapore, from the view point of human movements. In this respect, this paper especially focuses on languages and ethnic groups.Since Singapore is located at a refueling point from Britain to Australia and vice versa, there has been a large number of tourists from these countries. Above all the ratio of stop-over and transit passengers from these countries is higher than any other countries. This is mainly due to the influence of the British Commonwealth and the location as a node, which is the first characteristic of tourism in Singapore.Second the ratio of business trips to Singapore from North America is higher than any other countries. And Singapore is the top Asian city in terms of the frequency of conventions. This is basically due to the language envieonment English is the common language both as business and conventions Singapole has as well the most developed infrastructure in South-East Asia.Third the major ethnic group in Singapore is Chinese, who exceed 70% of the total population. Above all Fujian Chinese are in the majority. In Malaysia and Indonesia they are also the major Chinese group. And their visits to Singapore indicate high ratio compared with that of other countries. Visits from Taiwan and Hong Kong show high ratio too. In addition, nowadays visits of Chinese from China (mainland) are increasing rapidly owing to its open policy. This is a recent conspicuous phenomenon. Thus inbound statistics show that the major ethnic tourist group consists of Chinese.As long as the open policy continues in China and an active economy continues in Asia, Singapore will attract those Chinese groups for the reason that there is a tight bond among members of the Chicnese community.These findings lead to the conclusion that in the background of successful tourism in Singapore there are historical and ethnological factors based on language.

Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Unmet Need for Mental Health Care: Results From the NSDUH

We present the results of a study in which we measured automatic intergroup behavior and evaluations in ethnic majority and minority group members. We focus our attention on the level of segregation and diversity of immediate life contexts as indicators of outgroup exposure. Specifically, Dutch ethnic minority and majority students enrolled at ethnically segregated and diverse schools completed a measure of automatic approach and avoidance behavior and reported explicit intergroup attitudes. The research is framed into prevailing theories in the field: Social Identity Theory and System Justification Theory. Results of our study suggest that segregation of minority group members' immediate life context may be an important moderator of evaluations as well as approach and avoidance behavior toward ingroup and outgroup. In particular, minority members in segregated schools showed an approach bias towards their ingroup, whereas minority members in diverse schools showed an approach bias towards the majority outgroup.

The present study aims to explore the differences between the same-ethnicity and the cross-ethnicity friendship quality of adolescents in Viet Nam. Participants were 200 ethnic majority students and 200 ethnic minority students from two public high schools in DakLak, Viet Nam. The participants answered the McGill Friendship Questionnaire-Respondent’s Affection (MFQ-RA). The findings showed that there was no significant difference in the same-ethnicity friendship quality between adolescents from ethnic majority and minority groups. However, in terms of the cross-ethnicity friendship quality, adolescents from the ethnic minority groups got significantly higher positive feelings for friends than those from the ethnic majority group. The results revealed that the differences between genders in the same-ethnicity friendship quality were significant. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between genders in cross-ethnicity friendship quality. In fact, girls got significantly higher positive feelings for a friend and the overall same-ethnicity friendship quality than boys. These findings are discussed vis-à-vis previous research on intra- and inter-ethnic friendships and gender comparisons in friendships.

The developed world has made significant advances in translating pharmacogenetics/genomics research into medical solutions that aim to personalize treatment that is based on a patients’ genetic status. Africa, on the other hand, has lagged behind in these advances, but recent developments are showing great potential for pharmacogenomics research and clinical applications on the continent. The genetic variability of African populations is proving an invaluable tool for understanding susceptibility and/or resistance to infectious diseases or noncommunicable diseases and the search for biomarkers for drug safety and efficacy. Studies on the polymorphism of genes that code for drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, FMO, NAT2, GSTT and GSTM) in nine major African ethnic groups (Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa, Kikuyu, Masaai, San, Luo, Venda, and Shona) showed genetic clustering of these populations distinct from that of Asian and of Caucasian populations. Clinical studies on the effect of the CYP2B6G516T variant on efavirenz concentrations were predictive of a dose reduction to a third of the standard dose in patient homozygous of the variant. This could have significant effects on the safe and efficacious use of this drug in Africa where 20% of the people are homozygous for this variant compared to about 5% in Caucasian and Oriental populations. We also found that CYP2C9 variants associated with dose optimization of warfarin in Caucasians are very rare in African populations. This has implication on the utility of commercial genetic diagnostic kits in use in Europe, which might not be applicable in African populations. Molecular evolution studies on the nine major ethnic groups and in comparison with data on Caucasian and Oriental populations using the Illumina chip with 600 K SNPs confirmed the genetic diversity of African populations and their distinct difference from other non-African populations. Though only a few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been done on common infectious diseases in Africa (malaria, TB, and HIV), interest in the scientific community to conduct such studies on noncommunicable disease in Africa will provide the scientific and technological impetus for genomic medicine research in Africa.KeywordsAfrican PopulationSlow AcetylatorsNoncommunicable DiseaseDose AlgorithmEfavirenz ConcentrationThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Recent reports have confirmed the improving trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and outcomes. Still, disparities in incidence and mortality in CRC continue to persist between major ethnic groups despite the provision of widespread screening and improved care. We aimed to outline, from an endoscopic point of view, ethnic disparities in major endoscopic measures concerned with CRC screening and detection and track their impact on patients' outcomes. We reviewed electronic reports of patients referred for colonoscopy procedures over 20 years. We compared demographic, clinical, and endoscopic findings between major ethnic population groups in Israel. In addition, trends of screening utilization, bowel preparation, and polyp detection rates were tracked, and the incidence of CRC diagnosis was followed. A total of 51307 patients had undergone colonoscopies, of whom 16% were Arabs, and 84% were Jewish. The procedures performed for CRC screening throughout the study period were significantly lower in Arabs (5% vs. 13.1%; P < 0.0001). In parallel, for most of the follow-up period, the Arab patients had higher rates of inadequate bowel preparation (overall: 19.9% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) and a lower polyp detection rate (16.7% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.0001). Expectedly, the incidence of CRC has steadily decreased in the Jewish group, while an adverse pattern of increasing incidence was documented in the Arab patient during the follow-up period. Characterized by lower screening utilization and poor bowel preparation, the incidence of CRC development in Arab patients is increasing, while improving trends of CRC were observed in their Jewish counterparts.

This chapter focuses on demographic changes in China's major ethnic minority groups and compares them with those observed in the population of the Han. Great variations were observed in fertility, mortality, age structure, and population growth among China's major ethnic groups. These variations were closely related to differences in the level of socio-economic development, the degree of sinicization, and the implementation of family planning policies in ethnic minority populations.