Afro-descendant Population Research Articles

Lifetime clinical presentation of Still's disease in the Afro-descendant population of the French West Indies

Lifetime clinical presentation of Still's disease in the Afro-descendant population of the French West Indies

Immigration and the Boundaries of Black Political Subjecthood in Argentina and Chile

In the last two decades, the Argentine and Chilean states have passed laws and policies targeting Afro-descendant populations. But while Argentine law has institutionalized Afro-descent through a broad notion of African ancestry and African-based culture, the Chilean state has legally defined Afro-descent in relation to a particular history, culture, and identity connected to a long-standing presence in the national territory. In this paper, I examine the role of immigration in explaining how Afro-descendant subjecthood has been legally constructed and institutionalized in each national context. Through archival and interview-based research, I analyze how classification struggles within each Afro-descendant movement and between Afro-descendant activists and the state frame claims and strategies for legal inclusion, ultimately impacting how the boundaries of Afro-descent are defined and institutionalized in each national context. Immigrants’ early participation within the Afro-Argentine movement promoted heterogenous political framings, but feelings of threat drove some Afro-Argentine activists to emphasize nativist claims. This has produced a diversity of legislation and policies that target different populations, including immigrants—what I refer to as a “transnational-racial” model. In Chile, immigrants have not participated prominently in the Afro-descendant movement, but they have been present in the imaginaries of activists and state officials debating legislative and policy measures. Afro-Chileans’ political success requires not being seen as foreigners by state officials, driving them to emphasize their national belonging. Thus, Black subjecthood has been institutionalized targeting Afro-Chileans who share a common history and culture while excluding immigrants—what I refer to as a “national-ethnic” model.

From ethnicization to ethnicism: Transformations of the legal and political subject of blackness in Colombia

In Colombia, since 1900s, some Afro-descendant populations are classified as an ethnic group, akin to indigenous communities. This classification has included, especially within the Comisión de la Verdad report, to recognize Afro-descendants as ethnic people, a view widely shared among activists, scholars, and NGOs. The process of ethnicization, distinct from race, involves traditionalizing and communalizing these populations from the Pacific region. Recent shifts have involved racialized ethnicism, combining racial markers with cultural traditionalized differences under a regime of victimhood, reflecting complex, overlapping transformations rather than straightforward successions. This article analyzes these evolving legal and political conceptions of blackness over the past three decades, highlighting the nuanced shifts in state policies and imaginaries.

The empowered family: New narratives to rethink dengue prevention and control in Córdoba, Colombia.

Dengue is a disease that constitutes a public health problem difficult to control due to the multidimensionality of associated factors and the particularities of the territories. This article analyzes the notion of family empowerment related to the prevention and control of dengue in Córdoba, Colombia. From July to October 2023, using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 family groups located in the municipalities of San Andrés de Sotavento, San Bernardo del Viento, Pueblo Nuevo, and Montería, selected for being indigenous, Afro-descendant, or rural and urban populations in vulnerable conditions. The results show that families, beyond their particular arrangements in terms of structure and dynamics, are aware of their role in the prevention and control of diseases, identifying the capacities required to face dengue. However, they reproduce narratives of conceptual and power dominance that assign a greater commitment on the part of educational and health agents to promote alternatives that contribute to reducing the risks of dengue. The challenges that must be faced for effective family empowerment are discussed, so that prevention practices gain greater strength.

Higher education and indigenous and afro-descendant peoples as a field of study and intervention in Latin America

Since 2008, there has been a notable increase in studies on processes of inclusion, retention and graduation of indigenous students in higher education in Latin America; a growing interest in research and university extension activities in collaboration with indigenous and Afro-descendant communities; and the establishment of intercultural academic spaces in the region. This article offers a literature review analysis of this field of study and intervention, elaborated in Spanish and Portuguese in the framework of Latin American institutions. This analysis identifies the various voices, analytical perspectives, lines of research, conceptual debates and contributions that enrich the understanding of some types of experiences in this field, often described as 'intercultural', and others usually considered as educational inclusion of indigenous and Afro-descendant populations in the field of Higher Education in Latin America. The literature review reveals that much of this research is the result of collaborative work between diverse actors committed to promoting intercultural perspectives at the higher education level, and reflects the historical struggles sustained by these peoples as the fundamental structuring component of these experiences. It is concluded that the increase in research and interventions makes it plausible to postulate and describe the consolidation of a specific field of study and intervention for Latin America, which can be defined as 'Higher Education, Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples' and that the experiences analysed reflect a particular and historical link between university systems and Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples in Latin America.

First Report of Seropositivity to Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican Afro-Descendants from Guerrero and Oaxaca States.

Mexican Afro-descendant is a population poorly studied in many aspects, between them the infectious diseases that they suffer. This population is mainly found in the country's Pacific (Oaxaca and Guerrero states) and Atlantic (Veracruz) coast. In these regions, a diversity of triatomine vectors of the Chagas disease is found. Also, all the genotypes of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs have been reported. That is why the present study aimed to study the presence of antibodies against T. cruzi and cardiac pathology associated with the Chagas disease in the Mexican Afro-descendant population of Guerrero and Oaxaca. ELISA, Western blot, and recombinant antigen's ELISA were used to evaluate the seropositivity of these communities. Furthermore, an electrocardiographic study and evaluation of risk factors associated with T. cruzi infection in the Oaxaca and Guerrero populations were conducted. 26.77% of the analyzed population was positive for two serological tests. These percentages are higher than the previously reported for the mestizo population in similar studies. Electrocardiographic results showed cardiac disorder associated with the Chagas disease in the population. Also, risk factors were identified associated with the men's activities in the outdoor working areas.

Exploring Historical and Contemporary Academic Disparities: A Comparative Study of Black and Non-Black Nova Scotians

In Canada, concerns persist regarding the academic underperformance among historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Extensive research has been conducted on the academic achievements of Aboriginal communities, but there’s a noticeable lack of focus on longstanding Afro-descendant populations. Our study aims to address this gap by examining discrepancies in numeracy and overall academic performance, particularly between Black and non-Black residents of Nova Scotia. Utilizing historical census data, we identified a small-to-medium size numeracy gap between European and African Nova Scotians, measuring about one-third of a standard deviation, prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Furthermore, contemporary data from the 21st century reveals a gap in academic and cognitive test scores between African and other Nova Scotians of approximately half a standard deviation. We analyze these findings in the context of existing research on racial and ethnic academic disparities in the Americas.

Longitudinal follow-up of mixed connective tissue disease and overlapping autoimmune diseases of childhood onset in the Afro-descendant population of the French West Indies

IntroductionOverlap autoimmune syndromes (OAS) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) are rare in children. We performed a retrospective, longitudinal and descriptive study of Afro-Caribbean patients from the French West Indies followed for MCTD and OAS to describe their characteristics and outcomes during childhood.MethodsRetrospective study from January 2000 to 2023. Listings of patients were obtained from multiple sources: computerized hospital archives and national hospital-based surveillance system, registry of pediatricians and adult specialists in internal medicine and the national registry for rare diseases. MCTD was defined according to Kasukawa’s criteria. OAS was defined as overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and dermatomyositis/autoimmune myositis (DM/AM).ResultsSixteen patients were included over a 23-year period (10 MCTD and 6 OAS). The incidence was 0.23 per 100,000 children-years. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years old (2.4–17) with median follow up of 7.9 years (2.1–19.6). SLE phenotype was present in the highest, followed by SSc and DM/AM. Patients had an average of three flares during childhood (1–7). A quarter (25%) had symptomatic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Ninety-four percent received steroids during follow-up and 88% required a corticosteroid-sparing therapy. Three patients (19%) developed SLE after more than 10y of follow-up. There were no death and no chronic organ failure.ConclusionThis is the largest pediatric cohort of MCTD and OAS in Afro-descendant patients treated in a country with a high standard of care. The clinical evolution did not differ between MCTD and OAS. The main complication was PAH, more frequent in our cohort.

Chronic disease prevalence in a population with structural hemoglobin disorders undergoing diabetes diagnosis: A bayesian approach

BackgroundStructural disorders of hemoglobin are a group of rare and fatal genetic diseases that disrupt the transport and exchange of oxygen in the blood, causing tissue damage and ultimately leading to chronic conditions. The hemoglobin (Hb) S variant predominantly impacts individuals of Afro-descendant heritage. A significant concentration of the Afro-descendant population in Colombia, notably 12.5 %, is found in the city of Cali. Previous research has identified this city's structural hemoglobin disorders prevalence rate of 3.78 %. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HbC, HbS, HbF, and HbA2 variants within a population who underwent HbA1c testing, as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases among patients with these hemoglobin alterations, at a high-complexity hospital in the city of Cali from 2015 to 2019. MethodsA descriptive observational study was conducted, involving a study population that comprised patients with both suspected and monitored diagnoses of diabetes. The cohort was selected from a high-complexity hospital in Cali. A total of 15,608 patients were included in the analysis, all of whom underwent HbA1C measurement through capillary electrophoresis, which also offers an indirect diagnosis of certain structural disorders of hemoglobin. Bayesian methods were employed for frequency analysis. ResultsAmong the 15,608 patients assessed, 63.6 % (n = 9920) were women. The overall prevalence of structural hemoglobin disorders was 1.98 % (n = 287, 95 % CI = 1.77 %–2.21 %). The co-occurrence of diabetes and kidney disease emerged as the most prevalent combination of pathologies observed in individuals with HbC, for both men and women across various age groups: 18–42 (58.3 % and 50.0 % respectively), 43–55 (50.0 % for both), 56–65 (50.0 % and 37.5 % respectively), and >65 years (66.7 % and 57.1 % respectively). ConclusionsThe observed prevalence of the studied variants exceeded 1 %, a threshold underscored by the World Health Organization (WHO) as epidemiologically significant. Among HbC and HbS-positive patients, the elevated prevalence of diabetes and kidney disease is a guiding factor in developing proactive prevention strategies.

Factors influencing living space utilization among older Afro-Colombian adults

ABSTRACT Objectives: Investigate the factors influencing life space utilization in older Afro-descendant adults residing in Tumaco, Colombia – a marginalized region of the country. Design: This cross-sectional study included 388 Afro-descendant older adults. The study assessed living space using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale and collected demographic data. Cognitive levels were measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Yesavage scale. Socio-emotional indicators were determined with the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS). The research employed linear and logistic regression models for data analysis. Results: On average, participants scored 27.0 on the LSA scale. A lack of perceived income resulted in a 10.44-point decrease on the LSA scale. For each unit increase in the MOS-Instrumental Dimension score, the LSA score increased by 0.52 points (95% CI 0.17–0.87). As for cognitive performance (MMSE scale), each one-point increase resulted in a 0.69 decrease in the LSA score (95% CI −1.25 to −0.12). Conclusion: Socioeconomic disadvantages limit living space utilization, particularly in the Afro-descendant population. Yet, social support can enhance living space use despite environmental and economic constraints.

No se olviden de Buenaventura: ensayo etnográfico visual sobre las formas de desterritorialización y reterritorialización de la vida.

In this visual ethnographic essay of the port city of Buenaventura, Colombia, I aim to explain how forms of community resistance emerge in accordance with close ties that the Afro-descendant population maintains with their territory and ethnic-racial identity, against the excluding economic development policies of the Colombian State during the presidency of Juan Manuel Santos (2014-2018), its paramilitary actions, and its historical abandonment of the Afro-descendant population, as factors that converge and constitute a direct attack against the exercise of territoriality of the black people from Buenaventura. Text, images, and photo captions can be read independently and collaboratively in a game of resistance that analyzes the de-territorialization and re-territorialization dynamics as antagonistic forces that dispute the territory.

What are the Best Drugs and Combinations in Afro-Descendant Hypertensive Patients?

Hypertension in African descendants occurs early, with high rates of cardiovascular events compared to Caucasians. In addition, genetic influence, low levels of plasma renin activity, greater sensitivity to salt, low sodium secretion, and other mechanisms are involved and discussed in this article. For pharmacological treatment, several studies were evaluated, such as CREOLE, ALLHAT, CARDIA, JHS, REGARDS, AASK, ACCOMPLISH, review articles and meta-analyzes and some guidelines, such as European, American, Brazilian to compare treatment indication. Several pharmacological classes, such as calcium channel blockers, Β-blockers, renin angiotensin system inhibitors, aldosterone and diuretics were included in present review in order to compare utilization and indication for Afro-descendant hypertensive patients. We concluded that several relevant points should be considered in the pharmacological treatment of African descendants that include pathophysiological characteristics, early development of lesions in target organs, in addition to higher rates of cardiovascular and renal events. In addition to lifestyle changes, improved nutrition, combined treatment, probably as a first-line treatment, should be considered as an approach, and the drugs used should aim at blood pressure control and inhibition of the inflammatory process, which results in worse outcomes. It is important to highlight that the representativeness of the Afro-descendant population was unsatisfactory for a robust conclusion. in this population, we can infer from the initial pharmacological treatment the use of thiazide-like diuretics, or dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker should be considered, although the institution of fixed combinations with angiotensin enzyme conversion inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers are important in the protection of target organs that occurs earlier and more seriously.

Considerations about race and identity in the conformation of Latin America

This essay aims to carry out a brief analysis of the conformation of Latin America. Among the results, it has been visualized the evident role that, confessional clashes and political-economic disputes between the colonizing countries have had in the implantation of relationships based on forms of hierarchization, segregation and discrimination of the Amerindian, Afro-descendant, and mestizo populations, during the process of conquest and the subsequent independence. Especially considering the need on the maintenance of the domination of the colonial powers and the subsequent colonial caste system in the periods of “independent” life. At the same time that it is urged, given the contemporary conditions, for the discussion and deep reflection of issues such as alter subjectivities and Otherness. In this way, an exposition of the subject is carried out, beginning with the repercussions and characteristics of the colonial era, followed by a review of the particularities and effects that occurred in the post-Independence times, to continue with an analysis of some current debates around subjectivities and identities, ending with a discussion on the conclusions of the process.

PO-01-242 COMMON GENETIC VARIANTS OF THE CARDIAC SODIUM CHANNEL ALTER PATIENT RESPONSE TO CLASS 1B ANTIARRHYTHMICS

Several common variants have been identified in SCN5A, which encodes the cardiac Na+ channel α-subunit Nav1.5 and is targeted by class I antiarrhythmics. Lidocaine and its analog mexiletine both have a primary amine that blocks Na+ current. While lidocaine is highly effective in terminating ventricular tachycardia after acute myocardial infarction, mexiletine has been shown to prevent arrhythmia induction in only ∼20% of patients. We aim to test the hypothesis that common SCN5A polymorphisms exhibit an altered pharmacological response to class 1b antiarrhythmics. We investigate four common polymorphisms: R34C, S524Y, H558R, and S1103Y. Recombinant DNA, where the regulatory β1-subunit is connected to Nav1.5 (WT or variant) through a pIRES sequence to ensure co-expression of both proteins, is transfected into HEK293 cells. Automated planar patch clamp is used to record peak Na+ current and measure tonic and use-dependent mexiletine and lidocaine block. The mexiletine dose-response curves for S1103Y (IC50 = 57.2 ± 14.3μM; 13.4 ± 2.7μM; 7.8 ± 1.3μM at 0, 10 and 20Hz) show a substantial left shift compared to WT (IC50 = 148.6 ± 27.8μM; 31.7 ± 4.4μM; 16. 8 ± 2μM). The other variants show a slight right shift. These results imply enhanced mexiletine interaction with S1103Y, while R34C, S524Y and H558R do not significantly affect drug binding. The lidocaine dose-response curves for H558R (IC50 = 75.6 ± 16.6μM) exhibit a substantial left shift compared to WT (IC50 = 136.1 ± 33.9μM) at 0Hz. The difference is not observed at 10 and 20 Hz, suggesting a predominant effect on tonic block for H558R. Other variants do not show a significantly altered response. Lidocaine is lipid-soluble and can interact with the Nav1.5 pore via a hydrophobic pathway block of the channel. The more hydrophilic mexiletine displays a drug-receptor interaction that depends on the state of the channel. Thus, as Na+ current kinetics are altered in different variants, so is the drug interaction with the channel. The S1103Y polymorphism is found almost exclusively in Afro-descendent populations and is present in 13% of black patients, traditionally underrepresented in clinical trials. H558R is present in nearly 20% of the general population, across all ethnicities. A stronger tonic or use-dependent response to each drug would imply that these patients would respond differently to its prescription.

Contextual and individual determinants of tooth loss in the Afro-descendant older adult populations of different countries: a scoping review.

The Black population has poorer oral health than other racial groups; however, little is known about the mechanisms that explain this difference. To study the association between race and tooth loss and map the evidence on factors associated with tooth loss in Black older populations. Scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews conducted according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A three-step search strategy was applied, and data were collected between April and July 2021. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases. The grey literature was searched using Google Scholar (https://www.scholar.google.com/). The reference lists of included studies were used as additional sources. Studies published in English and Portuguese of the association between tooth loss and different racial groups and the factors associated with tooth loss and tooth retention in Black older adult populations were included. Twenty-one of 913 original articles published between 1995 and 2020 were included. Of these, 75% were research articles, 15% were reports, and 10% dissertations. Eighty per cent reported cross-sectional and 20% longitudinal data. African ancestry was associated with increased odds of tooth loss in older adult populations. Periodontal disease, female sex, and advanced age were the exposures most frequently associated with tooth loss. Race, educational level, advanced age, and oral diseases such as periodontitis are associated with increased tooth loss in Afro-descendant older populations.

"Afro-Descendant Population as an Independent Risk Factor for the Development of Pre-Eclampsia Complications"

"Afro-Descendant Population as an Independent Risk Factor for the Development of Pre-Eclampsia Complications"

Our Voice in a rural community: empowering Colombian adolescents to advocate for school community well-being through citizen science

BackgroundSanta Ana is home to an Afro-descendant rural population of the island of Barú in Cartagena, Colombia. While a popular area for tourism, Santa Ana’s population is affected by multidimensional poverty, precarious work conditions, homelessness, broken streets and sewer systems, limited quality education, and a lack of recreation and sport spaces. While Santa Ana’s Community Action Board aims to unify efforts and resources to solve these problems, the state’s capacity to meet the requirements of the Board is limited.MethodsWe evaluated the relationship between healthy lifestyles and characteristics of Santa Ana’s school using the Our Voice Citizen Science Research Method. This systemic approach combines information and communication technologies with group facilitation to empower adolescents to: 1) collect and discuss data about factors in their local environments that facilitate or hinder well-being within their school community; 2) identify relevant local stakeholders who could help to address the issues identified; and 3) advocate collectively for local improvements to support increased well-being at a community level.ResultsEleven citizen scientists ages 13 to 17 years from the science club of Institución Educativa Santa Ana were recruited and together conducted 11 walks within the school to collect data about the facilitators and barriers to student well-being. They identified barriers to well-being related to school infrastructure, furniture, bathrooms, and sense of belonging. They then advocated with school stakeholders and reached agreements on concrete actions to address identified barriers, including fostering a culture among students of caring for school property and presenting their findings to the community action board. This methodology allowed the community to realize how students can become agents of change and take collective action when motivated by solution-oriented methodologies such as Our Voice. Project ripple effects, including greater empowerment and participation in collective actions by students, also were observed.ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of the school’s built environment in the well-being of students in rural areas. The Our Voice method provided the opportunity to inform school-based interventions, and promoted ripple effects that expanded productive dialogue to the community level and generated systemic actions involving actors outside of the school community.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment: Is Surgery Better than Non-Surgical Treatments in Afro-Descendant Populations?

(1) Background: Limited data are available on lumbar spine stenosis management in sub-Saharan African populations and Afro-descendant patients are underrepresented in European and US clinical trials. We aimed to compare the clinical response between decompressive surgery and conservative treatments in a population of self-reported Afro-Caribbean patients with lumbar spine stenosis over a 2-year follow-up period. (2) Methods: Prospective cohort of 137 self-reported Afro Caribbeans with lumbar spine stenosis based on clinical and radiological criteria. Patients were assigned to decompression surgery or to conservative treatments according to their outcome after a first course of steroid epidural injection and their preferences. The primary outcome was evolution of the Oswestry disability index at 3 months (3 M), 12 M, 18 M and 24 M follow-up. (3) Results: Decrease of ODI was significantly more important in the "decompression surgery" arm compared to "conservative treatment" arm at 3 M, 12 M and 18 M: -17.36 vs. 1.03 p < 10-4; -16.38 vs. -1.53 p = 0.0059 and -19.00 vs. -4.52 p = 0.021, respectively. No difference was reported at 24 M. (4) Conclusions: In this first comparative study between surgery and conservative treatments in an exclusively afro-descendant lumbar spine stenosis cohort, we report long term superiority of decompression surgery versus conservative treatments over an 18-month period.

Securing the port against the Black poor in Buenaventura, Colombia

In May 2017, the community of Buenaventura, Colombia’s main port and the city with the largest Afrodescendant population, went on a general strike. By scrutinising this event, this article reveals some shades of the entanglements of race, class, political subjectivity, security, capitalist development and histories of colonialism that structure the racial dynamics of space. Relying upon discourse analysis of policy papers, legal regulations and secondary sources, coupled with informal interviews and direct observation, it is argued that violence and coercion have been central techniques for harnessing the local poor population in accordance with the needs of the port as the emblem of capitalist development. The article pays particular attention to how law is implicated in the violence deployed in the city-port either as a legitimising factor or as discursive formation which portrays the local population as dangerous and thereby as a security threat to the port. This narrative about the insecurity of the poor, created and recreated by the law, reinforces the image of the Black population as undeserving poor, while at the same time legitimising the coercive interventions that have characterised the control of criminality and social mobilisation in the city-port. However, the strike allows us to see that precarity and violence have resulted in a politically active population and sophisticated levels of mobilisation which have managed to stop capitalist development, at least for a while.

El valor humano y la diversidad cultural de la población afrodescendiente en El Cantón Esmeraldas, Ecuador

Paradoxically, societies evolve in knowledge, but human beings continue to be anchored to radical, negative and selfish thoughts that lead us to situations of comfort and inequalities, for this reason this article focuses on making an ethnographic reflection on the human value and cultural diversity of Afro-descendant population in Esmeraldas Canton, Ecuador. For which the positivist paradigm procedures were used with a qualitative, ethnographic approach, using an in-depth interview with the residents of the Canton, Esmeralda, as an instrument for collecting information, from which some categories of the discourse exposed by the interviewees were extracted, to then explain these categories in the light of some theories and where I establish a position as a researcher and part of the Afro-descendant community, through the triangulation process. The conclusions reflected that people who are victims of discrimination feel violated in their civil and human rights, quartered in their freedoms.