Haitian Immigrants Research Articles

Endometrial cancer among a cohort of urban Haitian immigrants.

BACKGROUNDBlack women are known to have a higher risk of aggressive endometrial cancers. Little data exist about the role of nativity as a determinant of survival outcomes in women with this disease.AIMOur objective was to evaluate a population of Haitian immigrants with endometrial cancer in an urban setting using the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS).METHODSA search of FCDS identified 107 women born in Haiti and who received treatment for invasive endometrial cancer in Miami-Dade County between 1989 and 2013. Clinicopathologic data were extracted to describe the cohort and assess associations with overall survival. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards models, the log-rank test, and the Kaplan-Meier method, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05.RESULTSMedian age at diagnosis was 65 years. 63.9% of the patients had a type II, high-grade, histology, and 52.6% presented with extrauterine metastatic disease. Nearly three quarters had health insurance. Within the entire cohort, only presence of extrauterine disease was associated with worse overall survival [Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-5.57, P = 0.007]. However, after stratification by histologic grade, both age (HR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.81-0.96, P = 0.002) and extrauterine disease (HR = 2.49, 95%CI: 1.01-6.21, P = 0.049) were independently associated with worse survival, but only in women with type II malignancies.CONCLUSIONUrban Haitian women with endometrial cancer have a high burden of aggressive histologies. Additional investigation to explain the etiology of these findings is needed.

Rather be known as Haitian: identity construction of the ethnically-identified second generation

ABSTRACT In this article, I examine how city context influences ethnic identity development and construction of the mainstream. Based on forty-one in-depth interviews and ten months of ethnographic fieldwork, I demonstrate how the children of Haitian immigrants reject the American identity on two fronts – race and ethnicity – in Miami, Florida, a majority-minority city. Specifically, when Haitian Americans speak of “Americans,” they are usually referring to African Americans. American is also used to describe Haitian Americans who are seen as having Americanized or adopted U.S. attitudes and behaviours to the point that they have a stronger connection to the United States than to Haiti. More than a peculiar word association, I argue that Haitian Americans’ relationship with African Americans and the role of ethnicity in Miami propels Haitian Americans to strive to remain ethnically distinct from both African Americans and American whites.

Communication, migrant activism and counter-hegemonic narratives of Haitian diaspora in Brazil

Abstract This article presents ongoing findings of a larger research project oriented towards the analysis of counter-hegemonic narratives produced and shared in digital media by Haitian immigrants during 2015 and 2017. The analysis demonstrates how these narratives evidence racism experienced by these immigrants residing in Brazil. The analytical corpus is comprised of a selection of these media narratives as well as the examination of in-depth interviews conducted with Haitian immigrants in the Southeast, South and Mid-East areas of Brazil. Results show two dimensions in these narratives. On the one hand, the recognition and denunciation of racism marks the insertion and trajectory of Haitians in Brazil; on the other hand, the growing efforts for producing other representations in Haiti and Haitians in Brazil.

Impact of Acculturation on Body Mass Index in Haitians

Longer term immigrants residing in the United States exhibit physical health decline related to higher body mass index (BMI). Theories on immigrant acculturation have been used to examine health patterns by length of stay in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, guided by the Schwartz model of acculturation, was to examine the effect of acculturation and length of stay in the United States on BMI in a sample of Haitian immigrants living in a northeast metropolitan area. The research question was developed to examine the effects of acculturation and how long immigrants reside in the United States on BMI. The Participants included a convenience sample of 116 Haitian men and women, aged 18 years and older, who had relocated to the United States for 3 years or more. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and medical records from a participating health clinic and then analyzed by conducting multiple linear regression statistical analyses. Results revealed that acculturation, length of stay in the United States, age, gender, and physical activity were not significant predictors of BMI change. An ancillary analysis using the subscales of acculturation revealed similar results. This study may provide positive social change by enabling health providers to understand the beliefs, values, and practices of Haitian immigrant groups and the acculturation pattern of individuals when providing care for this population.

Programa de integración lingüística y cultural: migración no hispanoparlante

Chile, a pesar de su historia migratoria, no ha generado programas educativos sustentados por políticas gubernamentales que propicien la adquisición de la variedad lingüística de la comunidad de acogida, por parte de la inmigración no hispanoparlante, integrando los referentes culturales de ambos colectivos. Se propone una alternativa a este olvido histórico y nos planteamos lo siguiente: ¿Qué elementos debiesen integrar un programa de adquisición de la variedad lingüística de la comunidad de acogida dirigido a inmigrantes haitianos propiciando el (re)conocimiento cultural? Se presenta el diseño e implementación de un programa que adopta la Hipótesis de Interdependencia Lingüística, en un aula dinámica donde se trabaja de forma colaborativa y situada. Se concluye que es posible educar en una segunda lengua a partir de la incorporación de elementos que propicien la interrelación de los aprendices en igualdad de conocimientos, y el uso de los códigos lingüísticos de los participantes como manifestación de respeto e interés por lo que cada uno pueda aportar a partir de su L1, develando su cultura de origen.

Haitian Immigrants and Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex, lifelong condition that is disproportionately prevalent among minority populations. Haitian immigrants (HIs) living in the US with T2D have unique factors that influence diagnosis, treatment, and self-management. The purpose of this integrative review was to provide a synthesis of the research on T2D in the HI population. In a systematic literature search, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three themes were identified: risk factors for less self-management and/or worse metabolic control; protective factors for better self-management and/or metabolic control; and mixed results. HIs had higher HbA1c, yet better self-management, different genetic profiles, and lower levels of vitamin D and hemoglobin concentration compared to other ethnic groups. HIs also reported better dietary quality, less healthcare utilization, and higher perceived emotional/psychological stress compared to other ethnic groups. This study has implications for practice for integrating the unique cultural factors when assessing and intervening with HIs.

High Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Factors Associated with Haitian Immigrants in Southern Chile.

The objective was to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and food insecurity (FI) in Haitian immigrants in southern Chile. An analytical cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of Haitian immigrants residing in Southern Chile, who were recruited from community centers and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Latin-American and Caribbean Food Security Scale. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with FI. FI prevalence in the 234 participants was 78%; 60% had severe FI. Having children (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.6-7.4), limited Spanish proficiency (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.8-7.3), no access to basic services (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.2-6.4), and not being a legal permanent resident (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-6.1) were associated with significantly higher odds of FI. Over three-quarters of Haitian immigrants in southern Chile suffer from FI. Tailored intervention strategies are needed to address this major public-health issue, with a special focus on those at highest risk, including families with children, and those with limited Spanish proficiency, no access to basic services, and without legal permanent resident status.

Haitianos no Paraná (Brasil) em 2018: estratégias em momento de crise

O presente artigo insere-se no conjunto de estudos sobre fluxos migratórios e inserção sócioeconômica de migrantes no contexto latino-americano. A análise apresentada diz respeito à pesquisa realizada durante o mês de agosto de 2018, junto a 29 imigrantes haitianos residentes na cidade de Curitiba (PR) e seu entorno. Através da aplicação de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e da organização de grupo focal sobre migração e inserção socioeconômica, apresentamos uma discussão sobre os modos de fazer desses imigrantes frente a crise econômica e de emprego que o Brasil experimenta desde 2015. Investigamos de forma específica como esse grupo de imigrantes vem enfrentando reveses sociais e econômicos – desemprego, moradia e perspectivas futuras - incluindo aí os constrangimentos sociais informais e sutis que existem em seus espaços de circulação e de sociabilidade. Utilizando como referencial a Teoria da Prática de Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002), analisamos em que medida os percursos migratórios e as estratégias são o resultado de disposições incorporadas (habitus) e capitais adquiridos antes da migração, observando ainda o modo como as diversas práticas sociais e discursos são ativados e exteriorizados no trato cotidiano das situações vivenciadas na sociedade de destino.

Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Adult Haitian Immigrants: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: A large body of literature exists on self-management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a variety of populations. However, research is limited on how Haitian immigrants self-manage their T2D despite a prevalence of 6.9% in Haiti. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the lived experience of adult Haitian immigrants managing T2D living in the United States. Methodology: Moustakas's phenomenological approach guided this qualitative study. Adult Haitian immigrants diagnosed with T2D for at least 1 year were interviewed. Individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, uploaded into NVivo, and analyzed using Moustakas's existential data analysis process. Results: We interviewed 16 participants (mean age 56;12 females; an average of 11 years living in the United States; mean hemoglobin A1c 8.1%). Four themes emerged: self-reliance, spirituality, nostalgia for home, and a desire for positive patient-provider relationships. Cultural influences and health beliefs may affect individual self-management of T2D in this population. Conclusions: These results may assist clinicians in identifying factors that contribute to suboptimal self-management in Haitian immigrants and help patients reach glycemic control. Culturally competent assessment and interventions for Haitian immigrants with T2D may not be provided without considering these four themes.

Inmigrantes haitianos y dominico-haitianos en República Dominicana. Cambios y posibles implicaciones de los perfiles

En este artículo analizamos las principales características de los inmigrantes haitianos y los dominicanos de ascendencia haitiana (dominico-haitianos) en República Dominicana. Examinamos algunos cambios y continuidades en el perfil de inmigrantes Haitianos en este país y resaltamos las diferencias sociodemográficas entre ambos grupos. Los datos sugieren que una parte significativa de la población de origen haitiano es susceptible de radicar por tiempos relativamente largos en República Dominicana, lo cual conllevaría implicaciones para el futuro de dicha migración, particularmente la referida a la naturaleza de los lazos entre la diáspora haitiana en República Dominicana y la población no migrante de Haití, y, más ampliamente, para las relaciones entre los dos países involucrados.

Abstract P126: The Cardiovascular Health of Afro-Caribbean Immigrants in New York City: a Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Afro-Caribbean (AC) immigrants are the largest black immigrant group in the U.S. and generally display better physical health than United States (U.S.) born blacks. Cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities among AC immigrant sub-groups are poorly understood. We examined the prevalence of CVH factors among AC immigrants (Guyanese, Haitian and Jamaican) relative to U.S. born blacks residing in New York City. We hypothesized that some AC immigrant sub-groups will have higher rates of CVH factors than U.S. born blacks. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of pooled data from the 2010-2014 New York City Community Health Survey administrations to estimate the prevalence of CVH and differences among AC immigrant sub-groups. We included 7678 non-Hispanic black participants from Haiti (n=291), Jamaica (n=1031), Guyana (n=369) and U.S. born blacks (5987). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between country of birth and CVH factors. The CVH factors were determined from the AHA’s CVH metrics. We adjusted the models for significant covariates using backward sequential selection. Results: In final adjusted models, in comparison to U.S. born blacks, Jamaican immigrants were more likely to self-report diabetes but were less likely to be overweight/obese. Guyanese immigrants were also less likely to be overweight/obese than U.S. born blacks. There were no significant differences between Haitian immigrants and U.S. born blacks for CVH factors. Conclusions: Although AC immigrants depict superior health status compared to U.S. born blacks, ethnic differences exist in CVH among AC immigrant sub-groups. Efforts to address cardiovascular health factors among black populations in the U.S. should consider ethnic differences that may provide information about the most at-risk populations for disease-specific programmatic or policy interventions.

Effective Leadership in Mexico: An Extension of the LEAD Project

ABSTRACTThis study examines the applicability of pre-existing effective leadership constructs in Mexico; as well as the commonalities and differences that native Mexicans, and Haitian immigrants, in Mexico have on perceptions of effective leadership. A survey containing both Western and African developed effective leadership measures was administered to both samples. There were significant differences between the samples regarding which leadership factors they perceived to be the most effective. Shared perceived effective factors included being an “effective communicator” and “knowledgeable”. Divergences included Ubuntu leadership which was rejected by Mexicans but approved of by Haitians. Practical recommendations for leading in Mexico are presented.

Social Representations of Haitian Immigrants about Labor in Brazil

Abstract The growth in the number of immigrants in Brazil has stimulated reflections on how these people represent and signify aspects of the new context in which they are situated. This study aimed to trace social representations of Haitian immigrants about work in Brazil. Fifteen Haitians from a city in southern Brazil participated in the study. We used a questionnaire and an interview that addressed what they thought of work in Brazil before they migrated, at the time of the interview, and what they imagined for the future. The answers of the questionnaire were submitted to a statistical program and analyzed descriptively. The content of the interviews was treated by the IRaMuTeQ program. The shared thought about work in Brazil changed over time. Before they migrated, they imagined many opportunities and high salaries. In Brazil they faced difficulties with heavy work and low salaries. They hope that the future will be better, with a desired job and the family present. This study generated information that may support public policies that facilitate the adaptation to the Brazilian culture and labor market.

The health of Haitian immigrant workers in Mato Grosso, Brazil: vulnerabilities and risks

The relationships among immigration, health, work and environment are explored with the aim of analyzing the insertion of Haitian immigrants in the productive processes of Mato Grosso, highlighting health risks and socioenvironmental vulnerabilities. An action research study was carried out in conjunction with the Haitian community, social organizations and State institutions. In 2014 and 2015, a questionnaire was applied among the Haitian population of the city of Cuiabá (capital state of Mato Grosso) to characterize living and working conditions. In addition, data from different institutions and the registry of employers that submitted workers to conditions of modern-day slavery were analyzed. The results include 2,151 Haitian workers involved in the formal labor market in 2014, distributed in 27 municipalities of Mato Grosso. Two economic sectors in particular absorbed Haitian workers: transformative industries (especially meat processing plants) and civil construction. Among the 452 Haitians interviewed, 52.7% were working and 26.5% reported a workweek longer than 48 hours. The study shows the fragility of the social insertion of this population, expressed through the presence of Haitians in areas and productive processes of high social risk.

Length of Residence and Cardiovascular Health among Afro-Caribbean Immigrants in New York City.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) in the United States (U.S.). Afro-Caribbean (AC) immigrants comprise over 50% of the immigrant black population and are critical in understanding the health trajectories of blacks in the U.S. We assessed the relationship between length of residence (proxy measure for acculturation) and cardiovascular health (CVH) based on the American Heart Association's (AHA) seven ideal cardiovascular health components among AC immigrants in New York City (NYC). CVH scores were categorized into poor/intermediate CVH (0-3 components) or ideal CVH (≥ 4 components). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between length of residence in the U.S. and poor/intermediate CVH. In adjusted models, the odds of poor/intermediate CVH were significantly higher for Guyanese (OR = 3.51; 95% CI 1.03-11.95) and Haitian immigrants (OR = 8.02; 95% CI 1.88-34.12) residing in the U.S. for ≥ 10years than for those living in the U.S. for < 10years. Length of residence was not significantly associated with CVH among Jamaican immigrants. We found evidence of ethnic differences in the association between acculturation and CVH among AC immigrants in a major metropolitan city. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to improve the CVH of AC immigrants as they become integrated into the U.S., with special consideration of country of birth.

Duvalier Regime in Haiti and Immigrant Health in the United States.

Haitians immigrate to the United States for many reasons, including the opportunity to escape political violence. The extant literature on Haitian immigrant health focuses on post-migration, rather than pre-migration, environments and experiences.Objective: In this study, we analyze health outcomes data from a nationally representative sample of Haitian immigrants in the United States from 1996 to 2015. We estimate age-adjusted associations between pre-migration residence in Haiti during the repressive regimes and generalized terror of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, who ran Haiti from 1957 to 1986. We used ordered probit regression models to quantify age-adjusted associations between the duration of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, and the distribution of post-migration health status among Haitian immigrants in the United States.Findings: Our study sample included 2,438 males and 2,800 females ages 15 and above. The mean age of males was 43.5 (standard deviation, 15.5) and the mean age of females was 44.7 (standard deviation, 16.6). Each additional decade of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime is associated with a 2.9 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 5.3) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.8 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 4.8) for females. Within the subsample of Haitian immigrants with any pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, each additional decade since the regime is associated with a 3.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.5) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 4.1) for females. Overall, we found statistically significant and negative associations between the Duvalier regime and the post-migration distribution of health status 10 to 57 years later. We found statistically significant and positive associations between the length of time since the Duvalier regime and post-migration health.

Duvalier Regime in Haiti and Immigrant Health in the United States

Background:Haitians immigrate to the United States for many reasons, including the opportunity to escape political violence. The extant literature on Haitian immigrant health focuses on post-migration, rather than pre-migration, environments and experiences.Objective:In this study, we analyze health outcomes data from a nationally representative sample of Haitian immigrants in the United States from 1996 to 2015. We estimate age-adjusted associations between pre-migration residence in Haiti during the repressive regimes and generalized terror of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, who ran Haiti from 1957 to 1986.Methods:We used ordered probit regression models to quantify age-adjusted associations between the duration of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, and the distribution of post-migration health status among Haitian immigrants in the United States.Findings:Our study sample included 2,438 males and 2,800 females ages 15 and above. The mean age of males was 43.5 (standard deviation, 15.5) and the mean age of females was 44.7 (standard deviation, 16.6). Each additional decade of pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime is associated with a 2.9 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 5.3) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.8 percentage point decrease (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 4.8) for females. Within the subsample of Haitian immigrants with any pre-migration residence in Haiti during the Duvalier regime, each additional decade since the regime is associated with a 3.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.5) in excellent post-migration health for males, and a 2.3 percentage point increase (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 4.1) for females.Conclusions:Overall, we found statistically significant and negative associations between the Duvalier regime and the post-migration distribution of health status 10 to 57 years later. We found statistically significant and positive associations between the length of time since the Duvalier regime and post-migration health.

Imigração haitiana em Cascavel, Paraná: ponto de convergência entre história(s), trabalho e saúde

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo é analisar a relação entre trabalho e saúde dos imigrantes haitianos em Cascavel (PR), com foco na indústria frigorífica avícola. Para tanto, foi realizada pesquisa qualitativa, com três fontes de dados: entrevistas semiestruturadas (11), acordos coletivos de trabalho e notícias on-line. Os haitianos começaram a chegar a Cascavel em 2010 e se inseriram nas agroindústrias avícolas. Nas entrevistas, foram descritas diversas situações envolvidas na saúde do trabalhador, desde sintomas inespecíficos até acidentes de trabalho, além do racismo. Diante desse cenário, a comunidade haitiana tem procurado formas de resistência, por meio da Associação Haitiana de Cascavel e da participação nas igrejas locais.

The Greatest Gift Is Being a Woman, Above All, a Black Woman

The Greatest Gift Is Being a Woman, Above All, a Black Woman

Using the Multiphase Model of Psychotherapy, School Counseling, Human Rights, and Social Justice to Support Haitian Immigrant Students

Using the Multiphase Model of Psychotherapy, School Counseling, Human Rights, and Social Justice to Support Haitian Immigrant Students