HIGH RATES OF DIABETES AMONG SOMALI REFUGEES
Problem Statement
The prevalence of diabetes is higher in the Somali refugee population than in the general population living in Seattle, Washington.
Introduction
Food Lifeline is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit hunger relief agency that moves surplus food from manufacturers, farmers, grocery stores and restaurants to over 275 food banks and meal programs in Western Washington. The agency is also a leader in innovation through its policy work and model programs. We are requesting $50,000 for a diabetes prevention project with Somali adolescent refugees living in Seattle, Washington.
Background
Diabetes is a serious health condition that is often preventable with a healthy diet and proper exercise. …show more content…
The most recent data available show that seven percent of adults and four percent of adolescents have diabetes in King County. (King County Community Health Needs Assessment 2015/2016). Although State and National surveillance of diabetes in the Somali population is not yet established (Desai, 2004), several studies report that Somali refugees and immigrants have a high prevalence of diabetes compared to the U.S. population (Kinzie et al., 2008, Johnson et al., 2005, Wieland et al., 2012). In a study comparing Somali refugees and immigrants to non-Somali patients, the Somalis had higher rates of diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity (Njeru et al., 2015). Research has also observed that the prevalence of diabetes among U.S. refugees increases with increasing length of residence in the U.S. (Oza-Frank et al., 2011). In addition, refugees and immigrants have a higher risk of diabetes complications, lower quality healthcare and higher mortality rates than the U.S. born population (Cunningham et al., 2008, Derose, …show more content…
However, peer influence and easy access to junk food, fast food and sugary drinks, in addition to traditional foods being served at home, may increase their risk of developing diabetes (Owens et al., 2002).
Social Assessment
A refugee is someone who has fled from their home country and cannot return because of fear of persecution (U.S. Department of State, 2015). Physical and mental health issues that result from the trauma experienced in their home country and the refugee resettlement process can remain for decades after refugees resettle in their new country (Fennelly, 2007).
After the Somalian civil war in 1991, one million Somali refugees fled, seeking asylum. (Sheikh, 2009). Somalis are the largest refugee group in Seattle, with a total of 2,560 Somali refugees settled in Seattle as of November 2015 (Balk, 2015).
Many Somali refugees suffered family loss, displacement, political and ethnic persecution and war-related violence before coming to the U.S. Somali refugees report the highest number of traumatic events compared to other refugee groups putting them at risk for PTSD, depression and anxiety (Bentley et al., 2012). While adapting to a new culture and environment, Somali refugees also face stresses related to unemployment, language barriers, isolation, discrimination and Americanization of children (Fennelly,
Problem Statement
The prevalence of diabetes is higher in the Somali refugee population than in the general population living in Seattle, Washington.
Introduction
Food Lifeline is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit hunger relief agency that moves surplus food from manufacturers, farmers, grocery stores and restaurants to over 275 food banks and meal programs in Western Washington. The agency is also a leader in innovation through its policy work and model programs. We are requesting $50,000 for a diabetes prevention project with Somali adolescent refugees living in Seattle, Washington.
Background
Diabetes is a serious health condition that is often preventable with a healthy diet and proper exercise. …show more content…
The most recent data available show that seven percent of adults and four percent of adolescents have diabetes in King County. (King County Community Health Needs Assessment 2015/2016). Although State and National surveillance of diabetes in the Somali population is not yet established (Desai, 2004), several studies report that Somali refugees and immigrants have a high prevalence of diabetes compared to the U.S. population (Kinzie et al., 2008, Johnson et al., 2005, Wieland et al., 2012). In a study comparing Somali refugees and immigrants to non-Somali patients, the Somalis had higher rates of diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity (Njeru et al., 2015). Research has also observed that the prevalence of diabetes among U.S. refugees increases with increasing length of residence in the U.S. (Oza-Frank et al., 2011). In addition, refugees and immigrants have a higher risk of diabetes complications, lower quality healthcare and higher mortality rates than the U.S. born population (Cunningham et al., 2008, Derose, …show more content…
However, peer influence and easy access to junk food, fast food and sugary drinks, in addition to traditional foods being served at home, may increase their risk of developing diabetes (Owens et al., 2002).
Social Assessment
A refugee is someone who has fled from their home country and cannot return because of fear of persecution (U.S. Department of State, 2015). Physical and mental health issues that result from the trauma experienced in their home country and the refugee resettlement process can remain for decades after refugees resettle in their new country (Fennelly, 2007).
After the Somalian civil war in 1991, one million Somali refugees fled, seeking asylum. (Sheikh, 2009). Somalis are the largest refugee group in Seattle, with a total of 2,560 Somali refugees settled in Seattle as of November 2015 (Balk, 2015).
Many Somali refugees suffered family loss, displacement, political and ethnic persecution and war-related violence before coming to the U.S. Somali refugees report the highest number of traumatic events compared to other refugee groups putting them at risk for PTSD, depression and anxiety (Bentley et al., 2012). While adapting to a new culture and environment, Somali refugees also face stresses related to unemployment, language barriers, isolation, discrimination and Americanization of children (Fennelly,