Anthropometric parameters in relation to glycaemic status and lipid profile in a multi-ethnic sample in Italy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the health status of ethnic minorities in Italy. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between anthropometric and blood parameters connected with health status.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data were collected by direct measurements and blood glucose, total cholesterol and TAG were analysed.


METHODS
Bologna, northern Italy.


METHODS
A multi-ethnic sample of adult immigrants and Roma.


RESULTS
Significant correlations between anthropometric and blood parameters were found. Among the ethnic groups, Roma males had the highest values of glucose, total cholesterol and TAG. In the females the situation was more balanced among ethnic groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The data from this survey indicate that poor health status is a very common problem among ethnic groups living in Italy, especially the Roma. The use of anthropometric parameters as rapid indicators of health status in screenings of a large number of subjects could be an effective and cheap method to provide preliminary indications on individuals or ethnic groups at greater risk of poor health.
1Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences,Ferrara University,Corso Ercole I D'Este no. 32,University of Ferrara,44121 Ferrara,Italy.
Emanuela
E
Gualdi-Russo
1Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences,Ferrara University,Corso Ercole I D'Este no. 32,University of Ferrara,44121 Ferrara,Italy.
Luciana
L
Zaccagni
2Bologna Public Health Service,Bologna,Italy.
Giovanna V
GV
Dallari
3Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science,Bologna University,Bologna,Italy.
Stefania
S
Toselli
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000208:ethnology; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054525:Minority Health / Q000208:ethnology; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D006178:Romani People; D012737:Sex Factors; D065927:Waist-Height Ratio; D055815:Young Adult
Anthropometrics; Blood parameters; Immigrants; Roma