#74 Ethnic differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly

PURPOSE: In The Netherlands, as elsewhere, labor migrants who entered the country in the 1960ʹs and ‘70’s are now becoming older. In contrast to their original expectation, most of the first generation of migrants will not return to their country of origin. To target health care effectively, information is required about the prevalence of chronic diseases among first generation migrants. METHODS: Data are derived from a population based health survey among inhabitants of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish decent aged 55–74 years living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The survey was conducted in October 1999-June 2000. Among the respondents, 236 were from Dutch, 347 from Turkish and 257 from Moroccan descent. Data on the prevalence of chronic diseases were obtained using an oral questionnaire. RESULTS: For respondents 55–64 years of age the prevalence of at least one chronic disorder was 42% for Dutch males, 70% for Turkish and 64% for Moroccan males. For females these figures were 66%, 85% and 78% respectively. For those 65–74 years of age, the prevalences were 54%, 78% and 71% for males, and 71%, 89% and 78% for females. All differences were statistically significant. Differences among the ethnic groups remained after controlling for socio-economic status. Among Moroccan elderly, diabetes is most prevalent (27%). For both Turkish and Dutch elderly high blood pressure was most prevalent (42% and 25% respectively). CONCLUSION: The elderly of Turkish and Moroccan descent suffer more chronic diseases at a younger age than the elderly of Dutch origin.