RESUMO
Marked ethnic variations in complications and mortality have been noted following infection with COVID-19, In the United States, the age-adjusted mortality rate among Blacks is 3.8 times, Hispanics 2.5 times, and Asians 1.5 times higher than Whites. In the United Kingdom, the age-adjusted mortality rate among Blacks is 2.9 times, Pakistani and Bangladeshi 2.2 times, and South Indians 1.8 times than that of Whites. One should consider that the increased mortality seen in BAME may be a consequence of impaired glucocorticoid sensitivity stemming from several intrinsic reasons such as chronic social stress and lower circulating levels of Vitamin D. This study aims to evaluate the effect, or lack thereof, of glucocorticoids on Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups (BAME) when compared to White populations in the setting of COVID-19 treatment.
Assuntos
Humanos , COVID-19 , Glucocorticoides , População , Etnicidade , MortalidadeRESUMO
This study aims to evaluate the effect or lack thereof, of glucocorticoids on Black, Asian, and Minority ethnic groups (BAME) when compared to white populations in the setting of COVID-19 treatment
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Etnicidade , COVID-19RESUMO
Sex-specific body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) cut-off values have been validated for a limited number of ethnic groups. We aimed to derive these cut-off values for Amerindians, Creoles, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroons and Mixed living in Suriname.
Methods Data from individuals aged 2065, in the Suriname Health Study was used to derive optimal cut-off values for BMI and WC for the prediction of hypertension (n = 4910) and cardio-metabolic risk (n = 2924). Results from the analysis with Receiver Operating Curves were calculated and compared these with recommended values.
Results The area under the ROC curve was consistently higher for WC compared to BMI among Creoles, Hindustani, Maroons and Mixed. The BMI cut-off values ranged from 24.8 kg/m2 for Creole men and 26.9 kg/m2 for Maroon women to 28.4 kg/m2 and 30.2 kg/m2 for Amerindian men and women, respectively. The WC cut-off values ranged from 80.7 cm for Maroon men, 86.7 cm for Javanese women to 90.8 cm for Hindustani men and 95.7 cm for Amerindian women. Optimal BMI cut-off values approximated Asian cut-off values from the World Health Organization whilst those of WC for men approximated and for women exceeded cut-off values from the International Diabetes Federation.
Assuntos
Humanos , Saúde , Obesidade , Etnicidade , Índice de Massa Corporal , RiscoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Arterial stiffness, measured as aortic pulse wave velocity [PWV], is a powerful prognostic indicator for cardiovascular events, displacing blood pressure (BP). Little is known of its determinants. We tested how factors measured twice previously in childhood in the MRC DASH study, particularly body mass (BMI) components and BP, affected PWV in young adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: Of 6643 London children, aged 11-13y, from 51 schools in samples of about 1000 in 6 ethnic groups, 4785 (72% of the cohort), were seen again at 14-16y. In 2013, 666 (97% of invited) took part in a young-adult pilot (21-23y). With psychosocial, anthropometric and BP measures, PWV was recorded via an upper arm cuff on the calibrated Arteriograph device. RESULTS: PWV reproducibility was excellent, with mean differences across 3 x 6-8 cardiac cycles each of -0.06, 0.03 and 0.06 m/sec. Unadjusted PWVs in Caribbean-origin and White UK young men were similar (mean+SD 7.9+0.3 vs 7.6 +0.4 m/sec) and lower in other groups at similar SBPs (120mmHg), BMIs (24.6kg/m2) and waists (84.3cm). In full regression models, while Caribbean (higher BMIs and waists), African and Indian young women had lower PWV (by 0.5-0.8, 95%CI 0.1-1.1,m/sec) than did white UK women (6.9+0.2), values were still increased by age, BP, a powerful impact from waist/height, with a racism effect (+0.4m/sec) in women. Childhood effects of waist/hip were also detectable. CONCLUSION: Even by young adulthood, increased waist/height ratios, BP and psychosocial variables such as perceived racism were independent determinants of arterial stiffness, likely to increase with age.
Assuntos
Somatotipos , Arteriopatias Oclusivas , Pressão Sanguínea , Etnicidade , Saúde das Minorias ÉtnicasRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The DASH longitudinal study found better mental health for ethnic minorities compared to White British adolescents in the UK, despite more disadvantage. This paper investigates the impact of parenting style and attendance at a place of worship on mental well-being from adolescence to young adulthood. DESIGN AND METHODS: In 2002/03, 6643 11-13 year olds in London, ~80% ethnic minorities, participated in the baseline survey. In 2005/06 4,782 were followed-up. In 2012-14 665 took part in a pilot follow-up aged 21-23y, including 42 qualitative interviews. Measures of socio- economic and psychosocial factors and health were collected. RESULTS: In adolescence, ethnic minorities generally experienced more adversity but reported better mental health. Regardless of ethnicity, low parental care vs. high parental care (e.g. males coefficient: 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.70), high parental control vs. low parental control (males: 1.37, 1.00-1.74), and attendance to a place of worship vs. no attendance were independently associated with mental health. At 21-23y, the ethnic patterning of mental health appeared to track, with increasing parental care, but not religious involvement, continuing to have a protective effect on mental health. Education levels signalled potential for socio-economic parity across ethnic groups, and family support appeared to reduce stress of transitions to adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: DASH provides evidence for a protective effect from parenting styles and religious involvement for young people growing up in ethnically diverse and deprived urban contexts. This suggests the value of cultural and social resources for psychological well- being.
Assuntos
Saúde Mental , Etnicidade , Poder Familiar , Religião , AdolescenteRESUMO
There is no consensus on the rates of schizophrenia among ethnic groups at home in the Caribbean and abroad. Investigations of gender and ethnic differences on the rates of first contact outpatients with schizophrenia in two geographically different areas in Trinidad are reported. In a prospective study, 134 first contact patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were selected from two catchment areas in east and Central Trinidad. Almost fifty seven percent (56.7%) of the tested population was of African origin, 32.1% of Indian descent. Gender differences were significant with males accounting for 66.4% 9n=89) of patients with schizophrenia (Chi-square =14.448, df = 1, p=0.0001). Further analysis by age categories revealed significant male predominance at the 20-24 (p=0.0001) and 25-29 (p=0.002 age groups. There was a predominance of young African males (15-19 years, p=0.049) in the east compared to central. The findings revealed an excess of Afro-Trinidadian men in both outpatient clinics (p<0.05).
Assuntos
Humanos , Esquizofrenia , Etnicidade , Consenso , Trinidad e Tobago , Jamaica , Região do CaribeRESUMO
The ethnic and racial composition of the Caribbean is a convergence of many cultures that were brought together through slavery and indentureship. The region holds similar characteristics among the islands because of similar history and subsequent settling of migrants. This heterogeneous lifestyle has produced new cultures distinct to the Caribbean which to some extent acts unifying forces among the migrant population. The reality is the social, economic and political structures are still realms which serve as opportunities for discriminating against the Indian race and Indians which the financial advantage are easy targets for criminal attack. Women of the two main races are still characterized by stereotypical characteristics of their history. African women are seen as strong black women and Indian women as passive and docile independent of circumstance. These self appraisals and natural competitiveness among individuals of a country or group highlights the negative aspect of multicultural societies. The Caribbean today remains a hot pot of multiculturalism rather than a melting pot.
Assuntos
Humanos , Etnicidade , Psicologia , Região do CaribeRESUMO
Neutropenia associated with race/ethnicity has essentially been unexplained and, although thought to be benign, may affect therapy for cancer or other illnesses. A recent study linked a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2814778) in the Duffy antigen/receptor chemokine gene (DARC) with white blood cell count. We therefore analysed the association of the rs2814778 CC, TC and TT genotypes with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) among asymptomatic women from the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. Among 261 study participants, 33/47 women from Barbados/Trinidad-Tobago, 34/49 from Haiti, 26/37 from Jamaica, and 29/38 US-born black women, but only 4/50 from the Dominican Republic and 0/40 US- or European-born whites (P = 0.0001) had the CC genotype. In a linear regression model that included percentage African ancestry, national origin, cytokines, socio-economic factors and the ELA2 rs57834246 SNP, only the DARC rs2814778 genotype and C-reactive protein were associated with ANC (P < 0.0001). Women with the CC genotype had lower ANC than other women. Further research is needed on the associations of rs2814778 genotype with neutropenia and treatment delay in the setting of cancer. A better understanding of these associations may help to improve cancer outcomes among individuals of African ancestry.
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Neutropenia , Etnicidade , Quimiocinas , Genótipo , Trinidad e Tobago , Região do CaribeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: People from Black ethnic groups (African-Caribbean and Black African) are more prone to develop psychosis in Western countries. This excess might be explained by perceptions of disadvantage. AIMS: To investigate whether the higher incidence of psychosis in Black people is mediated by perceptions of disadvantage. METHOD: A population-based incidence and case-control study of first-episode psychosis (Aetiology and Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses (AESOP)). A total of 482 participants answered questions about perceived disadvantage. RESULTS: Black ethnic groups had a higher incidence of psychosis (OR= 4.7, 95 per cent CI 3.1-7.2). After controlling for religious affiliation, social class and unemployment, the association of ethnicity with psychosis was attenuated (OR=3.0, 95 per cent CI 1.6-5.4) by perceptions of disadvantage. Participants in the Black non-psychosis group often attributed their disadvantage to racism, whereas Black people in the psychosis group attributed it to their own situation. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived disadvantage is partly associated with the excess of psychosis among Black people living in the UK. This may have implications for primary prevention.
Assuntos
Humanos , Transtornos Psicóticos , Etnicidade , Percepção , EsquizofreniaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Many studies have found high levels of compulsory admission to psychiatric hospital in the UK among AfricanCaribbean and Black African patients with a psychotic illness. AIMS: To establish whether AfricanCaribbean and Black African ethnicity is associated with compulsory admission in an epidemiological sample of patients with a first episode of psychosis drawn from two UK centres. METHOD: All patients with a first episode of psychosis who made contact with psychiatric services over a 2-year period and were living in defined areas were included in the (ÆSOP) study. For this analysis we included all White British, other White, AfricanCaribbean and Black African patients from the ÆSOP sampling frame. Clinical, socio-demographic and pathways to care data were collected from patients, relatives and case notes. RESULTS: AfricanCaribbean patients were significantly more likely to be compulsorily admitted than White British patients, as were Black African patients. AfricanCaribbean men were the most likely to be compulsorily admitted. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that factors are operating at or prior to first presentation to increase the risk of compulsory admission among AfricanCaribbean and Black African patients.
Assuntos
Humanos , Admissão do Paciente/tendências , Psiquiatria , Psiquiatria/tendências , Etnicidade/psicologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study evaluated whether food insecurity and obesity were associated in a population sample in Trinidad. METHODS: A sample was drawn of 15 clusters of households, in north central Trinidad. Resident adults were enumerated. A questionnaire was administered including the short form Household Food Security Scale (HFSS). Heights and weights were measured. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and ethnic group. RESULTS: Data were analysed for 531/631 (84%) of eligible respondents including 241 men and 290 women with a mean age of 47 (range 24-89) years. Overall, 134 (25%) of subjects were classified as food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with lower household incomes and physical disability. Food insecure subjects were less likely to eat fruit (food insecure 40%, food secure 55%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-0.99, P = 0.045) or green vegetables or salads (food insecure 28%, food secure 51%; adjusted OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.79, P = 0.005) on >/=5-6 days per week. Body mass index (BMI) was available for 467 (74%) subjects of whom 41 (9%) had BMI <20 kg/m(2), 157 (34%) had BMI 25-29 kg/m(2), and 120 (26%) had BMI >/=30 kg/m(2). Underweight (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.17-8.81) was associated with food insecurity, but obesity was not (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.55-2.12). CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was frequent at all levels of BMI and was associated with lower consumption of fruit and vegetables. Food insecurity was associated with underweight but not with present obesity.
Assuntos
Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Índice de Massa Corporal , Comportamento de Escolha , Estudos Transversais , Dieta , Etnicidade , Exercício Físico , Alimentos , Privação de Alimentos , Abastecimento de Alimentos , Nível de Saúde , Desnutrição/etnologia , Desnutrição/etiologia , Desnutrição/psicologia , Obesidade/etnologia , Obesidade/etiologia , Obesidade/psicologia , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
The comparative incidence of Otitis Media (OM) has long been difficult to ascertain as almost all previous epidemiological studies were performed in comparatively homogenous populations. In an attempt to question the racial variation of OM, a study was done in Trinidad, with a population of 1.2 million people. About 40 percent of the population is of African ancestry, 40 percent of East-Indian ancestry and 20 percent includes persons of mixed ethnicity, Caucasian, Chinese and middle-Eastern descent. All patients who presented with acute otitis media (AOM), middle ear effusion (MEE), or chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) either of the tubo-tympanic (TT) or attico-antral (AA) types, during the period November 1998 to May 1999, were included in the study. The three national otolaryngology Departments participated in the study suggesting that patients were representative of the whole population. A questionnaire was devised with documented ethnic and other demographic factors. This was completed once an experienced physician diagnosed the patient with one of the above conditions. Two hundred and fifty-two patients enrolled in the study. There were 128 males and 124 females and the age range was 4 months to 83 years. Sixty patients presented with AOM, 88 with MEE and 104 with CSOM. The most interesting result was the ethnic distribution of the patients. One hundred and thirty-eight were of East-Indian descent and 71 were of African origin, a ratio of nearly 2:1. In conclusion, in a national population containing nearly equal numbers of two major ethnic groups, the East Indians presented twice as commonly as the Africans with otitis media. Various proposed reasons for this will be discussed. (AU)
Assuntos
Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudo Comparativo , Lactente , Idoso , Adolescente , Otite Média/etnologia , Trinidad e Tobago/etnologia , Etnicidade , Otite Média com Derrame/etnologia , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
In this day and age, public policies that aim to improve equity cannot limit themselves to seeking greater access for all to the job market; the lack of equity is also reflected in unequal access to health services, to education, and to political representation. In order to understand and attempt to correct this unequal access, an approach is needed that takes into account all the sociodemographic factors that shape inequality in the Region of the Americas, most notably sex, ethnic origin, and race. This paper is the product of a request by the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization for PAHO to make known the influence that race, ethnic origin, and sex have on the state of health and on access to health care services. The paper examines how racial discrimination and other forms of intolerance, the low socioeconomic and educational level of certain ethnic and racial groups, and cultural beliefs exert a decisive influence on individuals' search for health care and their possibilities of enjoying good health. This subject is particularly important this year, when the United Nations is holding its World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Saúde , Etnicidade , América , Grupos Raciais , Acesso aos Serviços de SaúdeRESUMO
We assessed the plasma lipid profiles and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 187 (147 men, 47 women) apparently healthy employees of the Caribbean ISPAT industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Anthropometric indices and fasting plasma levels of total cholesterol (T-chol), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The results indicate that: there was increased body mass and relative hyperlipidemia in the population studied, these CVD risk factors (increased body mass, increased blood T-chol, TG, and LDL) were more prevalent in men than women (p < 0.05), and these parameters did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) when compared among the three ethnic groups (African and Indian descendants and mixed descents). These features suggest a greater risk of CVD in men than in women. It is likely that this observation in the industrial workers might reflect the situation in the general population especially in men. Although further confirmatory studies are necessary across societal socioeconomic strata within Trinidad, we suggest that efforts should be directed at reducing excess body weight among the workers, and providing advice on increased complex carbohydrate diet in place of saturated fat.
Assuntos
Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Análise de Variância , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Etnicidade/estatística & dados numéricos , Lipídeos/sangue , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores de Risco , Caracteres Sexuais , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Aço , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
Eye practitioners in the Caribbean must be aware of the issues involved in the management of microbial keratitis. A comprehensive literature review is presented in order to outline appropriate management strategies and to identify when referral may be indicated. (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudo Comparativo , Diversidade Cultural , Depressão/psicologia , Etnicidade/psicologia , Mulheres Trabalhadoras/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/complicações , Logro , Barbados , Depressão/diagnóstico , Depressão/etnologia , Relações Interpessoais , Inventário de Personalidade , Pobreza/psicologia , Autoimagem , Apoio Social , Estados UnidosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To measure height as an indicator of nutritional status in a representative sample of primary school children in Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out. After stratifying for county, schools were sampled with probability proportional size. In each school all children were sampled from the admission class (mean age 5.8 years) and the `rising nines' (mean age 8.6 years). Measurements were made of children's heights. In order to standardize for age, standard deviation scores (SIDS or z scores) were calculated using age and sex specific British growth reference curves for 1990 as standard. In the reference population the mean (SD) SDS is 0.0 (1.0). Results were presented by sex and ethnic group. RESULTS: Measurements were made for 6,731 children in 66 schools. After excluding missing values data were analysed for 6,343 children (3065 boys and 3278 girls). In boys the mean height SIDS in those of African descent was 0.47 (1.04), in those of Indian descent 0.24 (1.08) and in those of mixed ethnicity 0.19 (1.07). The equivalent figures for girls were 0.53 (1.10), 0.19 (1.04) and 0.29 (1.12). Height SDS were higher for children aged 5-6 years than those aged 8-9 years. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of children's heights in Trinidad and Tobago is similar to that observed in African Caribbean and Indian origin children in Britain. Overall the results suggest that nutritional conditions are as adequate as in the reference population.(Au)
Assuntos
Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudo Comparativo , Avaliação Nutricional , Inquéritos Nutricionais , Trinidad e Tobago/etnologia , Etnicidade , Estatura/etnologia , Interpretação Estatística de Dados , Coleta de Dados , Estudos TransversaisRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To determine the attitude towards, experiences of, and reasons given for domestic violence by a sampled population in Trinidad and the proportion of the abused that had interacted with the health services in relation to their domestic violence experience. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two hundred adults, > or = 18 years were selected from two communities, namely Barataria and Enterprise, using a stratified random cluster sampling technique. One hundred persons were interviewed in each community using 105 structured and open-ended questions. RESULTS: There were approximately equal numbers of persons of African and Indian descent and their ages ranged from 18 to 64 years. Twenty-seven percent of the sample had lived in homes in which there was domestic abuse in their childhood. Thirty-one persons (16 percent) experienced domestic violence in adulthood and most (77 percent) were women. First hand experience of domestic violence in adulthood by the 3 ethnic groups was not statistically significant (p=0.2257). Some of the abused were physically injured and needed to be treated by health professionals but approximately 40 percent did not discuss the true cause of their injuries. CONCLUSION: The issue of secrecy tends to shroud the problem of domestic violence. More studies need to be done on the subject to identify definitively the risks factors for domestic violence especially against women.(Au)
Assuntos
Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Violência Doméstica , Etnicidade , Trinidad e Tobago , Amostragem Aleatória e Sistemática , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Allele distributions for 13 tetrameric short tandem repeat (STR) loci, CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, VWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11, were determined in African-American, United States Caucasian, Hispanic, Bahamian, Jamaican, and Trinidadian sample populations. There was little evidence for departure from Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) in any of the populations. Based on the exact test, the loci that departed significantly from HWE are: D21S11 (p=0.010, Bahamians); CSF1PO (p=0.014, Trinidadians); TPOX (p=0.011, Jamaicans and p= 0.035, U.S. Caucasians); and D16S539 (p=0.043, Bahamians). After employing the Bonferroni correction for the number of loci analyzed (i.e., 13 loci per database), these observations are not likely to be significant. There is little evidence for association of alleles between the loci in these databases. The allelic frequency data are similar to other comparable data within the same major population group. (AU)
Assuntos
Adulto , Humanos , Impressões Digitais de DNA , Etnicidade/genética , Genética Populacional , Sequências de Repetição em Tandem/genética , Alelos , Bahamas/epidemiologia , /genética , Bases de Dados Factuais , Medicina Legal/métodos , Hispânico ou Latino/genética , Jamaica/epidemiologia , /genética , Trinidad e Tobago/epidemiologia , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether ethnic origin is related to care giving styles relevant to sudden infant death. DESIGN: Prospective/Retrospective, descriptive METHOD: In six child health care centres in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, data about sleep position, bedclothes and passive smoking of infants aged 1-5 months were collected by face-to-face interviews of mothers visiting these centres between February 1997 and October 1998. RESULTS: Eligible for study were 1815 infants, 919 boys and 896 girls, mean age 2 months. In Amsterdam 12.5 percent of infants were usually or sometimes put to sleep in a prone position, 31.0 percent usually or now and then in a side position (but not in a prone position) and 56.5 percent usually in a supine position. Prone sleeping position was more frequent among Surinamese infants and less frequent among Moroccan infants compared with Dutch infants. Overall use of a duvet among infants was 22.7 percent. Use of duvets was higher among allochtonous infants; after controlling for demographic factors this difference was not significant, however. 6.3 percent of the infants had slept in the previous night with a pillow. Use of a pillow was much more frequent among allochtonous than among autochtonous infants: 13 percent versus 1.2 percent. Maternal daily smoking during pregnancy and smoking by mothers or others at home at time of interview was found in 15.1 percent and 25.8 percent of the infants respectively. Almost no Moroccan mothers smoked during preganancy (0.4 percent), while Turkish mothers smoked as much as Dutch mothers (18.5 percent and 21.6 percent respectively). No differences in daily smoking at home were found between Surinamese, Moroccan and Dutch families (circa 26 percent). However, daily smoking at home was much more frequent in Turkish families (43.8 percent). CONCLUSION: Health education about a safe sleeping position, about safe bedclothes and about the dangers of passive smoking is needed. Education programmes to prevent sudden infant death must take into account ethnic differences in care giving styles. Special attention must be paid to the use of a pillow among allochtonous infants. (AU)
Assuntos
Adulto , Lactente , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Cuidado do Lactente/métodos , Promoção da Saúde , Morte Súbita do Lactente/etnologia , Morte Súbita do Lactente/prevenção & controle , Comparação Transcultural , Etnicidade/educação , Marrocos/etnologia , Países Baixos , Gravidez , Decúbito Ventral , Estudos Prospectivos , Sono , Suriname/etnologia , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco , Turquia/etnologia , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recent anthropological studies have documented the importance of understanding the relation of culture to the experience of mental illness. The use of interviews that elicit explanatory models has facilitated such research, but currently available interviews are lengthy and impractical for epidemiological studies. This paper is a preliminary report on the development of a brief instrument to elicit explanatory models for use in field work. METHOD: The development of the SEMI, a short interview to elicit explanatory models is described. The interview explores the subject's cultural background, nature of presenting problem, help-seeking behaviour, interaction with physician/healer and beliefs related to mental illness. RESULTS: The SEMI was employed to study the explanatory models of subjects with common mental disorders among Whites, African-Caribbean and Asians living in London and was also used in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data from its use in four different ethnic groups is presented with the aim of demonstrating its capacity to show up differences in these varied settings. CONCLUSIONS: The simplicity and brevity of the SEMI allow for its use in field studies in different cultures, data can be used to provide variables for use in quantitative analysis and provide qualitative descriptions.(Au)