173 Family history strongly predicts health risks among black immigrants: examining the risk and protective nature of matriarchy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OP 32: Health Status 1, B210 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 09:00 - 10:00 Health disparities driven by structural racism, discrimination, and segregated housing are intensified by immigration-related stressors such as xenophobia, linguistic barriers. The cumulative burden of these experiences highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in health policies and practices to foster a more equitable society. Aims Explore intergenerational health risks associated with discriminatory experiences among Black immigrant families in the U.S. by identifying transmittal patterns of health behaviors that elevate health vulnerability conditions that can inform more effective interventions, policies, and healthcare practices for this population. Examine associations between family health history (i.e., grandparents, parents, children, and siblings) and health outcomes (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, depression, and anxiety) among Black immigrants to demonstrate interconnectivity of lived experiences from previous generations that are transmitted across time, context, and place to influence mental and physical health of later generations. Methods Data derived from the All of Us Research Program, a diverse national database of various health conditions. Sample included 5651 participants (Mage = 55.3, SD = 13.8; 74% women; 92% non-Hispanic). Analyses included descriptives, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions with age, gender, and language proficiency used as covariates. Results Older participants had a higher likelihood of having hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Younger participants had a higher likelihood of having anxiety and depression. Lower language proficiency was associated with higher likelihood of having high cholesterol and diabetes. Maternal health history was the strongest predictor for participant hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Maternal and sibling history of depression was significantly associated with participant depression. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of considering family health history in healthcare preventive interventions designed for Black immigrant families and include transgenerational risk and protective factors culturally tailored for this population. Family-centered health strategies could provide effective means for preventing onset and escalation of chronic diseases and mental health care.
Authors: Carolina Goncalves, Velma McBride Murry, Juliet Nyanamba
Language: English
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W4417104059
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