AUTHOR=MacKinnon Marina J. , Picchio Camila A. , Nomah Daniel K. , Segura Ariadna Rando , Selm Lena van , Fernández Emma , Buti Maria , Lens Sabela , Forns Xavier , Rodriguez-Tajes Sergio , Pamplona Javier , Lopez Carmen , Rodriguez-Frías Francisco , Lazarus Jeffrey V. 

TITLE=Chronic conditions and multimorbidity among West African migrants in greater Barcelona, Spain

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1142672

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1142672

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objectives</title><p>This study aimed to report the prevalence and identify potential risk factors of chronic conditions among West African migrants living in the greater Barcelona area, Spain, and explore the relationship between years of residence in Spain and chronic disease burden.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>This cross-sectional study included 436 adult African migrants who participated in a community-based hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and vaccination program (HBV-COMSAVA) in the greater Barcelona area from 21 November 2020 to 22 January 2022. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>HBV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and metabolic risk factors, and multimorbidity prevalence were 9.17, 20.87, and 4.13%, respectively. Being male or having been previously tested for HBV were associated with higher odds of HBV positivity. Associated risk factors for NCDs and metabolic risk factors included living in Spain for &gt;5 years, being female, and being aged ≥50 years.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The high prevalence of chronic conditions in migrant populations supports a need for early detection strategies and tailored public health interventions that aim to reduce the disease burden imposed on migrants and on health systems in host countries.</p></sec>