Health Inequalities Between Ethnic Norwegians and Pakistanis in Oslo
Author Information
Author(s): Syed Hammad Raza, Dalgard Odd Steffen, Hussain Akhtar, Dalen Ingvild, Claussen Bjorgulf, Ahlberg Nora L
Primary Institution: Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate health inequalities between ethnic Pakistanis and ethnic Norwegians in Oslo, Norway, in relation to socio-economic factors.
Conclusion
There are significant health disparities between ethnic Pakistanis and Norwegians, with socio-economic status partially explaining these inequalities.
Supporting Evidence
- 54.7% of ethnic Pakistanis reported poor self-rated health compared to 22.1% of ethnic Norwegians.
- 14% of ethnic Pakistanis reported diabetes compared to 2.6% of ethnic Norwegians.
- 22.0% of ethnic Pakistanis reported psychological distress compared to 9.9% of ethnic Norwegians.
- Socio-economic conditions were inversely related to self-rated health, diabetes, and distress for ethnic Norwegians.
Takeaway
This study found that people from Pakistan living in Norway are not as healthy as ethnic Norwegians, and their health problems are linked to their economic situation.
Methodology
Data was collected using an open and structured questionnaire as part of the Oslo Health Study 2000–2001.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may lead to inaccuracies in health and socio-demographic variables.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality, and self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
The study included 339 ethnic Pakistanis and 13581 ethnic Norwegians, with significant differences in age, gender, marital status, education, and employment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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