NIDCD Participates in NIH Study on Hispanic Community Health

NIDCD is participating in the largest, long-term epidemiologic study on Hispanic health. As many as 16,000 participants of Hispanic/Latino origin—located at four sites around the country—will undergo a series of physical examinations and interviews to help identify the prevalence of and risk factors for a wide variety of diseases, disorders, and conditions. The NIH-wide study also will determine the role of cultural adaptation and disparities in the prevalence and development of disease. The four field study sites awarded contracts are: Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; Miami,FL; and San Diego, CA.

With NIDCD support, a hearing examination and questionnaire will be included in the study. The goal is to determine the prevalence of hearing loss, including noise-induced hearing loss, by age and to identify other risk factors that may play a protective or harmful role in adult-onset hearing loss. Potential associations between hearing loss and other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, will also be investigated.

For more information on the study, see the press release.