The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota and published in the BMC Public Healthjournal, collected data from 996 immigrants from 18 African countries (37.9 per cent Somalis; 26.8 per cent Ethiopians; 14 percent Liberians; 8.5 percent Sudanese; 5.1 percent Kenyans and 7.8 per cent other groups). About 65 per cent of the participants were from the East African region, specifically from Somalia and Ethiopia.

According to the study, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths in the US.

The survey found that Kenyans and Liberians have the highest risks of reporting these diseases as they increasingly integrate into the American society.

Sixteen per cent of immigrants from each of the two countries reported having hypertension. Sudanese report the lowest prevalence, at 4 per cent. The overall prevalence was 8 per cent.

Among the Kenyans surveyed, 57 per cent were classified as being obese or overweight.

The study, however, pointed out that the obesity rates were lower than those found in white indigenous Americans.

Those immigrants who have been in the US for a period of over five years were at a higher risk of developing heart diseases.

The results showed that 98 per cent of Kenyans had health insurance, with 84 percent having access to private insurance and 13 per cent having public insurance.

The study also showed that although Kenyan immigrants had high rates of obesity, they were still likely to make a conscious effort to exercise and eat a healthy diet.

Also on a positive note, Kenyans were less likely to smoke compared with their African counterparts

The sample comprised 60.8 per cent Kenyan females, while 39.2 percent were male.