Metabolic Syndrome in Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S.: Prevalence, lifestyle behaviors, perception of current health, and knowledge of CVD


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3330.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 3

Abstract #106868

Shaun Rao, Elkins High School, Knight's Court, Missouri City, TX 77459, 281-265-1811, srcool2050@hotmail.com, Ajay Balasubramanyam, Kinkaid School, 201 Kinkaid School Drive, Houston, TX 77024, Rajagopal Sekhar, MD, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, Christie Ballantyne, MD, Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, and Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES, Health&Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843-4243.

Asian Indians in the U.S. are thought to have high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is little information on the prevalence and risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in this rapidly growing ethnic group. This study examined the association between MetS, lifestyle behaviors, health risks, perception and knowledge of current health, and knowledge of CVD risk factors among 143 adult Asian Indian immigrants recruited through health surveys. Respondents were assessed for MetS by NCEP criteria, and for psychosocial factors, lifestyle and health and risk factor knowledge using a validated questionnaire. Results: The cohort included 79 men and 64 women, with a mean age of 50.3 years and 13 years' U.S. residency. The prevalence of both MetS (32%) and diabetes (18%) was high, did not differ by gender, increased with age, and was associated with smoking in males. Mean BMI was in the normal range, but there was a high rate of abdominal obesity. The majority lacked health insurance, and rated their physical and mental health as average to poor. Knowledge of current health status and of diabetes and CVD risk factors was low overall, and significantly worse in females. Older (>50 years) respondents with longer U.S. residence (>10 years) had greater knowledge of current health and CVD risk factors, greater access to health care, and better self-reported mental health status. These data indicate the need to promote healthy behaviors, regular wellness checkups and education regarding CVD risk factors among this ethic group. Implications will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

1. Know the prevalence rates of Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes in U.S. Asian Indian immigrants
2. Understand the relationship between actual CVD risks and the knowledge and perception of these risks in U.S. Asian Indian immigrants.
3. Understand lifestyle behaviors and gender and age differences in knowledge of CVD risks in U.S. Asian Indian immigrants

Keywords: Asian Americans, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Emerging Issues for Asian American and Pacific Islander Health Care: Poster Session

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA