This study provides an assessment of the health concerns and need for culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible cardiovascular disease (CVD) health programs for Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). This multi-pronged approach for this study examines the cardiovascular health among AAPIs. First, a review of the CVD epidemiological literature was conducted to examine what is known among AAPI populations and their CVD risk profile. Second, key informant interviews with the AAPI community-based organizations (CBOs) were conducted to identify elements of successful health promotion and disease prevention outreach strategies for AAPI populations. And finally, the ethnographic interviews were conducted to provide insights on how culture and environment influence behaviors and attitudes of AAPIs relative to cardiovascular risk factors. Based on the literature review findings and use of behavioral research methods, it is clear that AAPIs are at-risk for CVD. Among the distinct 50 AAPI ethnic subgroups, CVD mortality and morbidity patterns differ significantly as each AAPI subgroup manifests CVD onset at different levels. For example, the literature review findings reveal a high prevalence of stroke among South Asian populations and high prevalence of diabetes and obesity among Pacific Islanders. Integrating AAPI CBOs and involving AAPIs in their cardiovascular health assessment is a critical element for effective programming (e.g., culture- and language- appropriate CVD health education). To assure equity in cardiovascular health among AAPIs, the public and private sectors of health must examine and support efforts to uncover the effects of ethnicity, acculturation, health attitudes, and behaviors that influence CVD risk.
Learning Objectives: The benefits of community-based research which integrates AAPI CBOs and AAPI community members in the cardiovascular assessment of the AAPI ethnic subgroup
Keywords: Heart Disease, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: APIAHF, SJSU, AAPCHO, Kalasugan Project, and NHLBI
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.