Asian Indians represent the fourth largest Asian group in the United States and one of the fastest growing immigrant groups. However, there is paucity of research studies on health and disease prevalence for this population. The purpose of this paper was to examine the demographic and health promoting behaviors of Gujarati Indians in United States. Respondents were randomly selected from the Charotar Patidar Samaj, a national Gujurati Association membership directory. Data was collected via questionnaires from 261 respondents selected from the directory. The sample consisted of 179 males and 78 females, with a mean age of 46.1 years (SD=13.5). The majority of respondents were of normal weight, married, employed, and lived approximately 22 years in the United States. A causal model showed two key factors explaining stress management behaviors among the respondents. The stress management behaviors were more likely to be prevalent among females, and those who have lived in the U.S. for a longer period of time. According to their self-reported medical history, 14 percent of respondents had hypertension, and 8 percent had diabetes. Both of these diseases are risk factors for coronary artery disease, which is highly prevalent among Asian Indian immigrants. Majority of the respondents reported family members suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, a large proportion of the sample indicated low physical activity and obesity. A systems theory was used to explain the risk for chronic disease among this sample. Implications for health interventions, social work practice, and policy are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe teh health promotion behaviors of Gujurati Indians in the US. 2. List two factors to explain stress management behaviors in this population. 3. Understand the use of systems approach to explain risk for chronic diseases among this sample
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.