1996-97 surveys showed more self-reported hypertension, stroke, diabetes, mental distress and respiratory complaints among 1366 Hmong refugees in California compared with 2210 non-refugee Hmong in Thailand. Over 1/3 of death certificates for Hmong age 40 and above in Fresno County mention cardiovascular diseases, but CVD is a rare cause of death of Hmong in Thailand. In 1999 screening surveys of 86 California Hmong, high blood pressure was 3 times more common, and was more severe than among 127 Thailand Hmong. Age-specific rates of HBP were consistently higher for Hmong who lived in the US 15-23 years compared with those who lived in the US 0-14 years. Rates of overweight were not consistently associated with length of stay in the US but were higher at all ages among screened refugees than among non-refugees. Only half of Hmong found in California screening to have HBP were aware of their blood pressure status. Over 2/3 of these believed they had never had their cholesterol checked. Neither alcohol nor tobacco consumption were associated with HBP among California or Thailand Hmong. Conclusions: 1) Hypertension among Hmong refugees is associated with length of stay in the US; 2) The Hmong population needs to become more aware of cardiovacular risk factors; 3) Hmong refugees should be screened for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and overweight; 4) Those responsible for the health of refugees should anticipate possible rapid deterioration of health associated with length of stay in the US, presumably associated with changes in diet, physical activity, and mental stress.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will acquire information concerning epidemiological situation of Hmong refugees in California in relation to non-refugee Hmong in Thailand and methods used in research on this topic. At the conclusion of the session attendees will be able to describe the relationship between length of stay in the US and risk of degenerative disease, and the implications for research and policy
Keywords: Hypertension, Obesity
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.