There is a paucity of research on health status and health behaviors of physicians of Indian Origin in the US. This is important since studies have reported a lower mean age at time of death among them. This study examined the health status and behavior among ethnic Asian-Indian physicians. Data was collected by a random (nationwide) mail survey of physicians who were members of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), from 1998-2000. A total of 254 physicians completed the survey (response rate 25%) with a mean age of 50.8 years (SD=9.3). The majority of respondents were males (72%), married (93%), board certified (87%) and lived approximately 23 years in the United States. Median income was $200,000. Health risk behaviors of the respondents indicated 5.5 and 11 percent of the respondents smoked and drank alcohol regularly. Females had a higher mean score on nutrition-related behaviors than males (statistically insignificant); majority of the respondents met the Food Guide Pyramid's recommendations. According to their self-reported medical history, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart attacks were frequent problems. 79% of respondents reported family histories of chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and cancer). More than half reported a change in their diet (animal products, high fat, high calorie) after coming to the US. 50% reported having no regular physical activity. This signifies a need for improving health promotion behaviors in this group. Study results make an important contribution in understanding Asian Indian physician's health behaviors.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the health-risk behaviors among immigrant Asian Indian physicians in the US. 2. Report the prevalence of chronic diseases in this group. 3. Describe nutrition-related behaviors among the respondents.
Keywords: Health Behavior, Physicians
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.