4251.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 3

Abstract #30906

Physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Korean Americans

Jang Ha Oh, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 3855 Holman St. Garrision Bldg. #104, Houston, TX 77204-6321, 713-743-9840, jhoh@uh.edu

The health problems and health care needs of Asian Americans have received relatively little attention despide such rapid population growth. Since the health status of most of the minority populations is below the national average, one would expect that the trends in physical activity would be similar. This is the result of the lack of disaggregated data on Korean-Americans and a general absence of data on cardiovascular disease risk factors for this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of physical activity among Korean Americans and their knowlege on cardiovascular risk factors. This study also examined the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD)risk factors among Korean-Americans. To measure subjects’ physical activity rate, the NASA self-reported physical activity scale (SR-PA), which quantifies leisure-time physical activity duration (minutes) per week, was included in the questionnaire. Respondents estimated their own physical activity rate during the previous month, using an eight-point scale. To determine levels of understanding about cardiovascular risk factors, each examinee completed a survey. The results of this study suggest that Korean-Americans have a higher occurrence of CVD risk factors present within this specific ethnicity.

Learning Objectives: To increase knowledge on the cardiovascular risk factors among Korean Americans.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Heart Disease

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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA