The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40955

Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES¹, Rashmi Gupta², Rashmi Gupta², and Rashmi gupta, PhD². (1) Health&Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-845-8726, misra@hlkn.tamu.edu, (2) Social Work, Texas, 3009 Glenwood Ct. Bedford, TX 76021, Bedford, TX 76021

India has over a billion people, and Asian Indians are the largest immigrant group (Asian) to the United States in recent years. However cross-cultural comparison on health status and health-promotion behaviors in this population is lacking. This study reports the health-status indicators, health behaviors, and use of preventive services using questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Sample comprised of 340 natives in India and 369 Asian Indians immigrants in the US. Data collection method involved both mail surveys (in the US) and face-to-face interviews (for natives in India). Mean age was 47 years for the natives and 48 years for the immigrants in the US. The majority of respondents were of normal weight (BMI<25), males, and married. Prevalence of chronic diseases among the natives was higher - 11% had diabetes, 12% heart disease, and 28% hypertension; for immigrants 13.8% had diabetes, 10% heart disease, and 24% hypertension. Use of alternative medicine (e.g., homeopathy and herbal medicine) was also higher among Indians in India (50%) as compared to the immigrants (22%). Preventive and diet related behaviors did not meet the recommended guidelines for both groups of respondents. Approximately 50% did not meet the Food Guide Pyramid’s recommendations for fruits, vegetables, and milk consumption. All the women in the study (except one) in India never had a mammogram or pap smear; only 26% immigrant Asian Indian females indicated ever having a pap smear. Results emphasize increased attention for education, use of preventive services, and health promoting behaviors among Asian Indians.

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