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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Manoj Sharma, PhD, Health Promotion & Education, University of Cincinnati & Walden University, Teachers College 526 J, P. O. Box 210002, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0002, (513) 556-3878, manoj.sharma@uc.edu

South Asian Americans constitute the fastest growing immigrant group in the United States. Overweight (adults: 38% - 57%, children: 18% - 43%) and obesity (24%) rates in Asian Americans and particularly South Asian Americans are increasing but, unfortunately, not even a single health education/ health promotion intervention targeting this subpopulation regarding this issue has been designed. The purpose of this study was to identify culturally-relevant determinants that influence obesity and overweight among South Asian Americans and develop a culturally-appropriate intervention for this group. The modifiable determinants for overweight and obesity in South Asian Americans were found to be physical inactivity, dietary behaviors (consuming large portion sizes, less consumption of fruits and vegetables, large consumption of sweetened beverages), watching TV for long hours on a sustained basis, acculturation to the US, poor family communication, less social support, less social integration, stress, and longer years of living in the United States. It was found that there was a need for interventions both for children in school settings utilizing parental involvement and for adults in community settings utilizing local religious organizations. Culturally robust behavioral theories need to be utilized with this subpopulation. The presentation portrays one such application where social cognitive theory has been adapted and tailored for South Asian adult population to modify their dietary, physical activity, and leisure time behaviors to reduce overweight and obesity. The intervention will be implemented for efficacy testing.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation the participants will be able to

• Identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity in South Asian Americans.
• Categorize salient culturally-relevant determinants that influence obesity and overweight among South Asian Americans.
• Describe a culturally-appropriate intervention for South Asian American adults to modify their dietary, physical activity, and leisure time behaviors.
• Replicate a similar intervention in their settings.

Keywords: Obesity, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 86.0 kb)