226856 Using Community Based Screening Data to Inform the Development of a Diabetes Intervention for Korean and Chinese American Seniors in New York City

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Regina Kim, MA , Public Health and Research Center, Korean Community Services, New York, NY
Ted Ryo , Public Health and Research Center, Korean Community Services, New York, NY
Nadia Islam, PhD , Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Joan Kim, MS , Public Health and Research Center, Korean Community Services, New York, NY
Kay Chun, MD , Public Health and Research Center, Korean Community Services, New York, NY
Jinny Jihyun Park , Public Health and Research Center, Korean Community Services, New York, NY
Background: Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of diabetes amongst Asian Americans is 60% higher than non-Hispanic white Americans. Despite their high risk, knowledge about the disease within the community is poor. Individuals with low levels of diabetes knowledge have worse self-management of chronic disease, lower use of preventative services and worse health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to document diabetes disparities within two New York City (NYC) Asian American senior citizen communities. Method: 500 Asian senior citizens (350 Korean Americans, 150 Chinese Americans, ≥ 50 y.o.) were screened for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure between February to December 2009. Additionally, data on demographic factors and BMI was collected. Participants were self referred and recruited through senior centers located throughout NYC. Result: Preliminary results indicate that 40% of the participants did not possess health insurance and 23.8% were hypertensive (≥140/90). Participants had a mean BMI of 23.4, mean of glucose levels of 131, and mean total cholesterol levels of 235. Average levels of glucose and cholesterol were higher than the normal range of under 120 and 200, respectively, indicating possible risk for diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Discussion: Findings from our study confirm a high risk of diabetes and related risk factors in this population. Results will be used to inform the development of an intervention to increase diabetes knowledge and self management of chronic disease within this population. In particular, programmatic efforts will be targeted towards raising awareness of diabetes as a chronic yet preventable disease in this community.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Epidemiology
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
to document diabetes disparities within two New York City Asian American senior citizen communities; to guide the further study development for this populations.

Keywords: Diabetes, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I oversee programs such as disease prevention and public health education programs
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.