Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 13, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 127-139

Knowledge of cardiovascular health among Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese immigrants to the US (Article)

Ton T.G.N. , Steinman L. , Yip M.-P. , Ly K.A. , Sin M.-K. , Fitzpatrick A.L. , Tu S.-P.
  • a Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
  • b Department of Health Services, Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • c Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • d Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • e College of Nursing, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, United States
  • f Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • g Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans, the majority of whom are foreign-born. However, CVD and risk factor data is sparse for specific Asian immigrant populations. To assess knowledge and understanding of CVD and risk factors within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese immigrant populations, we conducted eight focus groups of 77 participants between 36 and 84 years old. Participants correctly identified signs and symptoms for heart attacks while knowledge about stroke was incomplete. While poor diet, lack of exercise, older age, and high cholesterol were frequently discussed as risk factors, mechanisms perceived as contributing to heart disease were influenced primarily by non-Western paradigms. Non-Western remedies were discussed in detail among Chinese and Vietnamese participants. All participants desired more information, and identified barriers to effective communication with healthcare providers. A deeper understanding of beliefs and barriers faced by Asian immigrants can help guide health promotion efforts. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Asian Knowledge cardiovascular disease

Index Keywords

information processing Vietnam China South Korea Republic of Korea Cardiovascular Diseases human middle aged Aged ethnology United States Humans cardiovascular disease Asian Americans Emigrants and Immigrants Asian American Aged, 80 and over Viet Nam Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult migration Focus Groups attitude to health pathophysiology
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79551485937&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-010-9340-x&partnerID=40&md5=efd317331a9737d4e394e62f25722394
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9340-x
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 18
Original Language: English