Canadian Journal of Public Health
Volume 99, Issue 3, 2008, Pages 232-235

Knowledge and behaviour regarding heart disease prevention in Chinese Canadian immigrants (Article)

Hislop T.G.* , Teh C. , Low A. , Yasui Y. , Tu S.-P. , Li L. , Taylor V.M.
  • a Cancer Control Research Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
  • b Cancer Control Research Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
  • c Cancer Control Research Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
  • d Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • e Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • f Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
  • g Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Objective: Although Chinese are one of the fastest growing minorities in Canada, there is little information about heart disease prevention behaviour in Chinese immigrants. Our objective was to examine the knowledge and practices of Chinese immigrants regarding heart disease prevention. Methods: 504 randomly selected Chinese adult immigrants participated in a community-based, in-person survey in Vancouver during 2005. The survey included questions on heart disease prevention knowledge and practices. Results: Although respondents were quite knowledgeable about heart disease risk factors, their behaviours to reduce heart disease risk were generally low. Thirteen percent of respondents consumed five or more servings of fruit/vegetables per day; 37% engaged in regular physical activity; 54% never used tobacco; 81% had received a blood pressure check in the past 2 years; and 54% had received a cholesterol test in the past 5 years. Differences were found in these behaviours by gender, age, English fluency, birth country and duration of residence in North America. The associations are presented between these demographic variables and heart disease prevention behaviours. Conclusion: Heart disease prevention programs are needed in Chinese immigrant populations, especially aimed at increasing fruit/vegetable consumption and regular physical activity. Efforts are also needed to decrease tobacco use and to increase cholesterol testing.

Author Keywords

Attitudes Asian continental ancestry group Practice Emigration and immigration Heart diseases Health knowledge

Index Keywords

China psychological aspect human Health Behavior middle aged ethnology Humans male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants female heart disease questionnaire Heart Diseases Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Questionnaires adult migration British Columbia attitude to health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-46149098903&partnerID=40&md5=2901f5efab535d2e05e575bd982b5557
ISSN: 00084263
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English