Cardiovascular disease risk factors among older Chinese Americans living in New York City
by Wong, Sally S., Ph.D., NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, 2009, 191 pages; 3346272

Abstract:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and affects Chinese Americans disproportionately compared to other ethnic groups in the American population. However, few studies have examined CVD risk factors, including diet and physical activity, in older Chinese Americans. The investigation used a cross-sectional design to evaluate the dietary intake, dietary supplement use, and physical activity of older Chinese Americans, and to determine how these behaviors may be related to obesity and other CVD risk factors. A total of 125 older Chinese American adults were recruited from health fairs conducted in New York City (NYC) during the summers of 2006 and 2007 to participate in this study. CVD risk factors (e.g., height, weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose), dietary intake (three 24-hour recalls and one dietary supplement questionnaire), physical activity (three 24-hour physical activity recalls), and sociodemographic information were obtained from all participants. The findings revealed that older Chinese American adults living in NYC had a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, borderline hypertension, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. Many participants did not meet their daily requirements calcium, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, several minerals and vitamins important for cardiovascular health. Although most older Chinese Americans consumed an adequate servings of foods from the main food groups, most adults did not meet the recommended number of servings of dairy foods and only one in four adults took a multivitamin supplement daily. After adjusting for potential confounders, consumption of oil/sweets and dairy group was positively associated with waist circumference. Also, consumption of oils/sweets, meats, and grains was positively associated with systolic blood pressure. After adjusting for potential confounders, vigorous intensity physical activity was inversely associated with waist circumference and systolic blood pressure. This study documented the prevalence of overweight, obesity, borderline hypertension, pre-diabetes, and diabetes in a group of older Chinese Americans. Dietary intake or supplement use did not show protective effects but performing vigorous physical activity may reduce risk of CVD in this population.

 
AdviserL. Beth Dixon
SchoolNEW YORK UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 70-01, p. , Apr 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsGerontology; Nutrition; Public health; Ethnic studies
Publication Number3346272
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