Feasibility of implementing a community cardiovascular health promotion program with paramedics and volunteers in a South Asian population

Cardiovascular health amongst South Asian populations in British Columbia: A situational and comparative analysis of preventative strategies

This analysis provides an overview of cardiovascular health among South Asian populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada utilizing peer-reviewed literature, alongside data from public health authorities and relevant jurisdictions. The analysis identified risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) amongst South Asians and discussed preventative public health strategies and interventions to mitigate disease burden. The situational analysis discussed the disproportionate increased risk for CVD in South Asians when compared to other ethnicities in BC, highlighting lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, socio-economic status (SES), and post-migration-related challenges. The analysis identified a disproportionate increase in heart disease in South Asian males and females when compared to White males and females. A review of evidence from peer-reviewed literature identified previously conducted studies and intervention strategies to address CVD and its risk factors. Common themes across multiple studies included addressing physical inactivity and dietary habits as increased cholesterol, obesity, and DM reported as the most common prevalent CVD risk factors in South Asians. The most significantly studied modifiable risk factors in literature for South Asians included diet and physical inactivity. To identify promising public health interventions, a comparative analysis was conducted identifying multiple public health programs from three different jurisdictions: Ontario, New York, and California to better understand successful preventative strategies to decrease risk factors for CVD. A New York based study implemented preventive health programs at employment sites with high prevalence of South Asians, such as Taxi drivers. Successful interventions included culturally relevant diabetes prevention programs, community outreach and health risk assessments in religious centers, health fairs at employment sites, and culturally competent online behavioural modification programs addressing diet and physical activity. Findings from the analysis suggest successful implementation of programs include those from a cultural lens. These include culturally tailored virtual classes, programs with modified risk assessment tools, preventative health community outreach in religious centers, interventions at workplaces with a high number of South Asians, and behavioural modification programs with nutritionists and health coaches.

Health professionals' involvement in volunteering their professional skills: a scoping review

Background

Volunteering positively affects overall health of both volunteers and recipients through social interaction, support and physical activity. Health professionals' volunteering has considerable potential to improve health outcomes in communities.

Objectives

This study aimed to summarize published scientific literature regarding volunteering by health professionals.

Method

Medine, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHLdatabases were searched to identify eligible studies published between 2010 and 2023. Data on study methods and findings were extracted and synthesized.

Results

Of the 144 eligible studies, 80 (56%) used quantitative methods, 46 (32%) used qualitative, 18 (12%) used mixed methods and 8 (6%) were interventional. Doctors (74 studies, 51%) and nurses (n = 40, 28%) were the professions with most reports of volunteering. Half the studies were from USA (n = 77, 53%), followed by UK (n = 19, 13%), Canada (n = 12, 8%), and Australia/New Zealand (n = 11, 8%). International volunteering in low-to-middle-income countries was reported in 64 studies (44%). Providing service and training were the dominant types of activities (n = 90, 62.5%), with health promotion reported in only 4 studies (3%). Studies reported positive impact from volunteering, both professionally and personally. Time and family commitments were the main barriers. Enablers, barriers and impact were summarized in a socio-ecological map.

Conclusion

Health professionals volunteer in diverse activities and report multifaceted benefits. Studies of volunteering interventions could enable new, sustainable approaches to health promotion.

Undiagnosed Hypertension in Vancouver's Punjabi Sikh Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

South Asians bear a greater burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other ethnic groups and hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor. The purpose of this study was to examine rates and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among an immigrant Punjabi Sikh community in Vancouver. We recruited 350 adults (40% women; mean age 67.3 ± 11.9 years) across 5 Sikh temples and measured blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, waist circumference, socio-demographic background, and health history. 42% of participants had uncontrolled blood pressure of which one-third reported no previous history of hypertension. Based on modified cut-offs for South Asians, the mean waist circumferences across groups were well above target and 50% classified as obese. A higher percentage in the uncontrolled group (vs. controlled group) were of an older age, had a diabetes history and reported a physically active lifestyle. Findings suggest more efforts are needed to reduce the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure in this community. Interventions such as blood pressure drives, community-based outreach programs, and physical activity and dietary interventions should be explored to lower this CVD risk factor in this community.