Sources of health information among Chinese immigrants to the Pacific Northwest

BACKGROUND

Chinese immigrants to North America experience cancer-related health disparities and underutilize preventive care. Little is known about Chinese immigrants' sources of health information.

METHODS

A population-based survey of Chinese immigrants was conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Seattle, Washington.

RESULTS

The study group included 899 individuals. Less than three fourths of the respondents reported receiving health information from health care providers, and only a minority used the Internet as a source of health information. We found significant differences between the sources of health information in Seattle and Vancouver.

CONCLUSIONS

Health educators should consider available media outlets as well as the characteristics of a target community when planning intervention programs for Chinese immigrants.

Heart disease prevention practices among immigrant Vietnamese women

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States as well as in many countries around the world, including Vietnam.

METHODS

Using data from a household survey of Vietnamese American women aged 20-79 years in Seattle, Washington, collected in 2006 and 2007, we examined heart disease prevention practices. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between demographic factors and preventive behaviors.

RESULTS

A total of 1523 immigrant women completed interviews. The average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was 3.5 servings, and 31% of our sample reported being physically active (engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days per week). Few respondents reported being current smokers (1.5%). Over three quarters of women had received a recent blood pressure check and a recent cholesterol check. Age and length of time in the United States were strongly associated with several cardiovascular prevention behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the need for continued efforts to develop and implement targeted educational campaigns to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among Vietnamese American women.

Sources of health information among Vietnamese American men

Vietnamese American men face multiple health disparities compared to white men. Our study objective was to determine the sources of health information used by Vietnamese men in the United States. A population-based, in-person survey was conducted among Vietnamese men in Seattle during 2002. Our survey was completed by 509 Vietnamese men (79% response rate). The most commonly reported sources of health information included Vietnamese newspapers/magazines (73%), Vietnamese and English language television (64% and 67%, respectively), Vietnamese radio (51%), and friends and family members (51% and 63%, respectively). We found that sources of health information varied significantly among sociodemographic subgroups of the Vietnamese male population. Sources of health information among Vietnamese American men differ considerably from other racial/ethnic groups. Research findings should be used to guide the development of health education interventions for Vietnamese men and subgroups within the Vietnamese male population.

Tobacco knowledge and beliefs in Chinese American men

BACKGROUND

Chinese American men have relatively high smoking rates. However, there are limited data about the tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of this racial/ethnic group.

METHODS

We conducted a community-based telephone survey in Seattle, Washington during 2004. Households were identified by applying a previously validated list of Chinese last names to an electronic version of the Seattle telephone book. Interviews were completed in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English. Survey items addressed tobacco knowledge, cultural beliefs, and practices.

RESULTS

The study sample included 168 Chinese American men. Current, former, and never smoking rates were 22%, 42%, and 36%, respectively. Current smokers were less likely to be proficient in English than never smokers, and were less likely to have a regular doctor than former smokers. They also had lower levels of knowledge about the health effects of tobacco, and were more likely to have traditional Chinese cultural beliefs about tobacco use than non-smokers.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco use continues to be a public health problem among Chinese American men. Smoking cessation programs should target men with limited English proficiency and those without a regular source of health care. Educational materials should specifically address the negative health effects of smoking. They should also both acknowledge and address Chinese cultural beliefs about tobacco use.