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Pulse Pressure in Cambodian Americans: Relationships to Weight and Mental Health

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Abstract

Few studies have explored interrelationships among mental health and health status in refugees using objective, clinical data. Pulse pressure (PP) has recently emerged as an easily obtained, strong, independent determinant of mortality. We conducted a chart review of electronic records for 24 consecutive months to investigate PP among Cambodian refugees receiving services at a community clinic in Connecticut, USA. 301 patients charts were retrieved, 41 contained complete data for all variables. We found high rates of cardiovascular, anthropometric, and mental health problems. Among women, higher weight was related to higher PP. Among men, higher mental health symptom scores were marginally related to higher PP. Findings held after controlling for age. Discussion: Adiposity and mental health symptoms, which are known to be related to trauma history, contribute to elevated PP in this resettled refugee population. Given that PP may be modifiable through lifestyle intervention, further investigation of these problems in this needy population is warranted.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Chitserey Ouk, Bunsak Ton and Vicheth Im for their role in data collection and educating the community about the importance of understanding their blood pressure numbers. Funding for the torture treatment program came from the Office of Refugee Resettlement Services for Victims of Torture and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, 06030, USA

    Julie Wagner & Thiruchandurai V. Rajan

  2. Khmer Health Advocates, 1125 New Britain Ave, Suite 202, West Hartford, CT, 06110, USA

    Theanvy Kuoch & Mary Scully

Authors
  1. Julie Wagner
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  2. Thiruchandurai V. Rajan
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  3. Theanvy Kuoch
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  4. Mary Scully
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julie Wagner.

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Wagner, J., Rajan, T.V., Kuoch, T. et al. Pulse Pressure in Cambodian Americans: Relationships to Weight and Mental Health. J Immigrant Minority Health 16, 549–552 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9818-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9818-4

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