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Health Behaviors, Chronic Disease Prevalence and Self-Rated Health of Older Asian Indian Immigrants in the U.S.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of healthy behaviors and self-rated health in middle-aged and older Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S. Asian Indian men (n = 162) and women (n = 64), 50 years of age or older completed a telephone survey which collected information regarding demographics, behavioral risk factors, acculturation, perceived control, quality of social support, depression, body mass index, chronic disease prevalence, and self-rated health. Participants’ average length of residence in the U.S. was 25 years, 52% were normal weight, 41% were vegetarians, 55% incorporated aerobic activity into daily lifestyle, and only 5% smoked. Hypertension and diabetes were most common chronic diseases (31 and 18%, respectively). Younger age, longer length of residence and a bicultural or more American ethnic identity were associated with greater participation in physical activity. Likewise, higher income, a bicultural or more American ethnic identity and depression were associated with higher fat intake. Poor self-rated health was associated with older age, female gender, BMI > 25, satisfaction with social support, and greater number of chronic disease conditions. A multitude of factors influence the practice of healthy behaviors and the perceived health of Asian Indian immigrants, which should be addressed when developing culturally appropriate health promotion interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Novartis Medical Nutrition, Research and Development, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55416

    Satya S. Jonnalagadda PhD, RD

  2. School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60637

    Sadhna Diwan

  3. Novartis Medical Nutrition, Research and Development, 1541 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55416-1514

    Satya S. Jonnalagadda PhD, RD

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  1. Satya S. Jonnalagadda PhD, RD
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  2. Sadhna Diwan
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Correspondence to Satya S. Jonnalagadda PhD, RD.

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Jonnalagadda, S.S., Diwan, S. Health Behaviors, Chronic Disease Prevalence and Self-Rated Health of Older Asian Indian Immigrants in the U.S.. J Immigrant Health 7, 75–83 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-005-2640-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-005-2640-x

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