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.

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