Significant cancer risk factors exist in the target population in comparison to available national data and Healthy People 2010 targets. More focused cancer prevention and early detection efforts should be initiated for this underserved population. Future research is needed to (a) determine the effect of acculturation on cancer risk factors and (b) develop culturally appropriate interventions to improve the effectiveness of cancer prevention and early detection interventions in this subgroup of Asian Americans.

This study 1 focused on the extent of hypertension (HTN) and risk factors in 201 Vietnamese in a Gulf Coast community. Blood pressure and pulse were measured by a Welch-Allyn Vital Signs Monitor (Model AD-9000, Armstrong Medical, Lincolnshire, IL). The survey tool consisted of demographic information, health status, medications, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol use, education, family configuration, family health history, and 12 true or false items on HTN knowledge. Participants believed that HTN was inherited, presented symptoms, was caused by stress and lack of daily exercise, and had no cure. Of the factors correlated with high blood pressure, the most significant item was the total knowledge score. Nearly 44% of the participants in this sample were hypertensive. Other significant correlation findings included smoking r = .45, p < .05) and exercise r = .15, p < .05) were related to high blood pressure. Cultural sensitivity was found to be critical in the data collection process. This study demonstrates a profound need for health education related to cardiovascular disease, smoking, and alcohol use in Vietnamese Americans. Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent and chronic condition affecting more than 60 million persons in the United States today (Burt et al., 1995). This silent killer can significantly re-

This study profiles aggregate-specific cancer risk factors of Southeast Asian Americans residing along the Central Gulf Coast in the United States. An investigator-designed cross-sectional survey was conducted with 332 volunteer Southeast Asian community residents aged 18 years and above. Aggregate-specific cancer risk factors include high prevalence of hepatitis, high smoking and drinking rates in men, extended ultraviolet light exposure without protection, low colorectal and prostate cancer screening rates, and knowledge deficits of cancer and cancer screenings. Based on the study findings, progress toward the targets of the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan: 2001-2005 is evaluated and compared to available national data. Implications for public health nursing practice and future research are also addressed. In particular, the study findings underscore the importance of developing culturally tailored interventions to reduce cancer risk factors in this underserved Asian American population.

No abstract

Prevention strategies for coronary artery disease among hypertensive patients require assessment of other modifiable risk factors in the target population. In this article, we describe the prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors in military beneficiaries with high blood pressure (HBP). Baseline data from an ongoing randomized clinical trial designed to test effectiveness of a comprehensive HBP intervention are used in the analysis. A total of 147 beneficiaries from a military health system participated in this study. Findings indicate that the rate of HBP control in this sample was suboptimal (32%: blood pressure < 140/90). Other prevalent cardiovascular risk factors include high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Many of these patients (31.3%) are also in the moderate-to-high danger level of developing coronary artery disease in the near future. These findings warrant a regular assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and rigorous behavioral interventions for all beneficiaries of the military health care system.