Health disparities in Chinese Americans with hypertension: A review

Abstract

a b s t r a c tHypertension is a leading risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease in the United States. Chinese Americans have poorer control of high blood pressure than Caucasian Americans and are at higher risk for hypertension. This review presents and discusses the factors known to be associated with health disparities affecting Chinese Americans with hypertension, including biological, genetic, sociocultural and environmental factors, as well as health behaviors, and health literacy. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to decrease racial and ethnic health disparities.

Chinese Immigrant Women's Attitudes and Beliefs About Family Involvement in Women's Health and Healthcare: A Qualitative Study in Chicago's Chinatown

“… 7 , 8 Key to tackling these health disparities is to improve access to healthcare services, healthcare utilization, and health-related help-seeking behaviors among U.S. Chinese immigrant women. 5 , 6 , 9 However, few studies have been conducted among this population examining factors associated with access, healthcare utilization, and health-related help-seeking behaviors. Barriers that have been identified from prior studies include those related to low health literacy, socioeconomic status, environmental effects, and healthcare provider/systems.…”

“…Barriers that have been identified from prior studies include those related to low health literacy, socioeconomic status, environmental effects, and healthcare provider/systems. 5 , 6 , 10 …”

Associations of Lifestyle Intervention Effect with Blood Pressure and Physical Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Americans with Hypertension in Southern California

“…Sex, ethnicity, educational level, and economic difficulties also appear to affect regular physical activity participation among older adults [33,37]. Hence, a better understanding of racial and social disparities, and the psychological processes involved in initiating and maintaining regular physical activity is necessary for older adults with hypertension [41,42].…”

Implementing Hypertension Management Interventions in Immigrant Communities in the U.S.: a Narrative Review of Recent Developments and Suggestions for Programmatic Efforts

“…Hypertension affects more than 108 million adults in the United States (U.S.) and is considered a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the country, including among immigrants [ 1 •, 2 – 4 ]. In recent years, immigrants have been a significant driver of population growth in the U.S. [ 5 ]; however, there are also significant socio-economic disparities both between and within immigrant groups of certain national origins [ 6 ].…”