A descriptive study of hypertension in Vietnamese Americans.
This study 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.
Duong
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Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, MS, USA. cross@usamail.usouthal.edu
Bohannon
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Ross
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000407:Alabama / Q000453:epidemiology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014744:Vietnam / Q000208:ethnology
D012982:Sodium, Dietary