title: Health behaviors of native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults in California.
abstract: Smoking, diet and physical activity are associated with chronic diseases, but representative prevalence data on these behaviors for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults are scarce. Data from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey were analyzed for self-identified NHPI and non-Hispanic white (NHW) adults. Ethnic and NHPI gender differences were examined for socio-demographic variables, obesity and health behaviors. Compared to NHW, NHPI displayed higher prevalence of obesity (p<0.001), smoking (p<0.05) and consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages (p<0.05). NHPI males were more likely than females to smoke (p<0.001). NHPI adults appear to be at higher risk for chronic disease than NHW due to obesity, smoking and intake of unhealthy foods and beverages. Culturally-specific health promotion interventions are needed to reduce risks among the underrepresented NHPI population.
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. kmoy@mail.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Moy
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sallis
authors.forename: Dennis R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Trinidad
authors.forename: Christa L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Ice
authors.forename: Archana J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McEligot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii / Q000208:ethnology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology*; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors