Health Beliefs Regarding Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Risk Reduction in South Asian Immigrants: An Integrative Review

Padmavathy Ramaswamy, Nitha Mathew Joseph, Jing Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: The risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in South Asians (SAs) than in other ethnic groups. The purpose of this review is to explore SAs’ health beliefs regarding CVD risk and risk reduction behaviors including physical activity and healthy diet. Methodology: An integrative review was conducted to examine the peer-reviewed literature published before May 2017. Searches from PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL yielded 1 mixed-method, 4 quantitative, and 14 qualitative studies. Results: Stress, lack of exercise, and high-fat diet were perceived as causes of CVD in most studies. Lack of time, sociocultural norms, and insufficient guidance from health care providers were perceived barriers to CVD risk reduction. Exercise and healthy diet were perceived to be beneficial in a few studies. Cues to action included information from community leaders and health care providers. Discussion: Understanding the unique health beliefs of SAs regarding CVD is important in planning and delivering culturally competent preventive and educational services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)76-86
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Transcultural Nursing
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Keywords

  • Asian continental ancestry group
  • attitudes
  • cardiovascular disease risk
  • culture
  • health behavior
  • health beliefs
  • health knowledge
  • practice

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nursing(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Health Beliefs Regarding Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Risk Reduction in South Asian Immigrants: An Integrative Review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this