Cardiovascular Epidemiology Seminar Series
“RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISCRIMINATION AND THE HEALTH OF SOUTH ASIAN AMERICANS ”
Presented by:
Sarah Nadimpalli RN, PhD
New York University, College of Nursing
T32 Candidate
Abstract: Exposure to discrimination has well-documented negative effects on the physical and mental health of ethnic minorities. Links between race-based discrimination and anxiety, depression, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have been found primarily among African Americans and Latinos. Asian Americans, in particular South Asian Americans (SAAs), are underrepresented in these studies. However, SAAs have experienced a historical and social legacy of discrimination. Therefore, the aims of the proposed study were to (1) investigate the relationships between self-reported discrimination (SRD) and mental health among adult SAAs in New York City and (2) investigate the relationships between SRD and physical health (self-reported physical health conditions and direct, physiologic measures ([BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure]) of SAAs. Community-based approaches were used to (1) develop and translate a 69 question survey evoking discrimination-related and self-reported health responses and (2) recruit and collect self-reported and physiological health data from 196 SAA participants who attended Sikh gurdwaras (places of worship) in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York City. Participants were predominantly immigrants and low–income, and uninsured. As hypothesized, multiple regression analysis supported that discrimination is significantly associated with poorer self-reported mental (B = -.53, p < .001) and physical health (B = -.16, p = .04) while controlling for socioeconomic, acculturation, and social support factors. The study did not support an association between SRD and physiologic measures, or indicators of cardiovascular risk (elevated BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure). Similar to links between discrimination and the health of other ethnic minority groups, this study demonstrated that SAAs are also vulnerable to discrimination and related health outcomes. Further longitudinal and subgroup studies are needed. Community-based efforts and anti-discrimination trainings in clinical or community centers are needed to reduce or eliminate discrimination as experienced by SAAs.
Friday, April 11, 2014
11:00am – 12:00pm
Department of Preventive Medicine
680 N. Lake Shore Dr, Ste 1400
Stamler Conference Room
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Joyce M Tamanio
(312) 908-1594
Email