Assessment of heart disease knowledge and risk factors among first-generation Filipino Americans residing in Southern Nevada: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian subgroup in the United States and heart disease is their leading cause of death. Despite this, they remain an invisible minority and experience health disparities in cardiovascular health. Prior to implementing and designing health promotion programs, it is important to assess their level of knowledge about heart disease and to identify their risk factors.

Purpose: We examined the baseline knowledge of heart disease among first-generation Filipino Americans and the risk factors prevalent among them.

Method: A convenience sample of 300 Filipino Americans aged 35-75 years completed the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire to assess their knowledge of heart disease and a researcher-developed questionnaire to assess the heart disease risk factors. Data were collected in Southern Nevada in the fall of 2011. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression were used for data analysis.

Result: The sample had an average knowledge score of 82.81% out of a maximum correct score of 100%. The risk factors prevalent among them included: hypertension (47.7%), diabetes (14%), dyslipidemia (27.7%), overweight (36.7%), abdominal obesity (80.6%), smoking (11.7%), and lack of exercise (48%).

Conclusion: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Filipino Americans.  In this study, Filipino Americans had adequate knowledge of heart disease but many reported having risk factors. Understanding the behavioral determinants of heart disease knowledge and specific risk factors is helpful in designing effective health prevention strategies. Early screening targeting the younger generation is also important to help detect the risk factors in their earliest stages. The screening results may also induce individuals to take action.