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Article | April 2022
South Asian Health Disparities
Find clinical insights and practical tips on how to address health disparities among this diverse population.
A 2019 statistics study cited that the South Asian American community in the U.S. grew 40% from 3.5 million to 5.4 million between 2010 and 2017.1
The South Asian community contains subgroups with differing socio-economic statuses, health care practices, access to care, and patient-provider readiness. This makes it difficult to plan health care initiatives and address gaps in care.
While there is some data exploring South Asian health disparities, more research is needed to identify and address their unique needs.
South Asian Health Disparities
Heart Disease
South Asians have a four-fold greater risk of developing heart disease than the general population.2 They have a higher risk of developing heart disease at a younger age; 50% of heart attacks occur under age 50 while 25% of heart attacks occur under age 40.3
Mental health is fundamental to improving cardiac health among South Asians. First generation South Asian immigrants face challenges such as immigration, acculturation, loneliness, and lack of family and social support.
The stigma of mental health is also a barrier to effective treatment. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and critical mental health interventions, which further prevents patients from achieving ideal cardiovascular health.
Type 2 Diabetes
South Asians are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even when they are considered to be normal weight or have what is traditionally thought of as a healthy BMI, compared to other ethnic populations, including white, black, and Pima Native American tribes.4 Therefore, diabetes screening for South Asians is suggested if BMI is 23 or greater.5
South Asian Health Disparities Resources
Culturally Appropriate Lifestyle Changes are of Key Importance for South Asians
Dr. Sheila Sudhakar addresses cultural factors and their impact on South Asian patients who are at risk for chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes. (Length: 00:04:57)
Culturally Appropriate Lifestyle Changes are of Key Importance for South Asians
Equipping Clinicians with Insights Into South Asian Health Disparities
Dr. Anil Sipahimalani shares expertise in addressing the cultural influencers, environmental factors, and resulting health disparities specific to coronary artery disease and diabetes within the South Asian community. (Length: 00:06:17)
Equipping Clinicians with Insights Into South Asian Health Disparities
Health Disparities Brief
This brief highlights the importance of preventive care and screening, as well as close monitoring of these five areas of disparities:
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Maternal child health
Download the health disparities brief [PDF]
South Asians and Heart Health: Take Control Now
South Asians have a four times greater risk of heart disease than the general population. Additionally, South Asians develop heart disease on average 10 years earlier than those of other descent2 and can have cardiovascular disease even with a normal BMI. It is important to understand these risk factors and screen appropriately for cardiovascular disease.
South Asians and Heart Health: Take Control Now
Watch this educational video for health care providers and their patients about cardiovascular health risk factors and strategies to address them. Includes personal examples presented by Cigna HealthcareSM employees. (Length: 00:03:59)
South Asians and Heart Health: Take Control Now
South Asian and Heart Health Facts: Do Your Patients Know Their Risk Factors?
This guide can help your patients understand their unique risk factors and encourage them to take an active role in their health care.
Digital Guide Companion
Use this overview of the South Asian and Heart Health digital guide to help talk to your patients about heart health, prevention, and lifestyle changes.
Diabetes in South Asians Training
These modules address key health disparities found within the South Asian population including a deeper exploration of the diversity within the South Asian sub-populations. This provides foundational knowledge regarding specific cultural traits, beliefs, and practices that can enable you to provide culturally responsive care.
Module 1: Overview of Health Disparities among South Asian population. (35 minutes)
Module 2: Three case studies exploring variation within South Asian cultural groups. (15 minutes)
Module 3: Culturally relevant dietary changes and health care navigation tips for patients available in English [PDF], Hindi [PDF], Nepali [PDF], and Urdu [PDF].
1 Demographic Snapshot of South Asians in the United States, Strengthening South Asian Communities in America. 2019, https://saalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SAALT-Demographic-Snapshot-2019.pdf.
2 Krishnan, Sandeep. Cover Story – South Asians and Cardiovascular Disease: The Hidden Threat. American College of Cardiology. 17 May 2019. https://www.acc.org
3 Stanford South Asian Translational Heart Initiative, Stanford Healthcare, 2021, https://stanfordhealthcare.org.
4 Narayan, K.M.V., and Kanaya, A.M., Why are South Asians Prone to Type 2 Diabetes? A Hypothesis Based on Underexplored Pathways, Diabetologia 63, 2020, pp. 1103–1109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-020-05132-5.
5 Diabetes and Asian Americans, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-asian-americans.html
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