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Cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese American children: associations between overweight, acculturation, and
1Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California-San Francisco 94143, USA. jyu-lin.chen@nursing.ucsf.edu
Insights
Low physical activity and high body mass index (BMI) are key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Chinese American children. Early intervention programs promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Chinese American children are not well understood.
- Early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial for timely intervention.
- Key risk factors include elevated blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, triglycerides, and body mass index (BMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese American children.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with increased CVD risk in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 65 Chinese American children (ages 8-10) and their mothers.
- Collected data on children's weight, height, BP, blood samples, physical fitness, activity levels, and dietary intake.
- Mothers provided information on family history of CVD and acculturation levels.
Main Results:
- Low physical activity was linked to higher systolic BP and LDL cholesterol.
- High paternal BMI was associated with increased systolic BP in children.
- High birth weight and lower parental acculturation were risk factors for higher child BMI.
Conclusions:
- Low physical activity and high BMI are significant CVD risk factors in Chinese American children.
- Culturally tailored programs promoting physical activity and weight management are essential for CVD prevention.
- Interventions should consider family and acculturation factors.
Introduction:
Understanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Chinese American children would allow us to target individuals in this group who are at the greatest risk for developing CVD early in life. The purpose of this study is to examine cardiovascular risk factors (increased blood pressure [BP], total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoproteins, and increased body mass index [BMI]) in Chinese American children.
Method:
A cross-sectional design was used. A total number of 65 children, aged 8 to 10 years, and their mothers participated in the study. Measurements of the children's weight, height, BP, blood sample, level of physical fitness, activity level, and dietary intake were collected. Mothers completed questionnaires regarding family history of CVD and level of acculturation.
Results:
A low level of physical activity and high paternal BMI were associated with higher systolic BP in the children. A low level of physical activity was also found to be a risk factor for higher LDL and systolic BP in the children. A high birth weight and lower parental acculturation level were risk factors for higher BMI in the children.
Discussion:
The findings suggest that a low level of physical activity and high BMI are associated with increased risk of CVD in Chinese American children. The development of culturally appropriate programs that promote an active lifestyle and reduce weight is critical in CVD prevention in Chinese American populations.
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