Cardiovascular risk factor levels in ethnic Hawaiians

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Native Hawaiian Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant health concern globally.
• Understanding risk factor prevalence in specific populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Native Hawaiian communities face unique health challenges, necessitating focused research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of key cardiovascular disease risk factors among Native Hawaiians aged 20-59.
• To evaluate the awareness and control levels of these risk factors within the surveyed population.
• To identify specific areas for public health intervention in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey conducted on Molokai, Hawaii, targeting Native Hawaiians aged 20-59.
• Data collection included measurements of weight, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and diabetes screening (glycosuria, medical history).
• Analysis focused on the prevalence of overweight, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Main Results:

• Over 60% of participants were overweight; 42% of males were smokers.
• Hypertension prevalence was 14% (ages 20-39) and 36% (ages 40-59).
• High serum cholesterol affected up to 46% (ages 50-59); diabetes prevalence reached 23% (ages 50-59), with poor glycemic control noted.

Conclusions:

• Major cardiovascular disease risk factors are highly prevalent in this Native Hawaiian population.
• Awareness and control of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are notably low.
• Urgent public health strategies are needed to address these modifiable risk factors and improve cardiovascular health outcomes.