Health risk behaviors among five Asian American subgroups in California: identifying intervention priorities

This analysis assessed the prevalence of excess body weight, physical inactivity and alcohol and tobacco use in Asian American subgroups. Using 2005 California Health Interview Survey data, we estimated the prevalence of body mass index (BMI) categories using both standard and World Health Organization-proposed Asian-specific categories, physical inactivity, and alcohol and tobacco use for Chinese (n = 1,285), Japanese (n = 421), Korean (n = 620), Filipino (n = 659) and Vietnamese (n = 480) Americans in California. About 80% of Japanese and Filipino American men and 70% of Korean American men were "increased/high risk" by Asian-specific BMI categories. Most Asian American subgroups were more likely to walk for transportation than non-Hispanic whites, but less likely to report other physical activities. Highest smoking and binge drinking prevalences were among Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino American men and Japanese and Korean American women. These results suggest risk profiles for each Asian American subgroup to consider when setting priorities for health promotion programs.