What’s Good for the Goose May Not Be Good for the Gander: An Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Comprehension Amongst South Asian Americans Restricted; Files Only
Raveendran, Rashmi (Spring 2025)
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world, and research has shown that South Asian Americans (SAAs) demonstrate higher rates of CVD risk factors such as elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. CV mortality and morbidity are also higher in South Asians with standard biomarkers for risk. Currently, there is little research highlighting the population’s understanding of this health disparity. Given the value that health education and comprehension provide for improved patient outcomes, this study aims to assess knowledge of CVD amongst SAAs. A 10-minute online survey was nationally administered, where SAA participants were asked to indicate whether a series of factual statements about CVD risk were true or false. Various survey participants also opted to complete a post-survey online interview. The data collected from survey respondents (N=61) were quantitatively analyzed using logistic and linear regression models, and interview data (N=7) was qualitatively analyzed to detect common themes and patterns. Participants were more likely to indicate that a true statement was true (accuracy >58%) than to indicate that a false statement was false (accuracy <37%). Increased social media use and knowledge of the MASALA study were potential predictors of specific question accuracy and overall accuracy across the survey (p<0.05), respectively, when controlling for various sociodemographic predictors. Interview data demonstrated that having a familial or personal tie to someone with CVD was associated with increased awareness of CVD risk factors and knowledge. Additionally, interview data suggests SAAs face challenges in internalizing the threat of CVD as something pertinent to the population due to a lack of representation in discourse about CVD and a lack of specific care from healthcare providers. Ultimately, this study provides initial insights into comprehension of CVD risk among SAAs and highlights key factors shaping knowledge of this disparity in the population. While overall knowledge among this survey population was relatively low, this work provides the groundwork for future research and assessments of populational understanding, including identifying potential solution routes that best support SAAs in their efforts to mitigate risk for CVD.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction 1
Ia. Rationale and Relevance 1
Ib. Background and Literature Review 2
Ic. Research Hypothesis and Structure 7
II. Methods 8
IIa. Survey Structure and Recruitment Methods 8
IIb. Quantitative Data Analysis: Survey Responses 14
IIc. Qualitative Data Analysis: In-Depth Interviews 26
III. Results 28
IIIa. Quantitative Data 28
IIIb. Qualitative Data 46
IV. Discussion 64
IVa. Assessment of Overall Understanding of CVD Risk Among SAAs 64
IVb. Knowledge-Based Predictors: Associations and Covariation 65
IVc. Attitude and Perception-Based Predictors: Associations and Covariation 69
IVd. Behavioral-Based Predictors: Associations and Covariation 71
IVe. Perceptions and Sources of Individual Knowledge Regarding CVD Risk 74
IVf. Effects of Community Relevance and Personal CVD Ties on Comprehension 76
IVg. Factors Affecting the Internalization of Perceived Risk 79
IVh. Potential Solutions and Future Directions 81
IVi. Study Limitations 82
V. Conclusion 84
VI. Works Cited 85
VII. Appendix 96
VIIa. Researched and Contacted Religious and Spiritual Centers Across the U.S. 96
VIIb. R Programming Code for Survey Analysis 100
VIIc. Supplemental Data Tables and Figures 100
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File download under embargo until 22 November 2025 | 2025-04-09 02:21:54 -0400 | File download under embargo until 22 November 2025 |
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