Hypertension and related health issues among Asians and Pacific Islanders in California

Abstract

The prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled hypertension in the United States is lower for persons ethnically classified as Asian, particularly Japanese and excepting Filipinos, than for the general population. In this study, measurements of blood pressure were taken of 8,353 adults living in California, including 1,757 Asians and Pacific Islanders, and the subjects were asked six questions concerning high blood pressure. The results show that Asians and Pacific Islanders with hypertension, in comparison with hypertensive persons of other races, were less likely to be aware of their hypertension, to be under treatment with medication, and to be controlling their blood pressure; similarly, they had their blood pressure measured less frequently and visited physicians less often. Compared with the general population, Asians and Pacific Islanders were less knowledgeable about hypertension. In relation to health care, they recorded lower frequencies of hospital stays, days of bed disabilities, and days of not feeling well than persons of other races. Asians and Pacific Islanders' lower treatment rates and knowledge level concerning hypertension may be related to the fact that a high percentage are foreign-born. Consequently, they have been taught less about hypertension, rely more on traditional methods of medicine, and are hampered by the lack of availability of health care providers of their own ethnic background. In addition, Filipinos have experienced high levels of poverty and lack of education. These factors require additional study as part of efforts to help improve health care for these ethnic groups in the United States.