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PubMed2006

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Asian populations: a meta-analysis.

We searched for published studies on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Asian populations, through Medline, PubMed, PsychInfo and scanned through reference lists. Data on prevalence rates were obtained and summarized for each Asian region, and were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates using fixed and random effects models. As significant heterogeneity existed in certain age group categories, the random effects model was preferred. Twenty general population studies were identified. Six studies were eligible to be entered into the pooling of results, and provided 8653 subjects for analysis. The prevalence of ED increased with age. Pooled random effects age-specific prevalence rates were 15.1% (12.2-18.1), 29.6% (19.7-39.6), 40.6% (23.6-57.7), 54.3% (36.0-72.6) and 70.0% (62.3-77.7) for age groups 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 years, respectively. Homogeneity of results in age groups 20-29 and 60-69 years suggested equally low and high prevalences of ED across Asian regions in these age groups, respectively. The overall reported prevalence in individual studies ranged from 2 to 81.8%. Prevalence rates and related information were summarized for each Asian region and for each study.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2004

Do variations in blood pressures of South Asian, African and Chinese descent children reflect those of the adult populations in the UK? A review of cross-sectional data.

The objective of this study was to assess whether variations in BP in children of UK ethnic minority populations correspond to those seen in adults. A systematic literature review was carried out using MEDLINE 1966-2003 and EMBASE 1980-2003, supplemented by correspondence with expert informants, and citations from references. Five studies were identified. There were important differences between studies in terms of age and sex of samples, definition of ethnic minority children and methods of evaluating BP. Three studies of children of African descent reported lower mean SBP in boys from African descent compared to white boys, the differences being significant only in one study. In African descent girls, the mean SBP was significantly lower in one study, while DBP was significantly higher in one study. Four studies included children of South Asian origin. The Health Survey for England '99 reported on South Asian groups separately. Pakistani boys had a significantly higher age- and height-standardised mean SBP than the general population. The mean DBP was significantly higher in Indian and Pakistani boys than the general population. Pakistani and Bangladeshi girls had a significantly higher mean DBP than the general population. The other three studies, which combined South Asian subgroups found no significant differences in the mean BP between South Asians and white subjects. One study included children of Chinese descent and reported significantly higher mean DBP in Chinese boys and girls compared to the general population. Overall, BP across ethnic groups was similar. These similarities in BP patterns particularly in African, Bangladeshi and Pakistani descent children contrasts with those in the corresponding adult populations in the UK where BP is comparatively high in those of African descent and comparatively low in those of Bangladeshi and Pakistani descent.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Body composition and the apoB/apoA-I ratio in migrant Asian Indians and white Caucasians in Canada.

Migrant and native South Asians appear to be at increased risk of Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the most accurate summary index of the lipoprotein-related risk of vascular disease, the apoB (apolipoprotein B-100)/apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I) ratio, and body composition in established migrant South Asians and white Caucasians living in Canada. Men and women living in Montreal, Canada between the ages of 20-60 years were recruited for participation in the study. Subjects were excluded if they had a history of cardiovascular disease or were taking lipid-lowering medication. Individuals identified themselves as Asian Indian or Caucasian. Anthropometric measurements were collected, including weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and body fat percentage. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), apoA-I and apoB. Indian subjects had a substantially higher WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) than Caucasian subjects [men, 0.93+/-0.01 compared with 0.86+/-0.01 respectively (P<0.001); women, 0.88+/-0.01 compared with 0.77+/-0.01 respectively (P<0.0001)]. WHR correlated strongly with body fat percentage in Caucasians (men, r=0.63, P=0.0002; women, r=0.74, P<0.0001). By contrast, there was no correlation in Indians (men, r=0.22, P value not significant; women, r=0.23, P value not significant). In addition, Indian men and women had a higher apoB/A-I ratio than Caucasians [men, 0.85+/-0.04 compared with 0.66+/-0.04 respectively (P=0.001); women, 0.73+/-0.04 compared with 0.56+/-0.03 respectively (P=0.0003)]. Of interest, there were also significant correlations between the apoB/apoA-I ratio and WHR in all of the groups, except the Indian women, which were stronger than the correlation of the apoB/apoA-I ratio with BMI. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the apoB/apoA-I ratio and the body fat percentage in any of the groups. In conclusion, the present study confirms that, as body fat percentage increases, the distribution of body fat differs between migrant Indians and Caucasians living in Canada. It also relates differences in body fat distribution to differences in the apoB/apoA-I ratio, providing at least part of the answer as to why South Asians may be at increased risk of vascular disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Older South Asian patient and carer perceptions of culturally sensitive care in a community hospital setting.

This study describes the application of grounded theory to establish older, south Asian patient and carer views of service delivery in the UK. The purpose of the study was to inform the development of culturally sensitive services by defining the concept of cultural sensitivity from a user/carer perspective. The study took place in two community hospitals providing nurse-led intermediate care to a culturally diverse inner city population. Fifty-five per cent of the inner city population is of south Asian origin. Admissions to intermediate care, however, do not reflect the demography. Recent reports commissioned by the Department of Health highlight the failure of the National Health Service in England to provide culturally sensitive services to black and Asian patients. The Department of Health is trying to redress this inequality providing policy guidance for improving access and cultural sensitivity in the British health care system. There is little existing empirical evidence, however, to clarify the concept of culturally sensitive care. Patients and carers in this study described culturally appropriate care as that which respects individuality, creates mutual understanding, caters for spiritual need and maintains dignity. Older south Asian patients and their carers identified respect, understanding, spirituality and dignity as central to their conceptualization of cultural sensitivity. Their focus was on the nature of human relationships and their ability to interact in a positive way with staff. The findings of this small piece of empirical research are limited by the sample size (four patients and three carers), but illustrate that cultural sensitivity, although complex, can be defined. This then provides a basis for developing appropriate care strategies. One universal principle explicit in this research was that to be sensitive to culture staff must challenge their own assumptions and develop an understanding of the many layers of culture and subculture with which they are dealing. The starting point for any service is to understand the expectations of its users and to seek out and manage areas of conflict between organizational values and individuals' cultural requirements.

Asia↗

PubMed2002

Clinical application of lasers in Asians.

BACKGROUND: Laser surgery for Asians differs from that for Caucasians in several important respects. In Asians, some conditions such as nevus of Ota are frequently seen and certain adverse reactions, especially postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, tend to be more common. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the use of different types of lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources for the treatment of Asian patients. METHODS: Various cutaneous conditions amenable to laser treatment, including lentigines, nevus of Ota, acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules, port-wine stains, and acne scarring, are discussed. Strategies for the management of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are offered. RESULTS: Appropriate selection and careful planning of the treatment can lead to excellent clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Lasers and intense pulsed light sources are important tools for the treatment of a wide range of cutaneous conditions in Asians.

Asian People↗

PubMed2002

A random study of Asian male androgenetic alopecia in Bangkok, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia remains the most common cause of male pattern baldness (MPB) in all races. The prevalence of MPB in Caucasians is well documented. The prevalence of MPB in Asians is believed to be very low, only one-fourth to one-third on average compared to Caucasians. However, according to my previous study, there is a clear trend indicating that it is approaching that of Caucasians. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of MPB in the Asian population in Bangkok, Thailand; to compare this prevalence to previous studies conducted on Asians; and to compare the results to previous studies conducted on Caucasian. METHODS: This study was conducted by two physicians and assisted by two registered nurses. The questionnaire included age, sex, Norwood classification, diet, family history of baldness, income, and education. The physicians examined the scalp of each interviewee upon completion of each questionnaire. The ethnic focus group in this study was Thai and Chinese who reside in Bangkok, Thailand. The interviews were conducted in hospitals, nursing homes, classroom, medical meetings, temples, parks, and villages. RESULTS: A total of 1124 men were randomized in this study. The prevalence of cosmetically significant MPB (Norwood III-VII) was 38.52% and steadily increasing with age, approaching that of Caucasians. Variant MPB was found to be 0.67% and other types of androgenetic alopecia was 0.6%. From an ethnic point of view, the majority of the groups were of mixed blood and mostly of Chinese origin, thus we were unable to distinguish between Chinese and Thai. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the prevalence of MPB in Asians is not as low as previously thought. The cause of this increasing prevalence is uncertain. There are no past studies in Thailand for comparison, however, it can be extrapolated that the socioeconomic environment and westernized diet may contribute to this prevalence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

BMI does not accurately predict overweight in Asian Indians in northern India.

Asian Indians are at high risk for the development of atherosclerosis and related complications, possibly initiated by higher body fat (BF). The present study attempted to establish appropriate cut-off levels of the BMI for defining overweight, considering percentage BF in healthy Asian Indians in northern India as the standard. A total of 123 healthy volunteers (eighty-six males aged 18--75 years and thirty-seven females aged 20--69 years) participated in the study. Clinical examination and anthropometric measurements were performed, and percentage BF was calculated. BMI for males was 21.4 (sd 3.7) kg/m(2) and for females was 23.3 (sd 5.5) kg/m(2). Percentage BF was 21.3 (sd 7.6) in males and 35.4 (sd 5.0) in females. A comparison of BF data among Caucasians, Blacks, Polynesians and Asian ethnic groups (e.g. immigrant Chinese) revealed conspicuous differences. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a low sensitivity and negative predictive value of the conventional cut-off value of the BMI (25 kg/m(2)) in identifying subjects with overweight as compared to the cut-off value based on percentage BF (males >25, females >30). This observation is particularly obvious in females, resulting in substantial misclassification. Based on the ROC curve, a lower cut-off value of the BMI (21.5 kg/m(2) for males and 19.0 kg/m(2) for females) displayed the optimal sensitivity and specificity, and less misclassification in identification of subjects with high percentage BF. Furthermore, a novel obesity variable, BF:BMI, was tested and should prove useful for interethnic comparison of body composition. In the northern Indian population, the conventional cut-off level of the BMI underestimates overweight and obesity when percentage BF is used as the standard to define overweight. These preliminary findings, if confirmed in a larger number of subjects and with the use of instruments having a higher accuracy of BF assessment, would be crucial for planning and the prevention and treatment of various obesity-related metabolic diseases in the Asian Indian population.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Family history of alcohol dependence in Asian Americans.

A positive family history of alcoholism is one of the most consistent and powerful predictors of developing this disorder. Compared to other ethnic groups, Asian Americans, as a whole, report the lowest prevalence of family history of alcoholism, but differences in rates for Asian American subgroups have not been reported previously. This study assessed first- and second-degree family history of alcohol dependence in two Asian-American subgroups: individuals of Chinese (n = 142) and Korean (n = 152) heritage. As hypothesized, Korean Americans reported higher rates of first-degree family history of alcohol dependence than Chinese Americans. These findings highlight the heterogeneity in vulnerability to alcohol-related problems between Asian subgroups.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Alcohol, drugs, and substance use among Asian-American college students.

Two hundred and forty eight self-identified Asian-American college students participated in this study that examined the prevalence rates and sociodemographic factors of substance use among Asian Americans in college. Using a Basic Demographic Questionnaire, Family of Origin Measure, Acculturation Lifestyle Survey, and Substance Use Checklist (all instruments were in English), prevalence rates were found to be comparable to or higher than a national sample: 94.5% lifetime prevalence and 78.6% current prevalence (past 30 days) of alcohol use; and higher current prevalence (past 30 days) of illicit drug use (9.5%) and of cigarette use (22.8%) than other Asians aged 12 and older (3.5% for illicit drugs and 17.7% for cigarettes) in a national survey. Male students and those who were employed were more likely to be current users (past 30 days) of drugs in general (15%) and marijuana (13.2%), and users of wine coolers (76.0%) and cigarettes (61.1%) in their lifetime. Being born overseas, years in the U.S., and preference for American TV/movies are associated with substance use. Asian Americans are not immune from substance use (or abuse) while in college. Culture-specific prevention is necessary.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The credibility of the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment (BCRA) tool for Asians.

This paper presents an overview of the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment (BCRA) Tool, assessing the credibility of the BCRA tool in estimating the risk of developing breast cancer for Asians and the carrying out of tests to identify the changes in the risks that follow with changes in one or more risk factors of the tool. It is essential to increase the awareness of women of their risk of developing breast cancer, as it is not surprising that some women may not even be conscious of the individual factors that might contribute to the increase of their risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, relatively accurate means of determining increases in relative risks of developing breast cancer due to changes in some of the risk factors are also important. This is done so that unnecessary worry due to an overestimation of an individual's risk of developing breast cancer can be avoided. Due to the origin of the BCRA tool which is used in this study, it is important to verify the validity of the tool on Asians and to identify, as far as possible, the effect that each risk factor has on individuals. The effect that a specific risk factor has on a white woman may not be exactly the same for that of an Asian woman. As the above-mentioned tool has been arrived at using the statistics and databases of white women, in this work, tests have been carried out to determine the suitability of the tool on Asian women. On top of that, various tests are also carried out to determine the effects of the change of certain risk factors on a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. These factors include age, number of breast biopsies and number of first-degree relatives with breast cancer. Five-year risks and lifetime risks are also looked into separately with the change of each of these factors.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

An integrative review on breast cancer screening practice and correlates among Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Asian Indian American women.

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Chinese, Filipino and Korean women. Despite the efficacy of breast cancer screening, Asian American women have one of the lowest rates of mammography and clinical breast exam (CBE) of all U.S. ethnic groups. I provided a systematic overview to document factors related to three modalities of breast cancer screening (breast self-exam [BSE], CBE and mammography) among four subgroups of Asian American women (i.e., Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Asian Indian). Results showed that the existing studies provided evidence of demographic correlates to screening practice; however, fewer studies focused on cognitive and social-cultural correlates, and limited results were available with Filipino and Asian Indian groups.

Asian↗

PubMed2025

A genome-wide association study of stroke risk in Asian statin users: evidence from KoGES and UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Despite proven efficacy of statins in stroke prevention, genetic factors may influence individual stroke risk among statin users. With increasing precision medicine approaches and growing evidence of population-specific genetic variations, identifying genetic markers that predict stroke risk in statin-treated Asian populations has become critically important for personalized cardiovascular prevention strategies. METHODS: We conducted a genome-wide association study of 1,678 participants using lipid-lowering agents in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) cohort. Significant findings were replicated in 2,170 Asian participants on statins from the UK Biobank using an additive genetic model adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS: In the discovery analysis, 83 single nucleotide polymorphisms were suggestively associated with stroke (p <1.0 × 10-5). Among these, 21 SNPs in the CDH13 gene were associated with increased stroke risk. The lead SNP, rs7201829, was significantly replicated in the UK Biobank (odds ratio: 2.29, p = 2.39 × 10-5). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified CDH13 as a significant genetic marker associated with stroke risk among Asian statin users. These findings provide the first genome-wide evidence for genetic determinants of stroke susceptibility during statin therapy, supporting the development of personalized prevention strategies in Asian populations.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Trading genes along the silk road: mtDNA sequences and the origin of central Asian populations.

Central Asia is a vast region at the crossroads of different habitats, cultures, and trade routes. Little is known about the genetics and the history of the population of this region. We present the analysis of mtDNA control-region sequences in samples of the Kazakh, the Uighurs, the lowland Kirghiz, and the highland Kirghiz, which we have used to address both the population history of the region and the possible selective pressures that high altitude has on mtDNA genes. Central Asian mtDNA sequences present features intermediate between European and eastern Asian sequences, in several parameters-such as the frequencies of certain nucleotides, the levels of nucleotide diversity, mean pairwise differences, and genetic distances. Several hypotheses could explain the intermediate position of central Asia between Europe and eastern Asia, but the most plausible would involve extensive levels of admixture between Europeans and eastern Asians in central Asia, possibly enhanced during the Silk Road trade and clearly after the eastern and western Eurasian human groups had diverged. Lowland and highland Kirghiz mtDNA sequences are very similar, and the analysis of molecular variance has revealed that the fraction of mitochondrial genetic variance due to altitude is not significantly different from zero. Thus, it seems unlikely that altitude has exerted a major selective pressure on mitochondrial genes in central Asian populations.

Africa↗

PubMed1999

Demographic and attitudinal variables related to high-risk behaviors in Asian males who have sex with other men.

Although AIDS is spreading rapidly in minority communities, little is known about attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to AIDS and HIV in the Asian community. The purpose of this study was to examine these variables in a sample of gay Asian males, as well as to investigate the relationship between knowledge, sources of information, culturally influenced attitudes and high-risk behaviors in this population. Results from a sample of 60 young Asian men who self-identified as "having sex with other men" indicated they were generally knowledgeable about methods of transmission and prevention, and appeared linked to a large information network that included informal sources such as peers and formal sources. However, significant percentages held culturally biased views of AIDS, such as believing race of partner or one's own gender role in the sexual encounter determined level of risk; and one third of the sample did not use condoms regularly. Having been tested for HIV was associated with holding less traditional cultural beliefs and a higher sexual activity level. Open communication about safer sexual practices was associated with monogamous as opposed to multiple relationships and with decreased tendency to engage in alcohol-related unprotected sex. Variance in overall risk was predicted by demographic variables such as education, age, and level of sexual activity, rather than by the attitudinal factors measured. Limitations of this exploratory study include a time-limited subject recruitment period and consequent small sample size, a homogeneous sample weighted toward young, well-educated, and middle-class respondents, and the exclusion of non-English speaking individuals. Nevertheless, study findings suggest that educational outreach targeting Asians who have sex with other men needs to address inaccurate cultural beliefs about HIV/AIDS, emphasize consistent condom use, and encourage models of open communication with partners about safer sexual practices.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Are psychological consequences of stigma enduring or transitory? A longitudinal study of HIV stigma and distress among Asians and Pacific Islanders living with HIV illness.

Cross-sectional findings have shed considerable light on the relationships between illness stigma and psychological outcomes among persons living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. However, no studies have examined the possible long-term consequences of illness stigma on mental health among Asians and Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AIDS, a group particularly vulnerable to HIV stigma due to ingrained sociocultural norms. This 2-year longitudinal study examined the relationship between five HIV-stigma factors (social rejection, negative self-worth, perceived interpersonal insecurity, financial insecurity, discretionary disclosure) and changes in psychological distress dimensions (self-esteem, hopelessness, dread, confused thinking, sadness, anxiety) among a convenience sample of 44 HIV-seropositive Asians and Pacific Islanders in New York City from 2002 to 2004. Undocumented Asians independently endorsed higher levels of perceived interpersonal insecurity and lower levels of self-esteem than documented participants at both baseline and 2-year follow-up. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that baseline social rejection and perceived interpersonal insecurity were significantly associated with changes in self-esteem at 2-year follow-up, controlling for baseline self-esteem and physical symptoms at follow-up. An interaction effect between baseline financial insecurity and discretionary disclosure was significantly associated with dread at 2-year follow-up. Findings highlight the importance of stigma reduction interventions that: (1) recognize multiple layers of stigma based sexual orientation, gender, and immigration status; and (2) address both individual and structural constraints that perpetuate HIV-stigma among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Clinical significance of cerebral white matter lesions in older Asians with suspected dementia.

BACKGROUND: cerebral white matter lesions are commonly seen on neuroimaging in older people and have been associated with clinical features such as gait abnormalities, urinary incontinence and depression. The significance of cerebral white matter lesions in older people with dementia remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: to study the association between cerebral white matter lesions and the presence or absence of dementia in a group of elderly Asian patients; and to determine the clinical significance of cerebral white matter lesions in patients who are diagnosed to have dementia in terms of associated clinical features and the impact of cerebral white matter lesions on cognitive status. METHODS: for the first objective, the records of 141 older people of Asian ethnicity presenting to a memory clinic for the evaluation of suspected dementia were reviewed to compare the prevalence of cerebral white matter lesions in patients who did not fulfil the criteria for dementia, patients diagnosed to have Alzheimer's disease and patients diagnosed to have vascular dementia. For the second objective, 115 of these patients who were diagnosed to have dementia were studied to determine if demented patients with cerebral white matter lesions were more likely to have urinary incontinence, Parkinsonism, depression and greater severity of dementia. In addition, a comparison was made between demented patients with cerebral white matter lesions and those without cerebral white matter lesions in terms of psychometric assessment scores. RESULTS: cerebral white matter lesions were more common in Asian patients with vascular dementia. Demented patients with cerebral white matter lesions were also found to have more severe dementia and greater functional disability. CONCLUSION: cerebral white matter lesions are common, and are associated with greater functional disability in elderly Asian patients with dementia.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Adolescent and adult soy intake and risk of breast cancer in Asian-Americans.

The association between soyfood intake and breast cancer risk is controversial. Most of the epidemiologic studies published on this topic in the 1990s were not designed to specifically address this question. We conducted a population-based, case-control study of breast cancer among Chinese, Japanese and Filipino women in Los Angeles County to further investigate the role of soy. Our primary objective was to quantify breast cancer risks associated with intake of soy during adolescence and adult life among Asian-American women. During 1995-1998, we successfully interviewed 501 breast cancer patients and 594 control subjects. Intake of soy among Asian-Americans is still relatively high; the median intake was 12 mg isoflavones/day, approximately one-third of that reported in a recent study in Shanghai, China. The risk of breast cancer was significantly inversely associated with soy intake during adolescence and adult life. After adjusting for age, specific Asian ethnicity, education, migration history and menstrual and reproductive factors, women who reported soy intake at least once per week during adolescence showed a statistically significantly reduced risk of breast cancer. There was also a significant trend of decreasing risk with increasing soy intake during adult life. When we considered soy intake during both adolescence and adult life, subjects who were high-soy consumers during both time periods showed the lowest risk (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.36-0.78) compared with those who were low consumers during both time periods. Risk of breast cancer was intermediate among subjects who were high-soy consumers during adolescence and low-soy consumers during adult life (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.51-1.10). Based on a relatively small number of subjects, the risk did not appear to differ between those who were low consumers during adolescence and high consumers during adult life. Results remained similar after adjustment for other potential confounders including other dietary and non-dietary risk factors for breast cancer. These results show that high soy intake in childhood in Asian-Americans is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Risk may be further reduced by intake as an adult.

Asian↗

PubMed2006

Promoting physical activity among South Asian women with coronary heart disease and diabetes: what might help?

BACKGROUND: People of South Asian origin have higher mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes than those of European origin. However, physical activity, of established value in primary and secondary prevention, appears lower among South Asians. OBJECTIVE: To explore influences on, and attitudes towards, physical activity among South Asian women with CHD and diabetes to inform secondary prevention strategies. METHODS: Exploratory qualitative study with women aged 26-70 years of varying South Asian ethnicity, religion and socio-economic background with CHD and/or non-insulin-dependent diabetes were recruited from primary care practices in the UK. RESULTS: The beneficial use of physical activity to improve and limit progression of their disease was largely unrecognized by the women interviewed. They were uncertain what type and level of physical activity was appropriate and safe for them. They operated their own threshold for physical activity in relation to their condition, which they were afraid to exceed. Specific guidance from health professionals was lacking. Respondents emphasized the cultural importance of being active day to day, rather than the 'Western' concepts of organized exercise. However, women's principal motivations and attitudes towards physical activity, to loose weight, socialize and maintain independence, were culturally similar to 'majority' populations. CONCLUSIONS: Better health professional guidance on appropriate physical activity, its health benefits and its safety is needed for this highly at-risk group. Promoting informal moderate-intensity physical activity may help. Strategies should avoid any tendency to overemphasize cultural barriers noting greater similarities than differences between cultural groups.

Adult↗