Ivy Chen
Research Mentor: Tsu-Yin Wu
Mentor Department: Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Stud, Other
Author(s): Ivy Chen , Tsu-Yin Wu
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 11
Abstract
Asian Americans face differences in health outcomes for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, yet they remain underrepresented in preventive health research and screening programs. A recent study reports that Asian individuals have higher body fat percentages and greater metabolic risk at lower BMI levels than white populations, supporting the need for lower BMI cut points when assessing obesity-related disease risk in Asian groups. Hypertension is also frequently underdiagnosed in this population. These three indicators, prediabetes risk scores, BMI classification using Asian-specific cutoffs, and blood pressure, are essential to identify early signs of chronic disease for timely medical intervention and prevention. Working with Center for Health Disparities Innovations & Studies (CHDIS), this UROP study aims to provide accessible, culturally sensitive health screenings for older Asian Americans. The goal is is to identify early risk factors for chronic disease, such as diabetes, through health screening events in areas with large Asian American populations. In current study, the study sample included 50 participant and completed pre-diabetes risk test, received a BMI Index score using Asian BMI criteria, and had their blood pressure measured. The average pre-diabetes risk score was 4.93 (SD = 1.57), and 57.1% scored 5 or higher, indicating an elevated risk of developing diabetes. Based on Asian BMI cutoffs (overweight =23; obese =27.5), 46.0% were overweight, and 22.0% were obese. Blood pressure readings showed that 64.0% of the participants met the criteria for hypertension. The findings showed a high level of chronic disease risk factors within this community and further the need for culturally informed preventive care. As CHDIS expands its outreach, our goal is to reduce health disparities by improving access to screenings, education, and early intervention for our Asian American population.
