Sewa FACP
Clinical Professor of Medicine/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Professor Emeritus of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, (713) 896-8800
Lakshmi LCSW
Consultant, Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Programs, Patient Navigation and Counseling, 2303 Nantucket Drive, Houston, TX 77057, (281) 923-4737
Kanchan MBA
Indian American Cancer Network, P.O. Box 741886, Houston, TX 77274, (713) 370-3489
Lovell PhD
Associate Dean for Research, Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing, Professor Emeritus, U.T. Distinguished Teaching Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, (713) 582-8296
VK BE
Past President, Indian American Cancer Network, (281) 639-1893
Sunil PhD
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology – Unit 97, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030, (713) 563-2301
Deborah PhD
Bureau Chief, Director’s Office, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research for Effectiveness, Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054, (832) 393-4627 (office)
Beverly LD
Staff Analyst, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research for Effectiveness, Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054, (832) 393-4738
Mala MBBS
Assistant Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition – Unit 1466, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, (713) 745-5625
Keywords:
Asian Indians, health behaviors and health perspectives, focus groups
Abstract
Objective
Identify health perspectives among Asian Indians in greater Houston area, to guide a tailored community wide survey.
Design
Four focus groups of different ages, gender, and nativity were conducted at which participants were asked for their opinions about specific health topics. Key informant interviews were conducted with ten community leaders to validate focus group responses. Recordings from focus groups and key informant interviews were transcribed and analyzed.
Results
Diabetes, cancer, and hypertension were primary health concerns. Common themes were sedentary lifestyle and poor health literacy. Older participants were more accepting of having familial hypertension and high cholesterol. Women were more concerned about health of family members and dietary habits. Perspectives differed on eating habits, physical activity, use of Western medicine, and smoking based on nativity. Responses from key informant interviews validated focus group findings.
Conclusion
Perspectives on health may differ among Asian Indians depending on gender, age, and nativity.
Keywords: Asian Indians, health behaviors and health perspectives, focus groups
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