Addressing a Growing Community's Health Needs: Project SAHNA (South Asian Health Needs Assessment)
- Resource Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Vyas, Amita; Chaudhary, Nitasha; Ramiah, Kalpana; Landry, Megan
- Source
- Journal of Immigrant & Minority Health. Jun2013, Vol. 15 Issue 3, p577-583. 7p.
- Subject
- Language
- ISSN
- 1557-1912
Limited data and research is available on the health issues faced by the South Asian population, especially for those living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Online and in-person surveys were administered to a convenience sample (n = 709) of South Asians living in the metropolitan Washington DC region. The survey gathered information on socio-demographics and acculturation; health care access and utilization; sources of health information; perceptions of community health; physical activity and smoking. While over 70 % of participants had a routine physical exam in the last 12 months, foreign born and less acculturated adults were less likely to have had a routine visit in the last 12 months. Internet (76.9 %) and physicians (76.1 %) are key sources of health information for South Asians. Only 29 % of South Asians are engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity per week. The results of this study provide guidance for future work in addressing the health and well-being of South Asian communities in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]