Knowledge and behaviours of Indo-Canadians about cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention

Indo-Canadians are a significant minority group residing in Canada. Several well designed comparative studies conducted in Europe have demonstrated that East Indians suffer higher rates of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality than the other white populations (Hughes, raval, and Raftery, 1985; Hughes, Yeo, et al., 1990; McKeigue, Marmot, Adelstein, etal., 1985; McKeigue & Marmot, 1988). There is limited knowledge available about behavioral practices of Indo-Canadians that could explain the possible causes of increased heart disease risks among members of this community. This study describes Indo-Canadians' existing level of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors. It further explores the relationship between the knowledge and their risk reducing behaviours. A descriptive correlational study design was used, and a convenience sample of 27 healthy Indo-Canadians, men and women between ages of 30 and 65 years, was selected for the purposes of this study. The findings of this study suggest that many Indo-Canadians (96%)are well aware of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. There was a moderately strong (r = .34, significant at p = .05) relationship between Indo-Canadians' knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors and their reported risk reducing behaviours. The implications that this study has for nursing research, administration, practice and education are discussed.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat