Publications/ Presentations

The mental health crisis impacting youth communities has resulted in two calls to action: 1) to consider cultural meanings when developing solutions and 2) to engage minoritized youth in research to capture lived experiences. This reflective essay describes the qualitative phase of a project to support the well-being of South Asian youth living in the United States We illustrate the value of the Culture-Centered Approach and how incorporating the concept of communication infrastructures can address these two calls by 1) enabling thoughtful reflections of culture grounded in youth perspectives and 2) helping clarify the ideals of community-engaged praxis that foster youth engagement in research.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10570314.2026.2669337

Although successful utilization of medical and preventive care by members of the non-US born communities is an important public health concern, our knowledge regarding health practices of different ethnic subgroups is limited. In the present study, participants of the health fairs organized during South Asian cultural and religions events were asked anonymously to complete the South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI) health survey questionnaire to evaluate their health-related practices, self-health perception, and satisfaction with medical care. Among 1,250 surveyed, 1,016 foreign born Asian Indians adults that represented the fastest growing subgroups of the South Asian born nationals in the US were included in the analysis. We found that the majority reported healthy behavior (exercise activities and abstinence from alcohol or tobacco), high self-health perception, satisfaction with medical care, and compliance with annual routine medical examinations that was directly associated with the annual house income. Approximately 40% of women complied with breast and cervical cancer screenings and less than 20% of men complied with prostate cancer screening guidelines. Presence of chronic conditions (mostly cardiovascular pathology and/or diabetes) that were reported by approximately half of the participants negatively impacted their self-health perception. In conclusion, positive self-reported health perception and compliance with routine health examinations of the surveyed foreign born Asian Indians was reported along with an increased rate of chronic morbidity and underutilization of specific preventive services. Observed discrepancy between self-health perception and health status highlights the need to enhance utilization of preventive services among the non-US born Asian Indian community.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9449-4

An anonymous SATHI survey of 1,016 foreign-born Asian Indian adults recruited at community health fairs assessed health practices, perceived health and medical care. Many reported healthy behaviors and satisfaction with care, but chronic conditions were common and use of selected cancer screening services was low. The authors call for improved preventive-care uptake.

Publication: 2012  DOI: 10.1007/s10900-011-9449-4

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21811880/

This study examines adverse birth outcomes among Asian Indian singleton births in New Jersey during 2008–2011, including low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age birth, preterm birth and perinatal outcomes.

Publication: 2015 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0075-y

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25047404/

This literature review discusses inflammation and infections relevant to cardiovascular disease and cancer risk in South Asians. It considers arsenic exposure among Bangladeshis, particulate air pollution among taxi drivers, HPV and hepatitis infections, and emerging evidence about the microbiome, obesity and diabetes.

Publication: 2019 (online 2017) DOI: 10.1007/s10903-017-0652-y

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28952002/

Ninety-three foreign-born South Asians aged 50–75 were recruited for a culturally tailored, one-to-one colorectal cancer screening intervention offered in English, Hindi and Urdu. Attendance and participant evaluations were favorable, but follow-up completion was low. Intent-to-treat analysis found 30% screening uptake at four months, with improved knowledge and reduced perceived barriers and worry.

Publication: 2021 (online 2018) DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1539219

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30394106/

This cross-sectional community survey assessed knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning latent tuberculosis infection testing and treatment among South Asians born outside the United States and living in New Jersey. The full abstract could not be reliably retrieved for this compilation; specific results are therefore not reproduced.

Publication: 2019 (online 2018) DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-00607-4

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30560311/

The SAHAS program delivered culturally tailored stroke education to South Asian participants and compared questionnaires before and after the session. Among 357 participants completing the program, scores improved modestly by 9%. Participants aged 60 or younger showed a greater adjusted score increase than older participants.

Publication: 2021 (online 2020) DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01071-w

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32813225/

A conference abstract reports an anonymous survey of 218 physicians, including 137 primary-care clinicians, about latent TB infection care for South Asian patients. About three-quarters of the primary-care group reported routine screening, 60% always offered treatment, and practice patterns varied in testing, medication choices and follow-up. The authors recommended physician education on newer regimens.

Publication: 2019 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1240

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6808925/

Interviews with 17 pediatricians explored barriers to culturally effective primary care for South Asian children. Respondents raised concerns about feeding, physical activity and mental health, and described parental feeding anxiety, grandparent influence and mental-health stigma. Suggested approaches included clearer communication, gradual change, family engagement and better cultural knowledge.

Publication: 2022 DOI: 10.1177/00099228221143306

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36482667/