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Introduction. South Asians in the United States have a high prevalence of obesity and an elevated risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, little is known about how aspects of neighborhood environment influence cardiometabolic risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) in this rapidly growing population. We aimed to investigate the association between perceived neighborhood social cohesion and BMI among South Asians. Methods. We utilized cross-sectional data from the MASALA study, a prospective community-based cohort of 906 South Asian men and women from the San Francisco Bay area and the greater Chicago area. Multivariable linear regression models, stratified by sex, were used to examine the association between perceived level of neighborhood social cohesion and individual BMI after adjusting for sociodemographics. Results. Participants were 54% male, with an average age of 55 years, 88% had at least a bachelor's degree, and the average BMI was 26.0 kg/m2. South Asian women living in neighborhoods with the lowest social cohesion had a significantly higher BMI than women living in neighborhoods with the highest cohesion (β coefficient = 1.48, 95% CI 0.46–2.51, p = 0.02); however, the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (β coefficient = 1.06, 95% CI −0.01–2.13, p = 0.05). There was no association between level of neighborhood social cohesion and BMI in South Asian men. Conclusion. Perceived neighborhood social cohesion was not significantly associated with BMI among South Asians in our study sample. Further research is recommended to explore whether other neighborhood characteristics may be associated with BMI and other health outcomes in South Asians and the mechanisms through which neighborhood may influence health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian-Indians, one of the fastest growing US immigrant groups, experience depression and anxiety, particularly among women. In this mixed-methods study, quantitative (n = 217) and qualitative (n = 36) data explored egalitarian vs. traditional views regarding women's roles and rights. Bicultural integration, family planning decision-making ability, and anxiety were associated with more egalitarian views, while Punjabi language preference, depression, and more births were associated with traditional views. Health care professionals serving this population need to be aware of the potential cultural values conflicts and gender role expectations that influence decisions around reproductive health and mental health care for Asian-Indian immigrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The evaluation aims to assess emergency preparedness (EP) among Native American tribes in California to inform future development of priorities and strategies for improvement. The analysis explores funding barriers and gaps in resource availability. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to explore four aspects of EP: 1) perceptions of preparedness; 2) funding mechanisms; 3) resource availability; and 4) plans for future preparedness efforts. The survey was conducted online, by telephone, fax, or mail. Analysis includes National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) compliance, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of disaster mitigation plans. Results and Discussion: Findings represent 40% of the federally-recognized California tribes. Participants included: tribal chairpersons and administrators, emergency services managers, fire chiefs, police chiefs, and environmental directors. Results indicated low awareness of funding regulations and instructional opportunities yet high interest; high dependency on external EP response resources; and needed improvements in community involvement. Conclusion: Partnerships with local emergency preparedness and academic organizations and improved communication are recommended to bridge gaps in resources and awareness. This evaluation provides one of the first systematic assessments of EP achievements and gaps among Native American tribes in California. Future studies are needed to explore these preliminary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]