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Having an Advance Directive (AD) can help to guide medical decision-making. Asian Americans (AA) are less likely than White Americans to complete an AD. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a church-based intervention to increase knowledge and behavior change related to AD among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans. This study utilized a single group pre- and post-intervention design with 174 participants from 4 churches. Domain assessed: demographics; AD-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and intentions; AD completion; and conversations with a healthcare proxy. Data were analyzed using Chi square and multiple logistic regression techniques. We observed significant increases in participants' AD-related knowledge, intentions, and a gain in supportive beliefs and attitudes about AD, resulting in 71.8 % AD completion, and 25.0 % having had a proxy conversation. Providing culturally-tailored intervention and step-by-step guidance can help to achieve significant changes in AD related knowledge and behavior in AA church goers.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of a diabetes self-management and education program for Chinese Americans in a support group format. The rationale for the study was to create culturally appropriate diabetes education and management programs in response to the growing diabetes prevalence among Chinese Americans. The investigators hypothesized that participants will have improved diabetes knowledge and practices, hemoglobin A1C, and social support. The study objectives were at least: 50% will have significant improvements in diabetes knowledge and practice activities, 30% of participants will have significant improvements in A1C, and 50% will report a gain in emotional support.MethodsThe program consisted of 12 90-minute diabetes education and support group sessions offered in a medical office setting. The sample included 23 Chinese Americans with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Using a single-group, pre-post test design, A1C and diabetes knowledge were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Data were collected through clinical assessments and written questionnaires.ResultsThe results indicated high attendance and statistically significant increases in glycemic control and diabetes knowledge. Statistically insignificant differences were shown in diabetes management practices. Secondary outcomes assessed participants' perceived diabetes management and emotional and social support.ConclusionsDiabetes Self-Management: A Cultural Approach (DSMCA) support group model demonstrates that a culturally tailored support group utilizing a community-based participatory research approach is an effective format to improve diabetes self-management skills among Chinese Americans. The program can be adapted for other ethnic populations. The efficacy of the intervention can be further tested in larger randomized trials.

Introduction: Nearly a quarter of preschool-aged Chinese American children are overweight or obese. Children of overweight mothers are at higher risk for obesity. Efforts to prevent obesity among low-income minority children with overweight mothers should start in early childhood. Methodology: This randomized pilot study consisted of 8 weekly sessions, examined feasibility of a tablet computer–based intervention among 32 mother–child dyads. The study estimated effect size of the intervention at baseline, 3 and 6 months on maternal outcomes including self-efficacy, eating behaviors, physical activity, child-feeding practices, and change in body mass index. Results: The tablet computer–based intervention is feasible among low-income Chinese mothers with low acculturation. A large-effect size was observed in reducing maternal body mass index, waist circumference, and improving maternal eating style and self-efficacy for promoting healthy eating. Discussion: Multimedia tablet-based education tailored for Chinese immigrant mothers was successful in short-term maternal behaviors changes related to diet and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the prevalence of diabetes in different Asian American, Native Hawaiian (NH), and Pacific Islander (PI) (AANHPI) populations to identify the similarities and differences. It states that type 1 diabetes in the AANHPI populations is quite rare, with five-to 10-fold less than that observed in the white population. The challenges and barriers in diabetes management among AANHPI are also discussed.

Introduction: Smoking prevalence remains high among Asian American immigrant men, particularly those with limited English proficiency. Understanding ways to promote serious quit attempts (defined as a quit attempt lasting at least 24 h) could be crucial for reducing tobacco-related health disparities in this population. This study examines correlates of serious past year quit attempts among Chinese and Vietnamese American male daily smokers.Methods: Baseline survey data were collected between 2015 and 2017 from a lifestyle intervention trial (N = 340 Chinese and Vietnamese male daily smokers). Data analysis was conducted in 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with serious past year quit attempts.Results: Less than half (43.2%) of the study participants had at least one serious past year quit attempt. Significant correlates of serious quit attempts included utilizing evidence-based methods (OR = 12.83, 95% CI 5.17-31.84) or other methods (OR = 3.92, 95% CI 3.92-13.73) to facilitate quitting compared to those who did not attempt to quit. Also, participants who had a physician encounter in the past year were more likely to have had a serious quit attempt (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.12-4.53). Discussing smoking during a past year doctor's visit, however, was not a significant correlate of serious quit attempts.Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of promoting the use of smoking cessation resources, and potentially utilizing healthcare encounters to facilitate cessation. Investigations are warranted to understand better how patient-physician interactions can enhance smoking cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]