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South Asians bear a greater burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other ethnic groups and hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor. The purpose of this study was to examine rates and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among an immigrant Punjabi Sikh community in Vancouver. We recruited 350 adults (40% women; mean age 67.3 ± 11.9 years) across 5 Sikh temples and measured blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, waist circumference, socio-demographic background, and health history. 42% of participants had uncontrolled blood pressure of which one-third reported no previous history of hypertension. Based on modified cut-offs for South Asians, the mean waist circumferences across groups were well above target and 50% classified as obese. A higher percentage in the uncontrolled group (vs. controlled group) were of an older age, had a diabetes history and reported a physically active lifestyle. Findings suggest more efforts are needed to reduce the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure in this community. Interventions such as blood pressure drives, community-based outreach programs, and physical activity and dietary interventions should be explored to lower this CVD risk factor in this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is an endeavour to analyse the performance and penetration of Indian health insurance sector for the period from 2007-08 to 2011-12 using the T-test and compounded growth rate. The study compares the performance of health insurance on the basis of number of claims and claim paid of males and females of 4 public and 18 private insurance companies which deal into health insurance. Significant difference has been found in number of claims made, claims paid and average claim paid of male and female policy holders. The results revealed that the males are more utilising the hospitalisation facilities and claims paid by the health insurance companies were on high scale to males than females. As concerned to the penetration, the results stated that there is continuous growth of policies and policy premium during the study period. It proved that people insured their health and availing the health insurance benefits interestingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]