April 2022 newsletter
Feature Articles
South Asian health disparities: Provider resources
South Asians are the fastest growing major ethnic group in the United States1, accounting for 5.4 million people. South Asians are also one of the most diverse groups, with individuals tracing their heritage to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Some are refugees or immigrants, while others were born and raised in the United States.
Heart disease and diabetes health disparities
Regardless of their background, one thing South Asians have in common is their greater likelihood of developing heart disease, sometimes at a significantly younger age, and type 2 diabetes at a lower body mass index (BMI) than the general population. As a group, South Asians:
- Are at a four times greater risk of developing heart disease.2
- Have a higher mortality rate when living with diabetes.3
- Develop heart disease an average of 10 years earlier than those of other descent, even with a normal BMI.2
- Have more abdominal adiposity, which confers greater metabolic risk and leads to insulin resistance. Therefore, diabetes screening is suggested if BMI is 23 or greater.4
Because of the significant variations in the socioeconomic statuses and health care practices of South Asians, it can be difficult for providers to plan health care initiatives that may address gaps in care and improve these health disparities.
New resources for providers
To help providers address the unique health needs of their South Asian patients, we recently added new resources to the materials already available on the Cigna Cultural Competency and Health Equity Resources web page. The new materials include a web page, a heart health digital guide, and a heart health video – all focusing on South Asian health disparities.
You can access all of the new and existing resources using the chart below.
GENERAL HEALTH DISPARITIES | |
South Asian Health Disparities web page - new | The South Asian population in the United States is rapidly increasing. However, there is limited awareness by clinicians and their South Asian patients regarding significant health disparities in this ethnic group and related screening needs. This web page contains the resources clinicians and patients need to gain insights about these health disparities and how to address them. |
White paper |
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Video (five minutes) | Anil Sipahimalani, MD, talks about the reasons for higher incidences of diabetes and coronary artery disease in South Asians. |
Video (six minutes) | Sheila Sudhakar, MD, addresses how providers can discuss lifestyle modifications with South Asian patients in a culturally appropriate way. |
HEART HEALTH AND SOUTH ASIANS | |
Digital guide - new |
|
Digital guide companion - new | This one-page flyer will stimulate conversations with your patients regarding heart health, screening needs, prevention, and lifestyle changes. |
Video (four minutes) - new |
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DIABETES AMONG SOUTH ASIANS Click here to access training series. |
|
Overview (35 minutes)5 | Addresses key health disparities found within the South Asian population, including a deeper exploration into certain subpopulations. |
Three case studies (15minutes)5 |
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Patient card (brochure) |
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* 1. “South Asians by the Numbers: Population in the U.S. has grown by 40% since 2010.” South Asian Americans Leading Together. 15 May 2019. Retrieved from https://SAALT.org/south-asians-by-the-numbers-population-in-the-u-s-has-grown-by-40-since-2010/.
* 2. Krishnan, Sandeep. “Cover Story – South Asians and Cardiovascular Disease: The Hidden Threat.” American College of Cardiology. 17 May 2019. Retrieved from https://www.ACC.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2019/05/07/12/42/cover-story-south-asians-and-cardiovascular-disease-the-hidden-threat.
* 3. Shah, Arti; Kanaya, Alka. “Diabetes and Associated Complications in the South Asian Population.” May 2014. Retrieved from https://www.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4026332/.
* 4. “Diabetes and Asian Americans.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.CDC.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-asian-americans.html.
* 5. Access this training course at Cigna.com/health-care-providers/resources/cultural-competency-training. Follow the instructions to register for and take the course.