Sa. Bennett, INEQUALITIES IN RISK-FACTORS AND CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY AMONG AUSTRALIA IMMIGRANTS, Australian journal of public health, 17(3), 1993, pp. 251-261
Inequalities in biomedical and life-style risk factors for cardiovascu
lar disease were examined for 6 116 immigrants to Australia and 14 941
people born in Australia, using data collected in the 1980, 1983 and
1989 risk-factor prevalence surveys. After adjusting for age and study
design, significant differences were identified between immigrant gro
ups and the Australian-born reference group, particularly for systolic
blood pressure, overall obesity and behavioural risk factors. There w
ere few substantial differences in blood lipid concentrations and litt
le evidence to suggest that total plasma cholesterol has played a majo
r role in lower cardiovascular mortality among immigrants. Overall, th
e results suggested that profiles of risk factors commonly accepted as
determinants of cardiovascular disease are an insufficient explanatio
n of the lower standardised mortality ratios from cardiovascular disea
se which characterise immigrants in Australia. Systolic blood pressure
best explained variation in cardiovascular mortality among male immig
rants, and smoking prevalence among female immigrants. The acculturati
on process affected immigrant groups differently. Generally, systolic
blood pressure increased with period in Australia. Body mass index inc
reased among Asian immigrants, as did participation in physical activi
ty during leisure time.