scholarly journals The Letting Die of the South Asian Body: a Foucauldian Analysis of White Hegemony in Western Cardiovascular Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Rishi Bansal
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The South ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Asian Patients ◽  
Letting Die ◽  
Equitable Treatment

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada and disproportionately affects those of South Asian ancestry. Anecdotally, stories of missed signs and emergency bypass surgeries are abound; empirically, medical research has identified a series of distinct risk factors for South Asian individuals. However, these factors are typically unrecognized by healthcare workers who are typically trained to use recommendations that are founded research done using Caucasian participants. The consequence of this omission is the normalization of the Caucasian body as 'the body' in medicine through disciplinary and regulatory mechanisms, and the 'letting die' of the South Asian body as a result. In taking a Foucauldian approach to this issue, this essay first maps the empirical evidence for the heightened CVD risk in South Asians, namely their predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia, among other factors. Disciplinary mechanisms to enforce social cohesion discount these differences as exceptions, and attempt to rehabilitate the South Asian body towards the Caucasian norm. These actions are often subconscious, but result in real actions like spending less time with South Asian patients, misuse of assessment metrics, and lower cardiac rehabilitation referral rates. On a population level, research funding is rarely given to studies investigating disease in particular ethnic groups. Hence, clinical practice guidelines must rely on incomplete data to create population-level recommendations. These guidelines act as if they apply to all individuals, but are in fact partisan; thus, the biopolitical control of populations is made apparent through the racist undertones that thrum beneath the veneer of an equal society.  Ultimately, this essay serves a counterhistorical function, and demands recognition of the South Asian body in the medical literature. The current medical regime routinely discounts populations who exist outside the norm. Future research and acknowledgement of these groups is necessary to ensure equitable treatment of all patients, regardless of their background.

Abstract P199: Mean Lipoprotein Levels and Composition in South Asian-Americans Compared to the US Population

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Flowers ◽  
Cesar Molina ◽  
Ashish Mathur ◽  
Bradley Aouizerat ◽  
Mintu Turakhia
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Low Density Lipoproteins ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
South Asian Americans ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
The Us

Background South Asians have increased disk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is not captured by traditional risk factors, including TC and LDL-c. Low-density apolipoprotein-B (apoB) containing lipoproteins are heterogeneous in size and composition, and the particles with the greatest triglyceride content are thought to ultimately be the most atherogenic. Specific composition of low-density lipoproteins is not captured by common lipid measures (i.e. TC, LDL-c). A high proportion of triglyceride-rich low-density lipoproteins could be a mechanism for CVD risk in South Asians. Our objective was to compare mean TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, and apoB-triglyceride ratio (an estimate of low-density lipoprotein content) between South Asian-Americans and the US population. Methods We studied 2,876 South Asian adults living in the United States participating in a wellness program. Demographics were obtained by self-report. Lipoprotein levels were measured after 10-hour fast. US population means were calculated from NHANES (2007-2008, n = 5,113). Individuals on lipid-lowering therapy were excluded (780 (33%) South Asians, 1,194 (19%) NHANES). Results LDL-c (118mg/dL vs 116mg/dL, p<0.05) and triglycerides (139mg/dL vs 131 mg/dL, p<0.05) were higher in South Asians than the US population, whereas TC was lower (192mg/dL vs 197 mg/dL, p<0.05). HDL-c was lower in South Asians (46mg/dL vs 52mg/dL, p<0.05). ApoB was not statistically significantly different (93mg/dL vs 92mg/dL, p = 0.1), however the apoB/triglyceride ratio was lower in South Asians (0.8 vs 0.9, p<0.05). After stratifying for age by decade and gender, we found that South Asians have lower HDL-c until the age of 50, and lower apoB/triglyceride ratio until the age of 60, with no substantial differences between men and women. Conclusions Mean TC, LDL-c, and triglycerides were normal in South Asians, however the apoB/triglyceride ratio was lower in South Asians than in the US population. This finding indicates that a higher proportion of low-density lipoproteins in South Asians are of the triglyceride-rich atherogenic type. This may portend non-HDL-c as a better indicator of CVD risk than LDL-c in South Asians. Further, low apoB/triglyceride ratio and low HDL-c occurs at a young age in South Asians, suggesting that onset of risk is early. The disappearance of these patterns after age 60 may be the result of sample bias (excluding individuals on lipid lowering therapy), and/or survival bias.

Introduction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himanee Gupta-Carlson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Asian American ◽  
South Asians ◽  
The United States ◽  
The South ◽  
South Asian American ◽  
Auto Ethnography ◽  
Race And Religion

The introduction introduces the central themes of the book and highlights its significance. It opens by exploring the wedding of the (a Hindu female of Indian ancestry) to a white, Christian male and places racial and religious tensions embedded in that event within the larger context of race and religion as organizing forces in American life. The introduction also describes auto-ethnography and discourse analysis, and discusses how these methods are used throughout the work. It also offers a profile of the South Asian American community in Muncie and of South Asians in the United States.

Dispositional traits influence on mentoring relationships

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ridhi Arora ◽  
Santosh Rangnekar
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
South Asian ◽  
North India ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Sector Organizations ◽  
Asian Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of personality factors in influencing mentoring relationships in the South-Asian context. Design/methodology/approach The sample included 363 subjects from public and private sector organizations in North India. Findings Results revealed that in the Indian context, conscientiousness acts as significant predictor of perceived psychosocial mentoring, agreeableness acts as significant predictor of perceived career mentoring support, and emotional stability acts as significant predictor of both categories of mentoring relationships. Further, managers employed in public sector organizations were found to be high on all the Big Five personality factors and mentoring functions in contrast to managers from private sector organizations. Research limitations/implications Overall, the results suggest that mentoring relationships should operate in organizations with a firm understanding of employees’ personality traits. Implications and future research directions were also discussed. Further, suggestions have also been given for incorporating various interventions in order to handle employees with different personality attributes such as counseling for helping emotionally unstable employees manage their emotions and stress. Originality/value To the knowledge, this is the first study that seeks to examine impact of personality factors on mentoring relationships in the South-Asian context.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular risk knowledge in patients of South Asian origin living with rheumatoid arthritis: data from India and the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanta Kumar ◽  
Suvrat Arya ◽  
Peter Nightingale ◽  
Tom Sheeran ◽  
Amita Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Asian Origin ◽  
South Asian Origin ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Risk Knowledge

Abstract Background South Asians have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of premature atherosclerosis. We investigated whether there was a substantial difference in the level of CVD risk knowledge among patients of South Asian origin with RA in India and in the UK. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, patients of South Asian origin with RA from India and the UK were recruited from secondary care settings. Data were collected via Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire-Rheumatoid Arthritis (HDFQ-RA), a validated self-completion questionnaire. The HDFQ-RA was translated into Hindi and piloted among patients from South Asian background before use. Additionally, clinical and demographic data was collected. Results Among 118 patients from each country, 84% were female and they had similar age, education level, employment status and co-morbidities. Patients from India had longer disease duration (5.5 years versus 4.1 years (p = 0.012) whereas those from the UK had higher disease activity score (4.0 + 0.8 versus 3.1 + 0.7, p < 0.01). Regarding modifiable risk factors for CVD only 51.2% from India and 51.3% in the UK were aware of them. However, awareness of the link between RA and increased risk of CVD was even more limited (32.8% in India and 34.4% in UK). Conclusion Patients of South Asians origin with RA from both countries had limited knowledge about CVD risk. There is a need to educate them about CVD risk during consultation, as this will result in better outcomes.

scholarly journals Exploring Knowledge and Perspectives of South Asian Children and Their Parents Regarding Healthy Cardiovascular Behaviors: A Qualitative Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2092450
Author(s):  
Adeleke Fowokan ◽  
Kaitey Vincent ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Charlotte Waddell ◽  
Miriam Rosin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Child Body Mass Index ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Asian Children

South Asian children and parents have been shown to have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) relative to white individuals. To design interventions aimed at addressing the comparatively higher burden in South Asians, a better understanding of attitudes and perspectives regarding CVD-associated behaviors is needed. As a result, we sought to understand knowledge about CVD risk in both children and parents, and attitudes toward physical activity and diet in both the children and parents, including potential cultural influences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 South Asian child-and-parent dyads representing a range of child body mass index (BMI) levels, ages, and with both sexes. South Asian children and parents demonstrated good knowledge about CVD prevention; however, knowledge did not always translate into behavior. The influence of social and cultural dynamics on behavior was also highlighted. To ensure that interventions aimed at this population are effective, an understanding of the unique social dynamics that influence diet and physical activity–related behaviors is needed.

THE ‘TROPICAL DOMINIONS’: THE APPEAL OF DOMINION STATUS IN THE DECOLONISATION OF INDIA, PAKISTAN AND CEYLON

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harshan Kumarasingham
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
The South ◽  
Form Of Government

ABSTRACTThe paper examines the reasons that India, Pakistan and Ceylon chose to become Dominions within the Commonwealth instead of becoming republics on independence as many expected. Each of these South Asian states had different motives that compelled them to take on a form of government more associated in areas where the British had settled in significant numbers. The ‘Tropical Dominions’ differed from the settler cases and tested this vague British concept. The British and South Asians had to compromise their wishes in order to satisfy their wants. India is characterised here as the ‘Expedient Dominion’, Pakistan the ‘Siege Dominion’ and Ceylon the ‘Imitation Dominion’. This paper focuses on the years immediately prior to independence to understand the various objectives of the South Asian elites that negotiated with the British for their sovereignty and how they varied from each other and from the Dominion ideal.

scholarly journals Outcomes of COVID-19: disparities by ethnicity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamad Ali ◽  
Abdullah Alshukry ◽  
Sulaiman K Marafie ◽  
Monera AlRukhayes ◽  
Yaseen Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
South Asians ◽  
P Value ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Asian Patients ◽  
Worse Prognosis

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the role of ethnicity in COVID-19 outcome disparities in a cohort in Kuwait.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 405 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Kuwait. Outcomes such as symptoms severity and mortality were considered. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to report the odds ratios (OR) for ICU admission and dying from COVID-19.ResultsThe cohort included 290 Arabs and 115 South Asians. South Asians recorded significantly higher COVID-19 death rates compared to Arabs (33% vs. 7.6%, P value<0.001). When compared to Arabs, South Asians also had higher odds of being admitted to the ICU (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 3.34 – 11.80, p < 0.001). South Asian patients showed 7.62 (95% CI: 3.62 – 16.02, p < 0.001) times the odds of dying from COVID-19.ConclusionCOVID-19 patients with South Asians ethnicity are more likely to have worse prognosis and outcome when compared to patients with Arab ethnicity. This suggest a possible role for ethnicity in COVID-19 outcome disparities and this role is likely to be multifactorial.

An Initial Approach for Biofeedback-Based Stress Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-35
Author(s):  
Rohit Rastogi ◽  
Rohit Kumar ◽  
Prashant Kumar ◽  
Devendra K. Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Stress Analysis ◽  
Present Article ◽  
South Asian ◽  
The Body ◽  
The South ◽  
Asian Continent ◽  
Initial Approach ◽  
Mental Fitness

Stress is a customary response the body has once changes happen. The body responds to progressions with physical, mental, and enthusiastic reactions. Stress could be a traditional and an everyday issue. You will be prepared to worry from your air, your body, and your thoughts. The authors explore stress through some polls. The present article is an effort to measure the mental fitness of subjects in Delhi, NCR region of India and is a representation of the South Asian continent.

Abstract P472: Addressing Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease in South Asian San Joaquin Population

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maha Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
At Risk ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Low Income ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
The South ◽  
South Asian Population ◽  
Asian Community ◽  
South Asian Community

Introduction: South Asians have a higher death rate than any other population for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high blood pressure (HBP). San Joaquin has a growing rate of South Asians immigrants who may be at risk for CVD. Objectives: Trainees conducted hypertension and CVD screenings at South Asians religious organizations to reduce the risk of CVD and spread awareness about the factors that lead to CVD and its implications in the South Asians population due to environmental racism in the most underserved county for health care, San Joaquin. Methods: I trained low-income minority high school students to conduct weekly blood pressure screenings and serve as a health technology coach by each student monitoring 2 hypertensive patients of 48 hypertensive or at risk hypertensive and low-income San Joaquin residents and constantly stressed, and at risk for CVD. CVD screenings were conducted at all San Joaquin gurdwaras and mosques to spread awareness about heart health and track hypertension in the South Asians community. Findings: -61.7% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are at risk for CVD -3.3% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are hypotensive -28.6% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are Stage 1 hypertensive -29.7% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin are Stage 2 hypertensive -38.3% of the South Asian population of San Joaquin have normal blood pressure but consume red meat more than 4 times a month Direct Outcomes of Events: -Development of self-advocacy in the South Asian community. Community members became activists for their own heart health. -Increased participation of youth, in an otherwise adult dominant environment (i.e. the mosques and gurdwaras). -Increased awareness of CVD, hypertension, hypotension, and periodontal disease (PD) among the South Asian community. -Increased participation by youth and adults on activities such as games, challenges and information booths dispensing awareness on CVD and PD. -Increased interaction between community members of different religions, creed, and socioeconomic backgrounds. -Awareness, education among the South Asian community for better heart and oral health -Diagnoses and referrals of suspected cases of hypertension and CVD -Improved patient-provider trust -San Joaquin high school students trained for community outreach events and determined to address CVD. -Youth learned the value of empathy, multiculturalism, and service to disadvantaged communities through the program and volunteering.

scholarly journals Caucasian and south Asian men show equivalent improvements in surrogate biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health following 6-weeks of supervised resistance training

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1334
Author(s):  
Allan Knox ◽  
Nicholas Sculthorpe ◽  
Fergal Grace
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Metabolic Health ◽  
The South ◽  
South Asian Population

Background: The South Asian population have greater cardiovascular risk than their age-matched Caucasian counterparts, characterized by unfavorable biomarkers. South Asians may also be partially resistant to the pleiotropic benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health. There is a current absence of studies that compare markers of cardio-metabolic health between Caucasians and South Asians employing resistance exercise. This study set out to compare the response in biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health in Caucasians and South Asians in response to resistance exercise.Methods: Caucasian (n=15, 25.5 ± 4.8 yrs) and South Asian (n=13, 25.4 ± 7.0 yrs) males completed a 6-week progressive resistance exercise protocol. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and their product insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TRIGS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), asymmetric dimythylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine (L-ARG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were established at baseline and following resistance exercise.Results: There were significant improvements in fasting glucose, TC, LDL, HDL and VEGF in both groups following resistance exercise (p<0.05, for all). No change was observed in insulin, HOMA-IR, TRIGS, ADMA, L-ARG following resistance exercise (p>0.05, in both groups). CRP increased in the South Asian group (p<0.05) but not the Caucasian group (p>0.05)Conclusions: The cardio-metabolic response to resistance exercise is comparable in young Caucasian and South Asian males though inflammatory response to exercise may be prolonged in South Asians.

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