Physical activity behaviours and mortality risk among South Asian communities living in England

We aim to firstly establish physical activity patterns in South Asian communities living in England. Since low levels of physical activity may partly contribute to higher risks of heart disease we will also examine associations between physical activity and mortality in this population.
This research will be performed using the 1994-2004 Health Survey for England (HSfE) and follow up data on all cause and cardiovascular related death.
Prior research into physical activity and heart disease has been mainly conducted in white populations. From our results we hope to be able to understand the minimal and optimal amounts of physical activity that can be prescribed for the primary prevention of heart disease in South Asians. Since South Asians living in England appear to be at greater risk of heart disease this work will have implications for public health policy.

South Asians living in the UK have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and markedly lower physical activity levels. Physical activity plays a crucial role in primary prevention strategies. However, detailed information on patterns, amounts, and types of activity in South Asian communities living in the UK is lacking, as well as how physical activity patterns relate to mortality risk in these ethnic groups. Such information is crucial for accurately defining the optimal and minimal physical activity levels for cardiovascular prevention in South Asian groups. The aim of the present proposal is to use 1994-2004 Health Survey for England (HSfE) data and the linked mortality records to examine physical activity patterns, and associations between physical activity, other risk factors, and mortality among South Asian ethnic communities living in England. This research will inform future policy and interventions for reducing cardiovascular disease in South Asians and enable the delivery of tailored programmes to targeted groups.