Cancer
Although no Canadian data is available, studies in the United States and in Australia show that Vietnamese women have higher rates of cervical cancer than the general population (Donnelly, 2008). In fact, in the United States, Vietnamese women have the highest prevalence of this cancer among all ethnic groups (Donnelly, 2008).
In addition, although women of Asian descent generally have lower rates of breast cancer, their mortality rate from this cancer is higher (Donnelly, 2008).
The high rates of cervical cancer and of breast cancer mortality are due to low levels of cancer screening; research has shown that Vietnamese women have lower rates of participation in cancer screening services than the general population (Donnelly, 2008). For example, in a recent sample of Vietnamese women surveyed, only 18% had undergone breast cancer screening in the last two years, compared with 67% of women in the general population (Donnelly, 2008).
Reasons for low screening levels include language and cultural barriers. Many Vietnamese women feel uncomfortable discussing these private issues with their physicians, and in like manner, some physicians prefer to not raise the potentially sensitive topic with patients (Donnelly, 2008). Socioeconomic status is also an obstacle to higher levels of cancer screening, as many individuals do not want to take the time off work required to attend screening appointments (Donnelly, 2008).
Early detection of these cancers allows for early treatment and thus reduces the mortality significantly.
Mental health
As a large proportion of the Vietnamese community arrived to North America as refugees following experience in war, many suffer from mental health problems as a consequence of these traumatic experiences. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are common in Vietnamese refugees (Tran, 1993).
Additionally, the stresses of adjusting to life in a new country and facing economic, social, and language barriers can cause anxiety and distress among members of the Vietnamese community (Tran, 1993).
Health care providers must understand the short and long-term effects of trauma, as well as the specific history and culture of the Vietnamese population in order to meet their mental health needs (Stephenson, 1995). Also, interpreter services must be available to facilitate counseling and physician visits.
The Vietnamese community must be educated about resources and social services available to them to aid in learning English and to understand the workings of Canada’s health care system.
Cardiovascular disease
Members of the Vietnamese community have a slightly lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension than the general population, and similar rates of stroke and high cholesterol (Nguyen et al., 2008). However, studies show that they have a poorer diet, with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables, as well as a more sedentary lifestyle (Nguyen et al., 2008). Also, males of Vietnamese origin are more likely to be smokers (Nguyen et al., 2008).
As a poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Nguyen et al., 2008), members of this community must be educated on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
References:
Donnelly, T.T. (2008). Challenges in providing breast and cervical cancer screening services to Vietnamese Canadian women: the healthcare providers’ perspective. Nursing Inquiry, 15, (2), 158-168.
Nguyen, T.T., Liao, Y., Gildengorin, G., Tsoh, J., Bui-Tong, N. & McPhee, S.J. (2008). Cardiovascular risk factors and knowledge of symptoms among Vietnamese Americans. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 24, (2), 238-243.
Stephenson, P.H. (1995). Vietnamese refugees in Victoria, B.C.: an overview of immigrant and refugee health care in a medium-sized Canadian urban centre. Social Science & Medicine, 40, 12, 1631-1642.
Tran, T.V. (1993). Psychological traumas and depression in a sample of Vietnamese people in the United States. Health and Social Work, 13, (3), 184.
