Being proactive: A qualitative study of South Asian Australians perspectives of cardiovascular disease and genomic testing

ObjectivesExplore the health beliefs of South Asian Australians related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and genomic testing for CVD Design, setting, participantsQualitative study using focus groups conducted between April to August 2023. Participants included individuals who self-identified as South Asian, aged 18 years or older, and resided in Queensland, Australia at the time of recruitment. Main outcomeSouth Asian Australian health beliefs related to CVD and genomic testing for CVD ResultsA total of 60 individuals consented to participate (n=9 focus groups, and n=1 interview). All participants had lived experience with CVD, which shaped their related health beliefs. For some participants, these experiences contributed to significant disease related worry and reinforced fatalistic beliefs. Participants were aware of the multifactorial nature of CVD, however, recognised that cultural norms, age and gender affected engagement in regular health checks. Most participants understood the role of genomics in CVD and held positive attitudes towards genomic testing. However, several participants raised concerns about the effectiveness of genomic testing for individuals from diverse backgrounds, as well as challenges related to insurance coverage and data security. ConclusionsFuture CVD prevention strategies should consider South Asian Australians health beliefs, and the unique factors involved in incorporating genomic information to refine risk. Summary BoxO_ST_ABSThe knownC_ST_ABSSouth Asians have a two-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than White-Europeans. In Australia, South Asians represent the largest, non-European immigrant population and a thus a key demographic for CVD risk management. The newSouth Asian Australian participants recognised that CVD risk is modifiable, however engagement in preventive behaviours varied and was shaped by cultural and demographic factors. Attitudes toward genomic testing were positive, with recognition that testing could refine risk assessments, although distinct considerations influence decision-making. The implicationsFuture Australian CVD interventions should account for South Asians health beliefs about CVD and genomic testing.