Abstract 6936: American versus Canadian National Funding for Immigrant Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

Introduction: The high number of immigrants in North America underscores the need for cardiovascular (CV) health and promotion in these racially and ethnically diverse populations. Although some immigrant races/ethnicities have high cardiovascular mortality, it remains unclear whether there are investments in cardiovascular health promotion and prevention for immigrants for both the United States and America. We aimed to compare American and Canadian national investments cardiovascular health promotion and prevention for immigrants. Methods: We queried the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) databases from 2006 to 2019 for grants supporting projects in diseases prevention and promotion targeting immigrants. We compiled annual funding and normalized the annual data for the number of immigrants and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We completed normalized descriptive statistics for comparative analysis and presented funding trends over a 14-year period. Results: There were 74 and 50 project grants awarded by the NIH and CIHR, respectively. Between 2007 to 2013, the NIH spent relatively less per immigrant than the CIHR. From 2014 onward, funding trends reversed as the NIH outspent the CIHR. Over the 14-year period, the NIH and the CIHR funded an annual mean of $59.8/1000 immigrants and $79.1/1000 immigrants, respectively. Conclusion: Although the number of immigrants is rising, the relative national funding for CV health promotion and prevention in the USA and Canada is generally decreasing over the last 5 years. Absolute CIHR funding is progressively decreasing since 2008, while NIH grant expenditure has demonstrated an overall pattern of increase over the last 14 years. Policymakers should consider more comprehensive investment in CV health promotion and prevention for immigrants.