South Asian Immigrants Research Articles

TRACING CULTURAL MORPHING AND DIASPORIC IDENTICAL APPREHENSIONS: POST-PARTITIONED (1947) CONTEXTUAL IDEOLOGIES IN LIQUID MODERN ERA

This research explores the diasporic experiences of South Asian immigrants and cultural ambivalence in Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss (2006). It highlights the conditions when East Pakistan had to adjust to an altogether new environment separated from their original culture after the Partition of this subcontinent in the year 1947. It reveals that the same historical, ideological, and thematic properties have been coming through generations and diasporic writers select these themes as their major subject of discussion. This research explores the varied nuances of family relationships in the writings of recent diaspora writers like Desai. The surge of globalization has washed away solitary identities. Theories presented by Homi K. Bhabha and Stuart Hall help this study in finding the answers of the proposed research question. This research provides a chance to understand the impact of Post-Partitioned (1947) ideologies behind the theme selection in the writings of diasporic Anglophone writers.

Chinese and South Asian ethnicity, immigration status and head and neck cancer outcomes: A population based study.

While it is known that certain ethnic and immigrant groups are at increased risk of developing head and neck cancer, the individual effects of immigration status and ethnicity on head and neck cancer outcomes is less clear. We sought examine the independent effects of immigration and Chinese and South Asian ethnicity on overall survival in a head and neck cancer patient population. This was a population-based retrospective matched cohort study using linked Ontario administrative databases between 1994 and 2017. Incident cancer cases were captured in long-standing residents of Chinese and South Asian ethnicity, Chinese and South Asian immigrants, as well as a reference population. Subjects were followed until death. A hard-matching approach was used to adjust for key differences and ensure both groups were balanced with respect to age, sex and cancer site. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the impact of Chinese and South Asian ethnicity on overall survival while further adjusting for baseline covariates. Among 1639 immigrants with head and neck cancer, matched to 3278 controls, the overall 5-year survival rate was 66% and 59%, respectively. After adjusting for between group-differences, all-cause mortality was lower for immigrants (HR 0.76[95%CI 0.69-0.83]) and individuals of Chinese ethnicity (HR 0.78[95%CI 0.68-0.90]), relative to the general population. In Ontario, immigrants experience lower mortality rates following a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Individuals of Chinese ethnicity with head and neck cancer experience a survival advantage, relative to South Asian individuals and the general population.

Indirect experiences with domestic violence and help-seeking preferences among south asian immigrants in the United States.

The South Asian culture disempowers individuals experiencing domestic violence (DV) from reporting victimization. Past research has found that confiding in and seeking help from friends/family is preferred. Therefore, it is important to gauge the knowledge of community members who may be contacted for support by victims. The goal of the study was to examine indirect experience with DV (knowing someone who experienced DV) and help-seeking resource preference among community members. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 468 South Asian men and women. Descriptive statistics were used to establish rates of indirect experience with DV. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of recommending help-seeking. The overall findings suggested that community members knew more women than men who were victims. Of nine help-seeking resources, medical professionals were preferred. Regression findings identified gender, religiosity, generational position, family type, and gender-role attitudes as the correlates of recommending help-seeking. The study findings are beneficial in developing bystander interventions for use by community members to support their friends and family members who may be victims of DV. To reduce overall victimization, it is imperative for agencies to engage with community members along with victims.

The sociocultural relationships of older immigrant Punjabi women living in Nova Scotia: Implications for well-being

ABSTRACT With the increase of South Asian immigrants in Canada, the relationship between older immigrant Punjabi women’s sociocultural relationships and their mental health and well-being needs to be understood. Guided by the social determinants of health and intersectional feminist frameworks, five Punjabi women living in Nova Scotia, Canada were interviewed. Three themes were identified: (a) having freedom yet being dependent on families, (b) conflating having a happy family with having good mental health, and (c) needing ways to connect with other older Punjabi women. These findings articulate how Punjabi relationships affect women’s views on mental health and well-being.

Acculturation and apparel store loyalty among immigrants in Western countries

ABSTRACT Western countries have experienced a steady increase in the number of immigrants since 2000 and these immigrants appear to be a sizeable market segment for apparel retailers in Western host countries owing to their acculturation. This study investigates how acculturation of immigrants drives their loyalty to apparel stores in Western countries. Three hundred and sixty usable responses obtained from South Asian immigrants living in Australia were analysed using PLS-SEM, non-linear variance-based SEM, and fsQCA. The results showed that immigrants’ acculturation enhances their loyalty to Australian apparel stores, whereas immigrants’ ethnocentrism reduces their loyalty as well as mediates the impact of ethnic community participation on their store loyalty. Ethnic community participation further weakens the association between acculturation and store loyalty. This study contributes to consumer behaviour literature and retailing in the context of immigrants’ acculturation. It provides implications for retailers interested in creating a loyal customer base among immigrants in Western countries.

Contestations of Imperial Citizenship: Student Protest and Organizing in Qatar's Education City

Texas A&M, a public land grant university in College Station, Texas, has a long history of engagement with the Bush family. These ties highlight the university's entanglement with US imperial enterprises, which extend into the Persian Gulf. George H. W. Bush's own explanation of why he decided to place his presidential library at the campus despite not attending Texas A&M focused on these connections: “Over the years, Aggies have provided great service to the Armed Forces of our country. Patriotism abounds at A&M.” Meanwhile, Qatar hosts the largest concentration of US troops abroad. The US military's Central Command is at Al Udeid Air Base, not far from the Education City complex that hosts TAMUQ and several branch campuses of American and other foreign universities. The students at these institutions are Qatari citizens, South Asian and Arab immigrants, and international students, primarily from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

One Size Does Not Fit All: Diabetes Prevalence Among Immigrants of the South Asian Diaspora.

The risk of diabetes is higher in South Asians compared to the general population. As a result of migration during the twentieth-century postindependence, the South Asian diaspora is incredibly vast. We examined the diabetes prevalence between groups of the South Asian diaspora based on their distinct migration patterns. Population-based health care and immigration administrative data were used to compare crude and standardized diabetes prevalence between immigrants from nine regions of the South Asian diaspora and the non-immigrant population. Diabetes prevalence across groups were also stratified by gender. There were 199,003 South Asian immigrants; 33,882 (crude prevalence of 17.0%) of whom had a diagnosis of diabetes. The nine subgroups varied significantly in the prevalence of diabetes after adjusting for age, sex and income: Sri Lanka 24.3%, Pakistan 22.2%, Fiji 21.5%, Bangladesh 20.7%, the Caribbean 20.4%, India 16.0%, East Africa 13.8%, South Africa 10.8%, and the Middle East 9.6% in comparison to the non-immigrant population 17.8%. Higher prevalence was evident among men compared with women in each subgroup with the exception of Pakistan.Diabetes prevalence is not uniform among South Asians. Our findings highlight potential impacts of their unique migration histories on the risk and burden of diabetes, and move beyond a one size fits all approach in the South Asian population of Ontario to develop targeted interventions.

Intersectionality and Inequalities in Medical Risk for Severe COVID-19 in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Background and ObjectivesOlder populations with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality once infected. Intersectional gerontology considers the compounding effects of multiple forms of social inequity. This study explores how racial-nativity status, family income, education level and the intersecting profile of these three social standings stratify differential patterns of chronic conditions among Canadians aged 45 years and older.Research Design and MethodsUsing the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (n = 29,748), multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate multivariable-adjusted odds of having one and/or two (≤ 2) or multiple (≥3) medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, asthma, cancer, previous heart attack, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity) based on socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsThere were significant racial-nativity disparities and social-class gradients in multimorbidity. The odds of having ≥3 medical conditions were greater for Black immigrants (OR=1.79, 95% CI=1.13, 2.82), South Asian immigrants (OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.02, 2.19) and close to double for Aboriginal Canadians (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.37, 2.80) relative to Canadian-born Whites. Black, South Asian and Aboriginal populations from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds had the highest odds of having ≥3 medical conditions (OR=3.50, 95% CI=1.41, 8.70).Discussion and ImplicationsDespite a universal health system, marginalized older Canadians who are racialized foreign-born, less educated, and/or low-income have a higher prevalence of multimorbidity that are associated with COVID-19 severe illness and mortality. Upstream health policy and social care tackling intersecting structural inequities should be undertaken to prevent increasing multimorbidity among underserved aging populations.

Induced abortion according to immigrants\u2019 birthplace: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundMost abortions occur due to unintended pregnancy. Unintended pregnancies are linked to poor health outcomes. Canada receives immigrants from countries with disparate sexual and reproductive health contexts which may influence abortion rates post-migration. We examined the association between abortion and region of birth and birth order among Canadian immigrants.MethodsWe conducted a population-based person-years (PY) cohort study in Ontario, Canada using administrative immigration (1991–2012) and health care data (1991–2013). Associations between induced abortion and an immigrant’s region of birth were estimated using poisson regression. Rate ratios were adjusted for age, landing year, education, neighborhood income quintile and refugee status and stratified by birth order within regions.ResultsImmigrants born in almost all world regions (N = 846,444) were 2–5 times more likely to have an induced abortion vs. those born in the US/Northern & Western Europe/Australia & New Zealand (0.92 per 100 PY, 95% CI 0.89–0.95). Caribbean (Adjusted Rate Ratio [ARR] = 4.71, 95% CI 4.55–4.87), West/Middle/East African (ARR = 3.38, 95% CI 3.26–3.50) and South American (ARR = 3.20, 95% CI 3.09–3.32) immigrants were most likely to have an abortion. Most immigrants were less likely to have an abortion after vs. prior to their 1st birth, except South Asian immigrants (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.54–1.66; RR = 2.23, 95% CI 2.12–2.36 for 2nd and 3rd vs 1st birth, respectively). Secondary analyses included further stratifying regional models by year, age, education, income quintile and refugee status.ConclusionsInduced abortion varies considerably by both region of birth and birth order among immigrants in Ontario.

Achieving equitable management of allergic disorders and primary immunodeficiency in a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic population

Achieving equitable management of allergic disorders and primary immunodeficiency in a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic population

Exercise Patterns And Perceptions Among South Asian Adults In The Us: The Shape Study

PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine biological differences and perceptions about exercise among a immigrant South Asian population living in the southeastern United States (US). METHODS: This is a descriptive study of exercise patterns and perceptions using baseline data from a diabetes intervention study with immigrant South Asian adults now living in the US. The sample included middle aged, predominantly male, well-educated, immigrant South Asians. Participants were recruited through advertisements in local South Asian magazines, information sent through community organization listservs, and in-person outreach at health fairs and screening, diabetes information events, and South Asian stores. Participants reported to the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance General Clinical Research Center at Emory University Hospital and completed a baseline visit for the South Asian Health and Prevention Education pilot study. RESULTS: The mean age of this cohort was 44.6 [10.6] years and 35% female. Of the 52 people included in this analysis, 81% did not exercise at least 150 minutes per week to meet the US Physical Activity Guidelines. Of those that did meet the Physical Activity Guidelines, 90% reporting walking as their primary form of exercise. Overall, 65% reported preferring walking to other modes of exercise. There were no differences between exercisers and non-exercisers when asked about the benefits or barriers of exercise. CONCLUSION: South Asians living in the southern US do not meet the US Physical Activity Guidelines. The preferred mode of exercise is walking close to home. Although barriers to exercise are similar to those of other races in the US, preferred mode of exercise and preferences of women should be considered when implementing physical activity interventions.

Contextual Influences on Child Feeding in Two South Asian Immigrant Groups

Child obesity is a major health disparity, with low-income communities bearing a disproportionate burden of disease. Although the powerful influence of socio-economic status on child diet and feeding practices is well established, its local contextual mechanisms are not necessarily well understood. This study used a qualitative comparative design to explore the socio-cultural context of child feeding ethnically similar but economically diverse immigrant families. Seventeen in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with affluent and low-income immigrant mothers from the South Asian subcontinent. We sought to explore potential contextual influences on maternal feeding practices, including: maternal beliefs and values, patterns of help and information seeking, family and household, and impacts of the chrono-system—the role of memory and life transitions. Our findings help to explain mechanisms underlying SES disparities in child obesity in this group, and maybe helpful in designing tailored interventions aimed at reducing these disparities.

1238-P: Developing a Culturally Tailored Social-Support Group Visit Model for South Asian Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes in Atlanta

Background: Lifestyle interventions can prevent, delay, and improve management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, implementation of these programs is challenging in diverse populations. South Asians have higher risk for T2D, yet to date, there have been limited programs specifically for this community. The aim of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a tailored group visit model for South Asians based in a family medicine clinic. Methods: In conjunction with a local community-academic board, we conducted focus groups to tailor an existing evidence-based curriculum to a culturally acceptable lifestyle interventions program for South Asians with T2D or prediabetes. Fourteen participants enrolled in the 16-week program focusing on healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss. Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1C, were measured at the beginning and end of study. Participants were asked to evaluate each session on level of satisfaction. One tailed t-tests were used to test significance of pre-post changes in outcomes. Results: Ten of 14 participants had baseline and follow-up data. Participant attendance averaged 50%. Statistically significant reductions in mean weight (-3.16lbs, p<0.05), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (-12.7mmHg, p<0.05/-3.7mmHg p<0.05, respectively), and triglycerides (-62.6 mg/dl, p<0.05) were noted. Overall, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Discussion: A lifestyle program based in primary care is feasible and acceptable for South Asian immigrants. Larger studies testing the effectiveness of group programs, based in primary care, in improving cardiometabolic factors and weight reduction are important. Overall, these interventions may have broader application to other culturally cohesive communities. Disclosure M.K. Shah: None. N.C. Kurra: None. M.K. Ali: Research Support; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. K. Narayan: None. Funding National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UL1TR002378, KL2TR002381)

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer: an integrative review

BackgroundOral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer.MethodsFive electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study.ResultsA total of 16 studies involving 4772 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994 and 2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer risk knowledge (43–76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/gutka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/gutka chewing habit good for their health (12–43.6%).ConclusionThis review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.

Engaging South Asian youth and families: A clinical review.

South Asians (SAs), a rapidly growing minority group in the United States are underrepresented in mental health research. They represent a unique sub-group of Asian immigrants in that their journey to the United States in the last 50 years was driven by the pursuit of academic and career opportunities. Our goal is to provide a topical overview of factors contributing to the mental health challenges of South Asian American (SAA) youth and to describe culturally sensitive approaches that would provide effective treatment for SAA youth and their families. We conducted a review of published literature in PubMed and PsycInfo search engines using the key words South Asian immigrants, South Asian Americans, psychological, psychiatric, mental health treatment, therapy and interventions. The challenges faced by these highly educated families are distinctive in that there is a struggle to maintain ethnic identity based on collectivism while embracing American ideals of individualism. These opposing values along with model minority expectations put SAs at high risk for mental health concerns and acculturative family distancing. Furthermore, mental health stigma impedes help-seeking. Mental health practitioners must navigate the different value systems of the parent-child dyad without ostracizing either generation and deliver effective care. Hence, culturally adapted family therapy and community-based approaches may be particularly relevant in SA youth. Our article outlines common family attitudes and issues pertinent to mental health in youth and discusses useful clinical approaches to dealing with SAA youth and their families.

Exercise Patterns and Perceptions among South Asian Adults in the United States: The SHAPE Study

ABSTRACT Our objective was to determine biological differences and perceptions about exercise among an immigrant South Asian population living in the southern United States. This is a descriptive study of exercise patterns and perceptions using baseline data from a diabetes intervention study with immigrant South Asian adults now living in the United States. The sample included middle-aged, predominantly male, well-educated, immigrant South Asians. Participants were recruited through advertisements in local South Asian magazines, information sent through community organization listservs, and in-person outreach at health fairs and screening, diabetes information events, and South Asian stores. Participants reported to the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance General Clinical Research Center at Emory University Hospital and completed a baseline visit for the South Asian Health and Prevention Education pilot study. The mean ± SD age of this cohort was 44.6 ± 10.6 yr and 35% female. Of the 52 people included in this analysis, 81% did not exercise at least 150 min·wk−1 to meet the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines. Of those that did meet the Physical Activity Guidelines, 90% reported walking as their primary form of exercise. Overall, 65% reported preferring walking to other modes of exercise. There were no differences between high exercisers and low exercisers when asked about the benefits or barriers of exercise. South Asians living in the southern United States do not meet the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines. The preferred mode of exercise is walking close to home. Although barriers to exercise are similar to those of other races in the United States, preferred mode of exercise and preferences of women should be considered when implementing physical activity interventions.

“It Was Like Sugar-Coated Words”: Revictimization When South Asian Immigrant Women Disclose Domestic Violence

This qualitative study explores South Asian immigrant women’s experiences of domestic violence, their views on help-seeking, and access to informal or formal sources of supports. Drawing from grounded theory approaches, this article focuses on one major theme, revictimization, which provides insights into the mistreatment and experiences of seven women who encountered challenges when disclosing abuse. Through an intersectional lens, this article examines how participants were revictimized and mistreated by people within and outside their own community including service providers who they trusted. Implications to reduce levels of mistrust for community members and service providers working with this specific population in Canada are discussed.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general medical practitioners in developed countries regarding oral cancer: an integrative review.

BackgroundOral cancer is a public health concern and is widespread in developing countries, particularly in South Asia. However, oral cancer cases are also rising in developed nations due to various factors, including smoking, viruses and increased migration from South Asia. In this context, the role of general medical practitioners (GPs) in identifying oral cancer is becoming increasingly important and, while some studies have explored their perspective about oral cancer, a synthesis of these results has not been undertaken.ObjectiveThe objective of this integrative review is to synthesize existing evidence regarding oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in developed countries.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched to identify studies focussing on the objective of this review. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed English language publications; studies conducted in developed countries involving GPs; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge/attitudes/practices). No restrictions were placed on the publication date.ResultsA total of 21 studies involving 3409 GPs were reviewed. Most studies revealed limited knowledge of GPs about emerging risk factors, such as betel nut chewing (0.8–50%). Significant variation (7–70%) was evident in routine oral examination practices of GPs. Most GPs felt unsure about diagnosing oral cancer and many (38–94%) raised the need for further education. No study explored the specific relevance of GPs’ practices concerning South Asian immigrants.ConclusionThis review suggests the need for educational programs to enhance GPs’ knowledge regarding oral cancer. Further research exploring oral cancer-related practices of GPs caring for South Asian immigrants is warranted.

Association of Immigrant and Refugee Status With Risk Factors for Exposure to Violent Assault Among Youths and Young Adults in Canada

Immigrant populations continue to grow across Western countries. Such populations may face vulnerabilities that contribute to the risk of experiencing violent injury. Youths are at disproportionate risk compared with other age groups, and such violence may be preventable with appropriately targeted injury prevention strategies. To examine the association of immigrant or refugee status and immigration-related factors with the experience of assault. This population-based cohort study used linked health and administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, where health services are funded through a universal, single-payer health insurance plan. All youths and young adults aged 10 to 24 years (hereafter referred to as youths) residing in Ontario from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016, were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed from April 13, 2017, to January 6, 2020. The main exposure was immigrant status. Secondary exposures were immigration-related factors, including visa class, time since immigration, and region and country of origin. The main outcome consisted of violent injuries requiring acute care (emergency department visit or hospitalization) or causing death. Poisson regression models were used to estimate rate ratios for injuries. A total of 22 969 443 person-years were included in the analysis (51.3% male and 48.7% female participants). Compared with nonimmigrants, a greater proportion of immigrants lived in the lowest neighborhood income quintile (30.5% vs 18.2%) and urban areas (98.9% vs 87.7%). Among immigrants, 17.9% were refugees. Rates of violent injuries experienced were 549.0 (95% CI, 545.7-552.2) per 100 000 person-years in nonimmigrant youth, 225.0 (95% CI, 219.4-230.7) per 100 000 person-years in nonrefugee immigrant youth, and 525.4 (95% CI, 507.2-544.1) per 100 000 person-years in refugee immigrant youth. The rates of violent injury among nonrefugee and refugee immigrants were lower than among nonimmigrants (nonrefugee adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 0.41 [95% CI, 0.38-0.43]; refugee aRR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.76-0.89]). Older age (oldest vs youngest aRR, 6.90 [95% CI, 6.53-7.29]), male sex (aRR, 2.60 [95% CI, 2.52-2.68]), and low neighborhood income (aRR, 2.42 [95% CI, 2.32-2.53]) were associated with violent injury risk. Rates of experiencing assault were lowest among South Asian (aRR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.30-0.37]) and East Asian (aRR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.19-0.26]) immigrants. Only Somali immigrants experienced higher assault rates (712.0 [95% CI, 639.3-805.3] per 100 000 person-years) compared with nonimmigrants. Most injuries (79.9%) were from being struck, followed by being cut (5.9%). The low rates of assault experienced by immigrants, including refugees, compared with nonimmigrants suggests that Canadian immigrant settlement supports and cultural factors may be protective against the risk of experiencing assault.

Social influence of adult children on parental health behavior among South Asian immigrants: findings from the MASALA (Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Examine the social influence of adult children on the cardiovascular-related health behaviors of older South Asian (SA) immigrants to inform lifestyle interventions. Design: This mixed-methods study used data from an ancillary study of social networks (2014–2018) in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America cohort. Phase 1 was a quantitative analysis of self-reported diet and physical activity among SA adults (n = 448, mean age = 58 years, SD 8.4) who named at least one adult child to their social network. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was used to measure parents’ diet; higher numbers indicate a healthier diet (range 0–110). Phase 2 was a thematic content analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews from a subsample of these parents (n = 23, mean age = 55, SD 7.6). Results: Parents with an adult child in their network who consumed uncooked vegetables daily had mean parental AHEI score 1.5 points higher (adjusted p-value = 0.03) than those who had a child in the network who ate uncooked vegetables less often. When at least one adult child in their network ate fresh fruit daily compared to less frequently or when at least one child ate non-SA food daily compared to less frequently, mean parental AHEI scores were higher by 2.0 (adjusted p-value = 0.01) and 1.6 (adjusted p-value = 0.03) points respectively. Parents with an adult child in their network who exercised at least weekly were more likely to meet guideline-recommended physical activity levels than parents with children who exercised less often (76% v. 56%, adjusted p-value = 0.02). Adult children provided social support and were seen as ‘role models’ for healthy behavior, especially when adopting Western health behaviors. Conclusion: Positive role modeling and support from adult children were important facilitators of healthy behavior change in older SA immigrants and can inform health behavior interventions for SA adults.