A comparison of modifiable risk factors for dementia among South Asian migrants and non-migrants aged 50 or older in Tasmania, Australia

BACKGROUND: South Asian migrants are one of the fastest-growing populations in Australia, particularly in the southern island state of Tasmania. However, there is limited research evaluating their modifiable dementia risk factors. This study aimed to fill this gap by comparing risk factors in South Asian migrants to non-migrant Australians in Tasmania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 136 South Asian migrants and 2743 non-migrant Australians aged 50 or older residing in Tasmania. Participants completed a survey questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to assess differences in the odds of reporting modifiable dementia risk factors between the two cohorts as they responded to a survey. RESULTS: South Asian migrants had higher odds of reporting hypertension (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 3.5 to 8.4; p < 0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.3 to 6.4; p < 0.001), cognitive inactivity (OR, 16.9; 95% CI, 10.4 to 28.9; p < 0.001), diabetes (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 3.5 to 7.6; p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.1; p < 0.001) and nonadherence to a Mediterranean-type diet (OR, 7.4; 95% CI, 3.5 to 18.9; p < 0.001), compared to non-migrant Australians. However, South Asian migrants had lower odds of reporting alcohol consumption (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.43; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The risk profiles were different between South Asian migrants and non-migrant Australians, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing group-specific risk factors. However, the use of convenience sampling for the South Asian migrant group may limit the representativeness of the findings and affect their generalizability. However, the use of convenience sampling and the relatively small sample size of the South Asian migrant group may limit the representativeness and generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the South Asian migrant group may represent a more socioeconomically disadvantaged population compared to the non-migrant sample, which may be relatively healthier and more financially advantaged than the general Tasmanian population. The study highlights the need for targeted, culturally appropriate interventions to address these risks. Further research is needed to comprehensively assess the prevalence and determinants of modifiable dementia risk factors among South Asian migrants.<p></p>