Pacific Islanders’ Perceived Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Purpose: To explore literature on Pacific Islanders’ perceived risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Method: A search of literature databases for English-language perceived risk research published from 2000 to 2008. Results: Few studies targeting perceived risk of CVD (n = 6) and diabetes (n = 4) included minority participants. No studies targeted Pacific Islanders exclusively. Overall, Pacific Islanders and other minority groups inaccurately perceive their risk of these conditions. No studies explored cultural relevancy or measurement of perceived risk. Implications: Perceived risk, an integral part of health behavior change theories, is greatly understudied in Pacific Islanders. Perceived risk research for CVD and diabetes is sparse for any minority group. More research is needed to develop socioculturally appropriate interventions that promote accurate risk perceptions for both diseases and facilitate adoption of health behaviors. Ultimately, these behaviors will reduce the onset and devastating consequences of CVD and diabetes in Pacific Islanders and other minority populations.