ReviewRandomized controlled trial lifestyle interventions for Asian Americans: A systematic review

- This was a systematic review of RCT lifestyle interventions for Asian Americans.
- 7 RCTs measuring change in physical activity, diet, or weight were found.
- 5 of 7 RCTs showed significant between group differences in outcomes of interest.
- Assessments for risk of bias and cultural appropriateness were moderate to low.
- More rigorous and culturally appropriate RCTs are needed for Asian American populations.

ObjectiveAsian Americans are the fastest-growing race in the United States. However, they are largely underrepresented in health research, particularly in lifestyle interventions. A systematic review was conducted to analyze the characteristics and quality of lifestyle intervention literature promoting changes in physical activity (PA), diet, and/or weight management targeting Asian Americans.MethodA systematic electronic database search identified randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), involving lifestyle interventions for Asian Americans, published from 1995 to 2013 conducted in the US. Data extraction was conducted from August through December 2013.ResultsSeven RCTs met the review criteria. Cross-study comparisons were difficult due to diversity in: RCT intervention designs, cultural appropriateness, outcome measures, sample size, and race/ethnic groups. Overall, risk of bias and cultural appropriateness scores were moderate to low. Five out of seven RCTs showed significant between group differences for PA, diet, and weight. In general, sample sizes were small or lacked sufficient power to fully analyze intervention efficacy.ConclusionEvidence of the efficacy for lifestyle interventions among Asian Americans was mixed. Recommendations include: more rigorous RCT designs, more objective measures, larger Asian American sample sizes, culturally appropriate interventions, individual tailoring, maintenance phase with support, and providing education and modeling of lifestyle behaviors.