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Updated: October 20, 2005

Recommended Reading List - Asian American

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Cultural Factors in Preventive Care: Asian- Americans

Au, C. 

Prim Care Clin Office Pract, 29, 495-502

Asian American 

2002 

The Asian-American population in the United States continues to grow rapidly. In 1990, there were 6.6 million Asian Americans in this country, representing 2.7% of the population. The 2000 Census showed the Asian population has grown to 10.1 million, now 3.6% of the population. A breakdown of the major ethnic groups revealed: Chinese 24%, Filipino 18%, Asian-Indians 16%, Vietnamese 11%, Koreans 10%, and Japanese 8%. According to the 1990 Census, 66% of the Asian-American population was foreign-born, 40% reported that they do not speak English 'very-well', and 25% were in linguistically isolated households. Due to the differences in their ethnic background, language barriers, cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status and distrust in Western medicine, providing care to this population constitutes a formidable challenge for primary care clinicians.

22

An Asian Perspective to the Problem of Osteoporosis

Koh, L. K.

Ann Acad Med Singapore, 31(1), 26-9.

Asian American

2002
Jan

INTRODUCTION: Most research into the problem of osteoporosis has been carried out in Caucasian populations. This review highlights emerging data from research on osteoporosis among Asians, and some differences from Caucasian data. METHODS: A non-systematic review of the English-language literature on various aspects of osteoporosis among Asian populations was carried out. RESULTS: Compared to Caucasian populations, epidemiological trends in Asian populations appear to be developing along similar lines, although rates of hip fracture do differ by country and ethnicity, and are generally lower. Bone mineral density (BMD) carries similar relevance with regard to fracture risk, although hip geometry is also believed to have some impact. Risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures are somewhat similar, although dietary factors seem to play a larger role as reported in Asian studies. A uniquely Asian self-assessment tool based on clinical factors has been developed to assist in case-finding of osteoporotic patients. The few intervention trials with hormone replacement, alendronate and parathyroid hormone appear to show similar responses between Asians and Caucasians, although the response to vitamin D analogs in Asians appears better. Some differences in gene polymorphisms between Asians and Caucasians exist, and these may impact on BMD and fractures via different gene-environment relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Many aspects of osteoporosis in Asia appear similar to the West, but several interesting differences have emerged. These might lead to refinements in the strategies to manage osteoporosis within the Asian context.

25

Cancer Research Studies in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

Hughes, C. K.
Tsark, J. U.
Kenui, C. K.
Alexander, G. A.

Ann Epidemiol, 10(8 Suppl), S49-60.

Native American
Asian American

2000 
Nov

PURPOSE: To review and assess published findings from relevant cancer research studies in Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders and to develop strategies for designing and implementing successful cancer research studies in the future. METHODS: Data were collected primarily from MEDLINE and BIOSIS Preview searches of the English literature during a 30-year period for published reports of cancer surveillance studies and epidemiological and clinical cancer studies in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. The cancer burden was critically assessed in the retrieved citations for each of the indigenous groups from Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. RESULTS: A review of the published literature revealed a lack of systematic data collection on cancer incidence and mortality in Pacific Islanders. Wide variations were found regarding the status of cancer research among ethnic groups. It is estimated that Native Hawaiians represent 0.1% of subjects accrued to cancer prevention trials, and that Pacific Islanders represent 0.5% of subjects in a large cancer screening trial. CONCLUSION: The paucity of cancer data and clinical cancer research supports the need for increased attention to these indigenous populations to improve the quality of cancer care in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities.