Risk Assessment and Prevention of Hypertension in Filipino Americans

Abstract

Background Despite that Filipino Americans represent an important target group for hypertension, health behaviors associated with hypertension in this population have not been well studied. Methods Two hundred Filipino Americans from eight community-based organizations completed the study. Information was collected to determine whether modifiable behavioral factors, as well as acculturation and demographic characteristics, were associated with hypertension status in Filipino Americans. Results Approximately 67% of Filipino Americans were hypertensive. Logistic regression analysis showed that adding salt, physical inactivity, and old age were significantly associated with hypertension status after controlling for other covariates. Discussion The present study confirmed a high rate of hypertension among Filipino Americans and demonstrates the association of hypertension status with behavioral factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent and manage hypertension in this high-risk community by facilitating health behaviors, particularly, salt reduction and physical activity.

Metabolic conditions and breast cancer risk among Los Angeles County Filipina Americans compared with Chinese and Japanese Americans

“…Prevalence of HBP was also highest among Filipina (30.6%), intermediate among Japanese (27.9%) and lowest (18.2%) among Chinese American control women. High prevalence of hypertension and other components of metabolic syndrome has been reported in other studies of Filipino in the US . In a meta‐analysis of 30 studies on hypertension and breast cancer, a significant positive association was found in postmenopausal women (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.31) but not in premenopausal women (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84–1.12) and was more consistent in studies conducted in western than in Asian populations .…”

“…High prevalence of hypertension and other components of metabolic syndrome has been reported in other studies of Filipino in the US. 21,23,39 In a meta-analysis of 30 studies on hypertension and breast cancer, a significant positive association was found in postmenopausal women (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.31) but not in premenopausal women (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84-1.12) and was more consistent in studies conducted in western than in Asian populations. 40 Hypertension may increase risk of breast cancer by mediating effects via adipose tissues, inflammation or other pathways.…”

“…We are not aware of previous studies on metabolic conditions and breast cancer risk in Filipina women in the US or in the Philippines. However, Filipino Americans have been found to have higher prevalence of various metabolic conditions, including dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes than Japanese and Chinese Americans and to experience high risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality . The high prevalence of these metabolic conditions and risk of cardiovascular diseases are observed in the Philippines as well …”

A community health worker intervention to improve blood pressure among Filipino Americans with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

“…Disparities in hypertension among non-Hispanic blacks has been well-documented ( Mensah et al, 2005 ; Ong et al, 2007 ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005 ; Barnes et al, 2008 ). Research within Asian American communities is limited, yet a growing body of evidence indicates that compared to non-Hispanic whites, Filipino Americans experience a higher burden of hypertension (23.9–67%) ( Barnes et al, 2008 ; Jose et al, 2013 ; Zhao et al, 2015 ; Bayog and Waters, 2017 ; Ma et al, 2017 ; Ye et al, 2009 ; Ursua et al, 2013 ; Ursua et al, 2014a ) and lower rates of control ( Zhao et al, 2015 ; Ursua et al, 2014a ; Ea et al, 2018 ). Given the rapid population expansion of Filipino Americans in the US (38.9% increase between 2000 and 2010) ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 ) as well as in regions such as New York City, ( Federation AA, 2009 ) strategies to mitigate the burden of hypertension among Filipinos are warranted ( Ursua et al, 2014b ).…”

Health behavior practice among understudied Chinese and Filipino Americans with cardiometabolic diseases

“…Culturally, Filipinos in the US tend to acculturate faster and have higher English proficiency than the Chinese ( Eng et al, 2008 ). Regarding health status, Filipino Americans have higher rates of hypertension, obesity and diabetes compared to other Asian ethnic groups and Non-Hispanic whites ( Ma et al, 2017 ; Wang et al, 2011 ; Ye et al, 2009 ). However, no study has examined the differences of health behaviors between Chinese and Filipino Americans among the individuals living with CMD.…”