Asian American and Pacific Islander journal of health最新文献

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for future research and awareness activities in the United States.

Methods: The current literature in the English language on cancer incidence and mortality among Asian Indians was reviewed.

Results: Asian Indians comprise 89% of the U.S. South Asian population. There are few studies in the United States or Canada on cancer incidence or mortality. In India, oral and cervical cancers have high incidence and mortality rates, but the rates of cancers common in the West are rising. In Great Britain, cancer rates in the South Asian community are similar to those of their non-Asian counterparts.

Conclusions: Cancer incidence and mortality rates in India and Great Britain provide a foundation for scientific inquiry among this population in the United States, but more data is needed to assess the cancer burden and implement cancer prevention activities in this country.

Objectives: This paper has three objectives: 1) to review the problem of cervical cancer in Vietnamese American women; 2) to identify the gaps in the published literature regarding this problem in young Vietnamese American women; and 3) to gain a better understanding of their health behavior in order to address an important health concern for this population in the future.

Methods: Published literature about the health status of Vietnamese American women was reviewed.

Results: Little has been published about the health of Young Vietnamese American women (are 18-30), the age group at highest risk for Hepatitis B infection. Also, it is unclear why they do not have regular Pap screenings.

Conclusions: A greater understanding of this population's high-risk behaviors, such as sexual and smoking behaviors, must be reached. More research is needed on the impact of acculturation and their knowledge and understanding of screening. Educational approaches targeting risky behaviors and the need for screening must be developed. Implementation of effective health education and disease prevention strategies are needed.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe the epidemiology of cancer in Vietnamese Americans and reviews some of the successful intervention strategies that have been accomplished in Northern California. FINDINGS: Preventable cancers are among the leading causes of death in Vietnamese Americans, who have higher than average rates of smoking and lower than average rates for breast and cervical cancer screening, and lower rates of hepatitis B vaccination. Community­based intervention trials have shown good success in reducing these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Despite successes, more work needs to be done. Continuing research and dissemination of successful intervention strategies will help improve the health of Vietnamese Americans, one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S.

PURPOSE: Eighty­five to ninety percent of cancer incidence is attributable to lifestyle choices, such as diet, life habits such as smoking, and environmental factors. Culture is the single force most influential on lifestyles. This paper provides a framework to understand the potential contribution of sociocultural factors to cancer control. METHODS: This literature review of culture and cancer control provides a perspective on Asian American populations. Culture is defined in a manner that enables researchers and practitioners to begin to focus on the fundamental elements of culture that directly influence health behavior. FINDINGS: Only four studies were found that address sociocultural factors in cancer control for Asian Americans. Each of these studies found significant variations in the response to cancer than Euro­American populations. Only mainstream researchers or practitioners, who are knowledgeable enough about Asian American cultures to be sensitive to these differences, would recognize these variations. CONCLUSIONS: The widening disparities in cancer outcomes between Asian- and Euro­Americans challenges the current research and practice paradigms for cancer control. A Cultural Systems Approach would strengthen future studies. This paradigm requires multi­level analyses of individuals and populations within specific contexts in order to identify culturally based strategies to improve practice along the cancer care continuum.