Online Program

327661
Addressing Health Needs and Concerns in the Filipino Population


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Lauren Yap, B.S., Department for Public Health, Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Philadelphia, PA
Shumenghui Zhai, MPH, Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Brenda Seals, PhD, MPH, Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Yumeng Xia, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Hermie Aczon, Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, Horsham, PA
Yin Tan, MD, MPH, Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Grace X. Ma, PhD, Center for Asian Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
BACKGROUND: Filipinos represent the second largest Asian ancestry group, but little is known about their health status. West coast research suggests a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies are needed to better understand Filipino concerns and health behaviors. 

METHODS: A comprehensive health needs assessment was administered to 200 Filipinos in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The instrument with a broad range of health themes was developed and pilot tested in English and Tagalog. The survey was administered in small groups at churches and community centers. 

RESULTS: Mostly completed in English, average respondents were aged 56, primarily female (59%), married (69%), employed (60%) and with a university degree or higher (86%). Most participants reported having some health insurance (M: 93.8%/W: 92.1%) and more men reported not having a regular physician compared to women (M: 74.1%/21.4%). The majority of Filipino participants said they were told by a health professional that they had high blood pressure (M: 64.6%/W: 58.3%) and blood cholesterol (M: 61.7%/W: 53.9%). Diabetes was reported for 25.9% of males and 19% of females. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, and breast cancer were reported as the top five priority health conditions to address. Respondents thought that the Filipino community and local health care professionals, especially if they spoke Tagalog, should address these health conditions.

DISCUSSION: This needs assessment was a first step to address health issues in the Filipino community. Reported rates of hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes suggest that health education interventions are crucially needed.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the top five priority health conditions as identified by Filipino respondents. Describe health concerns that the Filipino population is facing. Explain how to address health risks and concerns to the Filipino community.

Keyword(s): Needs Assessment, Chronic Disease Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have extensive experience of working on research projects to assess needs and risk factors among Asian Americans (including Filipino population), and for this particular study, I joined the process of developing strategies for identifying risk factors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.