Hypertension
Compared with Caucasians, Filipino immigrants are more likely to suffer from hypertension (Ye et al., 2009). Also, those suffering from hypertension are less likely to be undergoing treatment by antihypertensive medications (Ye et al., 2009).
Through increased education of this population on risk factors, prevention, and treatment of hypertension, rates of illness may be better controlled.
Cancer
Among Filipino men, the most commonly diagnosed cancer is that of the prostate (McCracken, 2007). Risk factors for this cancer include a diet high in saturated fat, as well as obesity. Among Filipino women, breast cancer is highly prevalent (McCracken, 2007). Also, the incidence of cervical cancer is higher among Filipino immigrants than it is among Caucasian women (McCracken, 2007).
As the high rates of prostate and breast cancer may be due to overweight or obesity, patients must be educated to recognize the importance of physical activity and of a balanced diet low in saturated fats.
Diabetes
Although increased risk of type 2 diabetes is generally associated with obesity, studies have shown that Filipino individuals tend to have high rates of type 2 diabetes without high rates of obesity (Araneta, 2005). Research shows that Filipino women have three times the prevalence of type 2 diabetes as Caucasian women (Araneta, 2005).
Further research is being done as to the reasons for the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Filipino population.
Children and Youth
It is common for Filipino women to migrate to Canada as domestic workers, leaving their families behind in the Philippines to migrate at a later date (Rousseau et al., 2008). Having endured extended periods of separation from their mothers, children migrating to Canada from the Philippines often experience difficulty adjusting. Studies show that Filipino youth suffer from higher rates of depression and from lower self-esteem than other ethnic groups (Rousseau et al., 2008).
Also, Filipino youth report instances of racial discrimination more frequently than their parents do, resulting in their further isolation and identification of themselves as Filipino only, disregarding their Canadian identity (Rousseau et al., 2008).
Through collaboration between health professionals, schools, media, and police, efforts can be made to reduce levels of racism and to aid with the success of Filipino youth in Canadian society.
References:
Araneta, M.R. & Barrett-Connor, E. Ethnic differences in visceral adipose tissue and type 2 diabetes: Filipino, African-American, and white women. Obesity Research, 13, (8), 1458-1465.
McCracken, M., Olsen, M., Chen, M.S. Jr., Jemal, A., Thun, M., Cokkinides, V., Deapen, D. & Ward, E. (2007). Cancer incidence, mortality, and associated risk factors among Asian Americans of Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese ethnicities. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 57, (4), 190-205.
Rousseau, C., Hassan, G., Measham, T. & Lashley, M. Prevalence and correlates of conduct disorder and problem behavior in Caribbean and Filipino immigrant adolescents. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 17, (5), 264-273.
Ye, J., Rust, G., Baltrus, P. & Daniels, E. (2009). Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Asian Americans: Results from a National Health Survey. Annals of Epidemiology.
