UC San Diego

Cancer is the number one cause of death among Asian Americans, and Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in number. Filipino American women have relatively low rates of breast and colorectal cancer screening compared to their White counterparts; however, they experience higher numbers of late-stage diagnoses and mortality rates. Thus, early detection of cancer and maintenance of healthy prevention behaviors are very important. Little is known about this community's prevention behaviors such as smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. This study aimed to extend the literature on Filipino American women's health by 1) describing their breast, cervical, colorectal cancer screening rates, 2) describing their rates of prevention behaviors, 3) identifying general predictors of screening, and 4) identifying culture-specific predictors of screening. Four hundred and two self-identified Filipino American women ages 21-83 (M = 44.22, SD =15 years) participated. Sixty-six percent were in adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, 80% were in adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines, and 60% reported adherence to colon cancer screening guidelines. Almost 90% of the sample reported not smoking, 47% were in adherence to dietary fat intake guidelines, 38% were in adherence to fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines, 63% abstained from alcohol, 59% were within recommended weight guidelines, and 96% reported engaging in physical activity, all of which were better than national averages. Acculturation significantly predicted clinical breast exam, peer group adherence significantly predicted mammography, and number of years in the US significantly predicted colon cancer screening. A new scale measuring cultural health beliefs and traditional values was created and had good reliability (α = .89). It was negatively correlated with acculturation (r = -.24) and adherence to CBE guidelines (r = -.16), and positively correlated with God locus of health control (r = .30) and perceived barriers to pap smear (r = .21). While culture-specific factors were hypothesized to relate to health behaviors, they were not predictive of cancer screening or prevention. Acculturation, length of stay in the US, and peer group adherence were significant predictors and important considerations for future programs that target Filipino American women's health behaviors