Council of Young
Filipinx Americans in medicine

Abstract:

 

Filipino-Americans are the largest Southeast Asian and third largest Asian-American population in the United States (US), with a median age of 50 years in 2016. The greater San Francisco metropolitan area is home to the second largest population of this aging and growing minority group. While studies show a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension within the Filipino-American population, there is limited literature assessing other health characteristics of Filipino-Americans beyond cardiovascular disease such as the state of the population’s ophthalmic care engagement. This is concerning because factors that disproportionately affect Filipino-Americans, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and structural inequities, place this population at increased risk of experiencing worsened eye health. Timely eye examinations and appropriate treatment are necessary to reduce visual impairment in an aging community. Therefore, we are conducting a cross-sectional study that surveys Filipino-Americans aged 40 and older within the Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties to make a preliminary assessment of eye care knowledge, attitudes, and health seeking practices among Filipino-Americans. Associations between eye health knowledge, practices, disability type, age group, 1st versus 2nd generation, education, and socioeconomic status are analyzed using chi-squared analysis or student’s T-test through STATA software. This research directly informs a qualitative study to understand the barriers and facilitators in accessing eye care within this population. Future studies may focus on patient care development, assess the effectiveness of public health educational campaigns, and improve provider practices for better, equitable care.

 

Keywords: eye health, Filipino-American community, ophthalmology