Ang Ating Mata: Disparities in Eye Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Older Adult Filipino-Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area Counties.

Filipino-Americans are the third largest Asian-American population, with a median age of 44. However, there is limited literature focusing on the group's ophthalmic care engagement. Timely eye examinations and outreach are necessary to reduce visual impairment in this older community. To assess eye care knowledge, attitudes, and practices, we conducted a cross-sectional study surveying Filipino-Americans within the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. Associations between primary outcomes and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using chi-squared analysis and student's T-test. In our convenience sample of 256 surveys, a majority of participants are receiving appropriate eye care; those that lacked health and eye insurance, immigrated and are lower income did not receive optimal eye care. Study participants also demonstrated a lack of awareness of eye diseases and risk factors. Our results suggest that culturally sensitive eye health education materials are lacking and should be made accessible for this large and rapidly growing population.

Preliminary Evaluation of Educational Outreach to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening Among South Asians in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Culturally-tailored interventions increase rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in diverse populations. South Asian Americans have very low rates of CRC screening. Targeted interventions may improve community awareness and likelihood of undergoing screening. We identified and recruited multiple South Asian-serving community and religious centers to conduct South Asian physician-led presentations about CRC screening. A post-presentation survey tool was used to evaluate CRC screening history, intent to screen, and acceptance of a tailored brochure. In a convenience sample of 103 surveys, many participants had not undergone screening in the past (48%), and intent to screen after the presentation was high in those previously not screened (87%). Those who took a culturally-tailored brochure said they would share materials with family and friends (95% and 39% respectively). Our results support earlier findings of success in culturally-tailored interventions and indicate acceptance of culturally-tailored CRC screening outreach in community sites.