Child, family and household characteristics associated with physical activity in Samoan children aged 3-8 years: A cross-sectional study.

Physical activity is a key component of many obesity prevention strategies. The aim of this analysis was to identify child, family, and household characteristics associated with parent-reported physical activity in Samoan children aged 3-8 years. Children (n = 445; 51.2% female, mean age 5.4 years) were part of an ongoing, mixed-longitudinal study of child growth, development, and wellbeing (the Ola Tuputupua'e cohort). Bivariate analyses and multivariate generalized linear regressions were conducted to investigate the relationship of child, family, and household characteristics with physical activity level, measured using the Netherlands Physical Activity Questionnaire (NPAQ). Children were classified as being 'highly active' if they had NPAQ scores in the 75th percentile or above. Among the n = 111 children classified as 'highly active', n = 67 (60.4%) were boys. After adjusting for child, family, and household-level characteristics, hours of child sleep per night was the only variable significantly associated with odds of being highly active. Compared to children who slept less than 9 hours at night, those who slept 10-10.99 hours (OR: 5.97, 95% CI: 2.14-18.13) and 11+ hours (OR: 25.75, 95% CI: 8.14-90.12) had higher odds of being 'highly active'. Future research should examine the mechanisms driving the relationship between nighttime sleep and physical activity among Samoan children. Intervening on sleep duration and quality may improve physical activity and, in turn, obesity risk in this setting.

Accelerometer-Based Estimates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Samoan Adults.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease in Samoa is among the highest globally. While physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity-related disease, little is known about physical activity levels among adult Samoans. Using wrist-worn accelerometer-based devices, this study aimed to characterize physical activity among Samoan adults. METHODS: Samoan adults (n = 385; 55% female, mean [SD] age 52 [10] y) wore Actigraph GT3X+ devices for 7 to 10 days. General linear models were used to examine mean daily minutes of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity by various participant characteristics. RESULTS: Time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity did not differ statistically between men (88 [5] min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80-97) and women (78 [4] min; 95% CI, 70-86; P = .08). Women, however, spent more time than men in light physical activity: 380 (7) minutes (95% CI, 367-393) versus 344 (7) minutes (95% CI, 329-358; P < .001). While there were no differences in physical activity by census region, education, or occupation among women, men in urban areas spent significantly less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity than those in peri-urban and rural areas (P = .015). Women with class II/III obesity spent more time in sedentary activities than those with healthy weight or overweight/class I obesity (P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: This study characterizes physical activity among Samoan adults and highlights variation by sex, urbanicity, and weight status. In providing initial device-measured estimates of physical activity in Samoa, this analysis establishes a baseline from which the success of future attempts to intervene on physical activity may be assessed.

Associations of childhood BMI traits with blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin in 6-9-year-old Samoan children.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence and risk factors for elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure (BP) are poorly understood among Pacific children. We examined associations of HbA1c and BP in 6-9 year-olds with body mass index (BMI) at ages 2, 5, and BMI velocity between 2-9 years in Samoa. METHODS: HbA1c (capillary blood) and BP were measured in n = 410 Samoan children who were part of an ongoing cohort study. Multilevel models predicted BMI trajectory characteristics. Generalized linear regressions assessed associations of childhood characteristics and BMI trajectories with HbA1c and BP treated as both continuous and categorical outcomes. Primary caregiver-reported childhood characteristics were used as covariates. RESULTS: Overall, 12.90% (n = 53) of children had high HbA1c (≥5.7%) and 33.17% (n = 136) had elevated BP. BMI at 5-years and BMI velocity were positively associated with high HbA1c prevalence in males. A 1 kg/m2 per year higher velocity was associated with a 1.71 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.75) times higher prevalence of high HbA1c. In females, higher BMI at 5-years and greater BMI velocity were associated with higher BP at 6-9 years (95% CI: 1.12, 1.40, and 1.42, 2.74, respectively). CONCLUSION: Monitoring childhood BMI trajectories may inform cardiometabolic disease screening and prevention efforts in this at-risk population.

Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n = 66) and infant dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n = 50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 10 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); and 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.006) associations between higher PFHxS and male sex; higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA); lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS and greater socioeconomic resources; lower PFOA and higher parity; higher PFDA and higher maternal age; and lower PFUnA, PFTrDA, and 9Cl-PF3ONS and higher maternal BMI. In DBS, we found suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.025) associations between lower PFBA and residence in NWU versus AUA; lower PFBA and PFHxS and higher maternal age; and higher PFBA and higher maternal BMI. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study represents the first characterization of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.

Pre-pregnancy BMI, rate of gestational weight gain, and preterm birth among US Pacific Islander individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the association between rate of gestational weight gain (GWG) and preterm birth (PTB) classified by pre-pregnancy BMI among Pacific Islander individuals in the United States. METHODS: Pacific Islander mothers (n = 55,975) and singleton infants (22-41 gestational weeks) without congenital anomalies were included using data from the National Center for Health Statistics (2014-2018). PTB was compared by pre-pregnancy BMI among women in each stratum of rate of GWG using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Compared with mothers with a rate of GWG within the guidelines, mothers with a rate of GWG below the guidelines and either pre-pregnancy underweight (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.10-3.06), healthy weight (aHR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15-1.65), obesity class I (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.97-1.52), or obesity class II (aHR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05-1.96) had an increased risk of PTB; mothers with a rate of GWG above the guidelines and either pre-pregnancy underweight (aHR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.92-2.69) or obesity class II (aHR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.98-1.76) had an increased risk of PTB. CONCLUSIONS: The association between rate of GWG below or above the guidelines and PTB differs by pre-pregnancy BMI among Pacific Islander individuals.

Association between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk among Samoan adults.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest that early menarche may increase cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Yet few studies have examined this association in the Pacific Islands, where obesity prevalence is among the highest globally. We sought to examine associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk in Samoa. METHODS: Participants were from the Soifua Manuia study (n = 285, age 32-72 years) conducted in Samoa from 2017 to 2019. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome per one-year increase in age at menarche. Linear regressions were conducted to examine associations between age at menarche and continuous measures of adiposity, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and serum lipids. RESULTS: Median age at menarche was 14 years (IQR = 2). After controlling for relevant covariates, each one-year increase in age at menarche was associated with a 15% decrease (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.01, p = .067) in odds of hypertension, but a 21% increase (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45, p = .044) in odds of diabetes and 18% increase (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98-1.42, p = .081) in odds of high total cholesterol. Each additional year in age at menarche was associated with a 1.60 ± 0.52 kg (p = .002) decrease in lean mass and 1.56 ± 0.51 kg (p = .003) decrease in fat-free mass. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk may be population-specific and are likely influenced by both current and historical nutritional and epidemiological contexts. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of childhood adiposity and other early life exposures on age at menarche and subsequent cardiometabolic risk.

"There are still broken or fragmented systems": Qualitative assessment of needs to strengthen adolescent mental health services in American Samoa.

Mental health challenges appear common among adolescents in American Samoa. There is a community-identified need to better understand the health burden and identify opportunities to strengthen the mental health system to better meet adolescent mental health needs. The goal of this qualitative study was to gather community stakeholders' perceptions of common mental health problems among adolescents in American Samoa, identify existing services for adolescent mental health, and highlight strength-based opportunities to enhance care. Using the Fa'afaletui research framework, semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 28) were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 using Zoom. Key informants were adults living in American Samoa, sampled for diversity in profession, age, gender, education, and region of residence. Transcripts were coded in duplicate and analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Participants reported that suicide, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are the conditions of highest burden. Participants identified an impressive amount of infrastructure and community mobilization, but also limitations in these services in addressing adolescents' health needs. Four themes arose related to the need to: (1) strengthen existing infrastructure; (2) reduce barriers to treatment access; (3) improve sustainability; and (4) encourage collaboration among leaders. Policymakers should prioritize the allocation of resources to strengthen infrastructure, public education, and stakeholder collaboration to improve adolescent mental health in American Samoa.

Self-care and healthcare seeking practices among patients with hypertension and diabetes in rural Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Implementing effective self-care practices for non-communicable diseases (NCD) prevents complications and morbidity. However, scanty evidence exists among patients in rural sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We sought to describe and compare existing self-care practices among patients with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes (DM) in rural Uganda. METHODS: Between April and August 2019, we executed a cross-sectional investigation involving 385 adult patients diagnosed with HTN and/or DM. These participants were systematically randomly selected from three outpatient NCD clinics in the Nakaseke district. Data collection was facilitated using a structured survey that inquired about participants' healthcare-seeking patterns, access to self-care services, education on self-care, medication compliance, and overall health-related quality of life. We utilized Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses to discern disparities in self-care practices, education, and healthcare-seeking actions based on the patient's conditions. RESULTS: Of the 385 participants, 39.2% had only DM, 36.9% had only HTN, and 23.9% had both conditions (HTN/DM). Participants with DM or both conditions reported more clinic visits in the past year than those with only HTN (P = 0.005). Similarly, most DM-only and HTN/DM participants monitored their weight monthly, unlike those with only HTN (P<0.0001). Participants with DM or HTN/DM were more frequently educated about their health condition(s), dietary habits, and weight management than those with only HTN. Specifically, education about their conditions yielded adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 5.57 for DM-only and 4.12 for HTN/DM. Similarly, for diet, aORs were 2.77 (DM-only) and 4.21 (HTN/DM), and for weight management, aORs were 3.62 (DM-only) and 4.02 (HTN/DM). Medication adherence was notably higher in DM-only participants (aOR = 2.19). Challenges in self-care were significantly more reported by women (aOR = 2.07) and those above 65 years (aOR = 5.91), regardless of their specific condition(s). CONCLUSION: Compared to rural Ugandans with HTN-only, participants with DM had greater utilization of healthcare services, exposure to self-care education, and adherence to medicine and self-monitoring behaviors. These findings should inform ongoing efforts to improve and integrate NCD service delivery in rural SSA.

Identifying patient preferences for diabetes care: A protocol for implementing a discrete choice experiment in Samoa.

In Samoa, adult Type 2 diabetes prevalence has increased within the past 30 years. Patient preferences for care are factors known to influence treatment adherence and are associated with reduced disease progression and severity. However, patient preferences for diabetes care, generally, are understudied, and other patient-centered factors such as willingness-to-pay (WTP) for diabetes treatment have never been explored in this setting. Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE) are useful tools to elicit preferences and WTP for healthcare. DCEs present patients with hypothetical scenarios composed of a series of multi-alternative choice profiles made up of attributes and levels. Patients choose a profile based on which attributes and levels may be preferable for them, thereby quantifying and identifying locally relevant patient-centered preferences. This paper presents the protocol for the design, piloting, and implementation of a DCE identifying patient preferences for diabetes care, in Samoa. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, formative data from a literature review and semi-structured interviews with n = 20 Samoan adults living with Type 2 diabetes was used to design a Best-Best DCE instrument. Experimental design procedures were used to reduce the number of choice-sets and balance the instrument. Following pilot testing, the DCE is being administered to n = 450 Samoan adults living with diabetes, along with associated questionnaires, and anthropometrics. Subsequently, we will also be assessing longitudinally how preferences for care change over time. Data will be analyzed using progressive mixed Rank Order Logit models. The results will identify which diabetes care attributes are important to patients (p < 0.05), examine associations between participant characteristics and preference, illuminate the trade-offs participants are willing to make, and the probability of uptake, and WTP for specific attributes and levels. The results from this study will provide integral data useful for designing and adapting efficacious diabetes intervention and treatment approaches in this setting.

Improving imputation quality in Samoans through the integration of population-specific sequences into existing reference panels.

Genotype imputation is fundamental to association studies, and yet even gold standard panels like TOPMed are limited in the populations for which they yield good imputation. Specifically, Pacific Islanders are poorly represented in extant panels. To address this, we constructed an imputation reference panel using 1,285 Samoan individuals with whole-genome sequencing, combined with 1000 Genomes (1000G) samples, to create a reference panel that better represents Pacific Islander, specifically Samoan, genetic variation. We compared this panel to 1000G and TOPMed panels based on imputed variants using genotyping array data for 1,834 Samoan participants who were not part of the panels. The 1000G + 1285 Samoan panel yielded up to 2.25-2.76 times more well-imputed (r 2 ≥ 0.80) variants than TOPMed and 1000G. There was improved imputation accuracy across the minor allele frequency (MAF) spectrum, although it was more pronounced for variants with 0.01 ≤ MAF ≤ 0.05. Imputation accuracy (r 2 ) was greater for population-specific variants (high fixation index, F ST ) and those from larger haplotypes (high LD score). The gain in imputation accuracy over TOPMed was largest for small haplotypes (low LD score), reflecting the Samoan panel's ability to capture population-specific variation not well tagged by other panels. We also augmented the 1000G reference panel with varying numbers of Samoan samples and found that panels with 48 or more Samoans included outperformed TOPMed for all variants with MAF ≥ 0.001. This study identifies variants with improved imputation using population-specific reference panels and provides a framework for constructing other population-specific reference panels.

Characterization of sleep apnea among a sample of adults from Samoa.

Sleep apnea is a public health concern around the world, but little research has been dedicated to examining this issue in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa. Using data collected through the Soifua Manuia ("Good Health") study, which aimed to investigate the impact of the body mass index (BMI)-associated genetic variant rs373863828 in CREB3 Regulatory Factor ( CREBRF ) on metabolic traits in Samoan adults, we examined the sample prevalence and characteristics of sleep apnea using data collected with a validated home sleep apnea device (WatchPAT, Itamar). A total of 330 participants (sampled to overrepresent the obesity-risk allele of interest) had sleep data available. Participants (53.3% female) had a mean (SD) age of 52.0 (9.9) years and BMI of 35.5 (7.5) kg/m 2 and 36.3% of the sample had type 2 diabetes. Based on the 3% and 4% apnea hypopnea indices (AHI) and the 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI), descriptive analyses revealed that many participants had potentially actionable sleep apnea defined as >5 events/hr (87.9%, 68.5%, and 71.2%, respectively) or clinically actionable sleep apnea defined as ≥15 events/hr (54.9%, 31.5%, and 34.5%, respectively). Sleep apnea was more severe in men; for example, clinically actionable sleep apnea (≥15) based on the AHI 3% definition was observed in 61.7% of men and 48.9% of women. Correction for non-representational sampling related to the CREBRF obesity-risk allele resulted in only slightly lower estimates. Across the AHI 3%, AHI 4%, and ODI 4%, multiple linear regression revealed associations between a greater number of events/hr and higher age, male sex, higher body mass index, higher abdominal-hip circumference ratio, and geographic region of residence. Our study identified a much higher frequency of sleep apnea in Samoa compared with published data from other studies, but similar predictors. Continued research addressing generalizability of these findings, as well as a specific focus on diagnosis and affordable and equitable access to treatment, is needed to alleviate the burden of sleep apnea in Samoa and around the world.

Characterization of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa, where there is more recent modernization and potential window to examine earlier stages of PFAS exposure and consequences. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n=66) and dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n=50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 11 detected in >10% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >10% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted associations between higher PFHxS and male sex, higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA), and lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS with greater socioeconomic resources. In DBS, we found associations between higher PFBA and greater socioeconomic resources, and between lower PFBA and PFHxS and residence in NWU versus AUA. However, the latter association did not hold when controlling for socioeconomic resources. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study presents the first evidence of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.

Global prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders is minimally understood. The purpose of this study was to estimate pooled prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders and to estimate their risk of preterm birth compared to White/European women. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Global Health, and two regional journals in March 2023. Observational studies were included if they reported preterm birth-related outcomes among Pacific Islanders. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of preterm birth with 95% confidence interval (CI). Bayes meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% highest posterior density intervals (HPDI). The Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used for risk of bias assessment. We estimated preterm birth prevalence among Pacific Islanders in the United States (US, 11.8%, sample size [SS] = 209,930, 95% CI 10.8%-12.8%), the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI, SS = 29,036, 6.7%, 95% CI 4.9%-9.0%), New Zealand (SS = 252,162, 7.7%, 95% CI 7.1%-8.3%), Australia (SS = 20,225, 6.1%, 95% CI 4.2%-8.7%), and Papua New Guinea (SS = 2,647, 7.0%, 95% CI 5.6%-8.8%). Pacific Islanders resident in the US were more likely to experience preterm birth compared to White women (OR = 1.45, 95% HPDI 1.32-1.58), but in New Zealand their risk was similar (OR = 1.00, 95% HPDI 0.83-1.16) to European women. Existing literature indicates that Pacific Islanders in the US had a higher prevalence of preterm birth and experienced health inequities. Learning from New Zealand's culturally-sensitive approach to health care provision may provide a starting point for addressing disparities. The limited number of studies identified may contribute to higher risk of bias and the heterogeneity in our estimates; more data is needed to understand the true burden of preterm birth in the Pacific region.

Prevalence of malnutrition among Samoan children aged 5 to 11 years in 2019-2020.

BACKGROUND: Globally, rapid economic development, urbanisation, and nutrition transitions have led to rising levels of malnutrition in all forms. AIM: The study objective was to document the prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight, stunting, and anaemia among Samoan children in 2019-2020. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Children from the Ola Tuputupua'e "Growing Up" in Samoa study at ages 5-11 years with complete physical assessments were included. Overweight/obesity, underweight, and stunting were classified using World Health Organisation Z-scores for body mass index-for-age (BMIZ> +1), weight-for-age (WAZ< -2SD), and height-for-age (HAZ< -2SD), respectively. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration <11.5 g/dL. Prevalence was compared by child age, sex, and census region of residence (representing urbanicity and exposure to nutrition transition) using Wilcoxon two-sample, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight, stunting, and anaemia was 36.2%, 0.5%, 1.6%, and 31.6%, respectively. Overweight/obesity in children was positively associated with age and highly prevalent in periurban and urban regions. While children living in the rural region with the lowest exposure to nutrition transition had the highest prevalence of mild-to-moderate stunting, anaemia prevalence was lower compared to those in the urban region. No sex differences in malnutrition were observed. CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-high levels of overweight/obesity and anaemia call for comprehensive intervention strategies.

A Polynesian-specific missense CETP variant alters the lipid profile.

Identifying population-specific genetic variants associated with disease and disease-predisposing traits is important to provide insights into the genetic determinants of health and disease between populations, as well as furthering genomic justice. Various common pan-population polymorphisms at CETP associate with serum lipid profiles and cardiovascular disease. Here, sequencing of CETP identified a missense variant rs1597000001 (p.Pro177Leu) specific to Maori and Pacific people that associates with higher HDL-C and lower LDL-C levels. Each copy of the minor allele associated with higher HDL-C by 0.236 mmol/L and lower LDL-C by 0.133 mmol/L. The rs1597000001 effect on HDL-C is comparable with CETP Mendelian loss-of-function mutations that result in CETP deficiency, consistent with our data, which shows that rs1597000001 lowers CETP activity by 27.9%. This study highlights the potential of population-specific genetic analyses for improving equity in genomics and health outcomes for population groups underrepresented in genomic studies.

Preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-affiliated Pacific Islands: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands. METHODS: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, two nonindexed regional journals, and gray literature were conducted and finalized in September 2021. Observational studies published since January 2010 that documented preterm birth outcomes among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes of interest included preterm birth prevalence, risk compared with white women, and risk factors for preterm birth among Pacific Islanders. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 3183 screened articles were included in meta-analyses. Random-effects models were used for pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals. The pooled prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders was 11.2%, 95% CI: 9.3%-13.6%. Marshallese women had the highest pooled prevalence (20.7%, 95% CI 18.6%-23.0%) among Pacific Islander subgroups. Compared with white women, Pacific Islander women had higher odds of experiencing preterm birth (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.28-1.53). Four risk factors for preterm birth could be explored with the data available: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and pre-pregnancy body mass index; hypertension and diabetes significantly increased the odds of preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Existing literature suggests that United States Pacific Islanders were more likely to experience preterm birth than white women, although the pooled prevalence varied by Pacific Islander subgroup. Data support the need for disaggregation of Pacific Islanders in future research and argue for examination of subgroup-specific outcomes to address perinatal health disparities.

Birth-Based vs Fetuses-at-Risk Approaches for Assessing Neonatal Mortality Rate by Race.

This cohort study assesses 5-year race-stratified neonatal mortality and prevalence of preterm births in the US using birth-based and fetuses-at-risk approaches.

Cross-sectional and prospective associations between household socioeconomic resources, appetite traits, and body size among Samoan infants.

In high-income countries, household socioeconomic resources (as measured by education, occupation, income, and/or household assets) and childhood obesity risk tend to be negatively associated. This association may arise in part because children from households with fewer resources are exposed to obesogenic environments that shape appetite trait development. In contrast, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exhibit a positive association between socioeconomic resources and child body size. There is less evidence from LMIC settings about when during development this association emerges and whether appetite traits play a mediatory role. To explore these questions, we examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between socioeconomic resources, appetite traits, and body size among infants in Samoa, an LMIC in Oceania. Data were from the Foafoaga O le Ola prospective birth cohort of 160 mother-infant dyads. Appetite traits were characterized using the Baby and Child Eating Behavior Questionnaires and household socioeconomic resources were quantified using an asset-based measure. While infant body size and household socioeconomic resources were positively associated in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses, we found no evidence that appetite traits mediate this relationship. These results suggest that other aspects of the food environment, such as food security and feeding style, may explain the positive association between socioeconomic resources and body size observed in many LMICs.

Association of rs9939609 in FTO with BMI among Polynesian peoples living in Aotearoa New Zealand and other Pacific nations.

The fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) locus consistently associates with higher body mass index (BMI) across diverse ancestral groups. However, previous small studies of people of Polynesian ancestries have failed to replicate the association. In this study, we used Bayesian meta-analysis to test rs9939609, the most replicated FTO variant, for association with BMI with a large sample (n = 6095) of Aotearoa New Zealanders of Polynesian (Maori and Pacific) ancestry and of Samoan people living in the Independent State of Samoa and in American Samoa. We did not observe statistically significant association within each separate Polynesian subgroup. Bayesian meta-analysis of the Aotearoa New Zealand Polynesian and Samoan samples resulted in a posterior mean effect size estimate of +0.21 kg/m2, with a 95% credible interval [+0.03 kg/m2, +0.39 kg/m2]. While the Bayes Factor (BF) of 0.77 weakly favors the null, the BF = 1.4 Bayesian support interval is [+0.04, +0.20]. These results suggest that rs9939609 in FTO may have a similar effect on mean BMI in people of Polynesian ancestries as previously observed in other ancestral groups.