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PubMedDate not supplied

Anger expression, age, and blood pressure in modernizing Samoan adults.

OBJECTIVE: Relationships among anger expression, age, and blood pressure (BP) were studied in a cross-sectional sample of 593 American and Western Samoan adult men and women, 25 to 55 years of age. Prior studies indicated that anger coping is an important psychosocial domain in modernizing Samoans. METHODS: Anger expression was assessed using a modified 24-item version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory composed of anger-in, anger-out, and anger-control, along with 4 Samoan culture-specific anger items. Age and sex stratified analyses were performed. Body-mass adjusted BP was regressed on the anger expression subscales and age. RESULTS: In women < or = 40 years of age, anger-out was significantly (p < 0.01) and negatively related to adjusted diastolic BP. Young women from American and Western Samoa who outwardly expressed anger least frequently had higher adjusted diastolic BP. CONCLUSION: The significant influence of anger expression on BP in young modernizing Samoan women may be because: a) increased stress from the interaction of traditional gender role-related domestic demands and more opportunities for individual socioeconomic activities; and b) the culturally normative pattern of suppressed emotional expression.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Synchrony in the onset of mental-state reasoning: evidence from five cultures.

Over the past 20 years, developmental psychologists have shown considerable interest in the onset of a theory of mind, typically marked by children's ability to pass false-belief tasks. In Western cultures, children pass such tasks around the age of 5 years, with variations of the tasks producing small changes in the age at which they are passed. Knowing whether this age of transition is common across diverse cultures is important to understanding what causes this development. Cross-cultural studies have produced mixed findings, possibly because of varying methods used in different cultures. The present study used a single procedure to measure false-belief understanding in five cultures: Canada, India, Peru, Samoa, and Thailand. With a standardized procedure, we found synchrony in the onset of mentalistic reasoning, with children crossing the false-belief milestone at approximately 5 years of age in every culture studied. The meaning of this synchrony for the origins of mental-state understanding is discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1984

The chronic and severe forms of eosinophilic meningitis.

Two cases of chronic eosinophilic meningitis (presumed to be due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis) and a third patient with a severe form of this disease are described. Such cases are rare in the published literature. All patients developed their illness in Western Samoa, an area previously thought to be free of the disease. The need to consider eosinophilic meningitis in patients with chronic and severe neurological disease who live in, or have recently come from, endemic areas is emphasised.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Serum leptin concentration, obesity, and insulin resistance in Western Samoans: cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To measure serum leptin concentrations in the Polynesian population of Western Samoa and to examine epidemiological associations of leptin with anthropometric, demographic, behavioural, and metabolic factors in this population with a high prevalence of obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Cross sectional study, leptin concentration being measured in a subgroup of a population based sample. SUBJECTS: 240 Polynesian men and women aged 28-74 years were selected to cover the full range of age, body mass index, and glucose tolerance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Serum leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations; anthropometric measures; physical activity; and area of residence. RESULTS: Leptin concentrations were correlated with body mass index (r = 0.80 in men, 0.79 in women) and waist circumference (r = 0.82 in men, 0.78 in women) but less so with waist to hip ratio. At any body mass index, leptin concentration was higher in women than men (geometric mean adjusted for body mass index 15.3 v 3.6 pg/l, P < 0.001). Leptin concentration also correlated with fasting insulin concentration (r = 0.63 in men, 0.64 in women) and insulin concentration 2 hours after a glucose load (r = 0.58 in men, 0.52 in women). These associations remained significant after controlling for body mass index; effects of physical activity and of rural or urban living on leptin concentration were eliminated after adjusting for obesity, except values remained high in urban men. 78% of variance in leptin was explained by a model including fasting insulin concentration, sex, body mass index, and a body mass index by sex interaction term. Similar results were obtained if waist circumference replaced body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The strong relation of leptin with obesity is consistent with leptin production being proportional of mass to adipose tissue. The relation with insulin independent of body mass index suggests a possible role for leptin in insulin resistance or hyperinsulinaemia.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Status incongruity in Samoan youth: a biocultural analysis of culture change, stress, and immune function.

In Samoa, the presence of a matai title in the family has historically been a valued source of social status. However, as the process of Westernization continues, new sources of social status are emerging. This study explores the degree to which new and old markers of social status agree--or disagree--and the consequences they have for the experience of stress in 329 Samoan adolescents. The study integrates cultural and biological methods and data, and measures an aspect of immune function (antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus) as a biomarker of psychosocial stress. Results indicate that status "incongruent" adolescents experience significantly more stress (indicated by reduced immune function), and that emerging markers of social status are becoming inextricably linked to "traditional" markers in such a way that discordance between them is a significant source of stress. This study proposes new conceptual models for future studies of culture change and suggests that biomarkers may represent ethnographic tools that can provide insight into hidden cultural dynamics and the experience of stress.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1983

Plasma glucose distributions in two pacific populations: the bimodality phenomenon.

The frequency distribution of plasma glucose concentrations in certain populations show two distinct sub-groups, viz. the non-diabetic group and a hyperglycaemic group. The two groups show up as a double peak (bimodality) in the best-fit frequency distributions of log plasma glucose, and the separation or cut-off point where the two curves intersect, gives an indication of the plasma glucose level at which diabetes could be diagnosed. Venous plasma glucose concentrations two hours after a 75 gm oral glucose load were determined in the Micronesian population of Nauru and the urban Polynesian population of Western Samoa, in subjects aged 20 years and over. Both communities exhibit bimodal frequency distributions of plasma glucose in the upper age groups in both sexes. In the younger age groups the frequency distribution of plasma glucose typically follows the usual unimodal Gaussian curve. However, the high prevalence Nauruans show the bimodal form in all groups except the youngest males. The data show that among these two communities, as with the Pimas, the frequency distribution of plasma glucose concentrations can be used to separate the population into normal and hyperglycaemic groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Multivariate prediction of total and cardiovascular mortality in an obese Polynesian population.

The effects of body weight and blood pressure on the risk of total mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were examined in a prospective sample of 5,866 adult residents of American Samoa, a Polynesian population noted for exhibiting high levels of obesity. Data collected during 1975-76 were linked to mortality records from 1976 through 1981. In logistic regression models which did not include blood pressure, percent of desirable weight was an important risk factor for mortality from CVD, but it was not an important risk factor when diastolic blood pressure was included in the model. Percent of desirable weight was not related to mortality from all causes combined in either Samoan men or women. Age and diastolic blood pressure were predictors of total and CVD mortality in men and women. These results, in an obese population, suggest that body weight and obesity are not independently related to excess mortality in the very obese, although they may associate with high blood pressure. These results also suggest that relations between physiological characteristics and mortality may vary with cultural, genetic, or other factors not examined in this study.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Dental arch form in three Pacific populations: a comparison with Japanese and Australian aboriginal samples.

The purpose of this study was to provide information about arch shape variations among South Pacific populations. The application of Fourier transforms, Y(phi i) = ao/2 + sigma (aicos phi i + bisin phi i) was used to separate two components of variation; size and shape. Dental arch size can be described by one coefficient (ao), while the shape can be summarized by the first three harmonics (amp1-3) in the Fourier series. The materials used in this study were dental casts of South Pacific populations (Fiji, Western Samoa and Kiribati), Australian Aboriginals and Japanese. Fijians, Western Samoans and Kiribati people have larger upper and lower dental arches than that of Japanese. These populations were separated by the arch size and first Fourier amplitudes which showed the arch depth/width ratio. The Fijian upper and lower dental arches were significantly larger than those found in other populations and was characterized by a wide posterior arch breadth. The Western Samoan and Kiribati arch shape was more similar to the Japanese arch shape than the Fijian. Distribution patterns of arch shape characteristics in these populations showed the same tendencies in the upper and lower arches.

Female↗
PubMed1978

Drug resistant tuberculosis in New Zealand.

Strains of M. tuberculosis resistant to one or more of the antituberculous drugs have not been common in New Zealand in the past. There is however, a high incidence of drug resistant tuberculosis in Western Samoa, 50 percent of cultures tested showing drug resistance and half of these are resistant to two or more drugs. A change from the usual initial treatment is suggested for Samoan patients with tuberculosis in New Zealand.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Block grant programs--Office of the Secretary, HHS. Final rule with comment period.

This rule amends current regulation at 45 CFR 96.112(b) to allow continued funding of the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) in the territories of Guam and American Samoa during Fiscal Year (FY) 1983. This change was made necessary by the limitations imposed on CSBG funding by section 138 of Pub. L. 97-276.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed1989

Medicare program; peer review organizations; area designation--HCFA. Final notice with comment period.

This notice announces the redesignation of an area consisting of the State of Hawaii and the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as a single Utilization and Quality Control Peer Review Organization (PRO) review area. Presently, the State of Hawaii comprises one review area and the listed territories another review area. This change will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of PRO activities.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed1991

A parametric method for census based estimation of child mortality.

"A parametric method for estimating child mortality from reports concerning children ever born and surviving children is presented. In contrast with previously proposed methods, it facilitates use of single-year age reports by mothers on the survival of their children. In addition, the new method makes it possible to incorporate a priori knowledge of child mortality and fertility in the estimation process. The new method is illustrated by means of an application to data from the 1976 Western Samoa census."

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Addressing the cancer control needs of Pacific Islanders: experience of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network.

PURPOSE: This paper describes the accomplishments of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network (PICCN). PICCN's objectives fall under two broad categories: increasing cancer awareness and enhancing cancer control research among Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros. METHODS: PICCN established an infrastructure for addressing the goals that include the University of California, Irvine; the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; and community-based organizations (CBOs) in areas where large numbers of Pacific Islanders live. Activities that increase cancer awareness include assessing existing cancer education materials, developing new culturally-sensitive materials, and distributing the materials in a culturally-sensitive manner. Activities that enhance cancer control research include training Pacific Islander investigators and providing them with mentors to help with the development of research projects. RESULTS: During the four project years, PICCN has conducted more than 180 cancer awareness activities in its six study sites: Carson, CA; San Mateo, CA; San Diego, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; American Samoa; and Guam. PICCN members have also participated in conferences and lead discussions about the importance of clinical trials for Pacific Islanders. In addition, the Network has trained nine Pacific Islander investigators (three individuals from each ethnic group) in its cancer control academy. Finally, PICCN investigators are conducting pilot research projects that will answer important questions regarding the cancer control needs of these Pacific Islanders and set the stage for interventions aimed at addressing the needs. CONCLUSION: PICCN is advancing the national goal of eliminating cancer-related health disparities through its cancer awareness and research activities for Pacific Islanders.

American Samoa↗
PubMed1983

Pacific Islanders--migration and health.

Native Hawaiians and peoples from American Samoa, Guam and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands are all recipients of US subsidized health care. Categorized as Pacific Islanders they are a heterogeneous group with differences in biology, cultural adaptation to varied ecological settings, historical influences resulting from colonialism and present-day political factionalism. Yet, westernization on home islands and migration to Hawaii and the western United States have created similarities in disease patterns among these culturally diverse peoples. They have high rates of the chronic diseases of civilization: cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Obesity, associated with these ailments, has become a major health problem among Pacific Islanders and may be attributed to changes in local food production and consumption in conjunction with sedentarization. Culturally and linguistically distinct from the American mainstream, these people as migrants or residents are marginal within the US social structure and find if difficult to obtain adequate medical treatment.

Culture↗
PubMed1982

A Samoan case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Cladophialophora ajelloi.

A case of chromoblastomycosis from American Samoa was studied. Histopathological examination of the biopsy material from the lesion revealed the presence of thick-walled, dematiaceous, muriform cells characteristic of chromoblastomycosis. Detailed mycological study of the dematiaceous mould isolated from the biopsy material disclosed that the fungus not only produced long, branched chains of holoblastic conidia similar to those of Cladosporium carrionii, but that many of the terminal and intercalary catenulate, holoblastic conidia had been converted into flask-shaped phialides with flaring collarettes that produced ovate to fusiform phialoconidia. These phialides were morphologically similar to those formed by members of the genus Phialorphora. The Samoan case is the second known case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Cladophialophora ajelloi Borelli.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Pressor reactivity in American Samoan children: comparisons with Mainland American children.

In this investigation, 70 children from American Samoa participated in a standardized assessment of blood pressure and heart rate reactivity during a television video game. Data from Samoan children were compared with previously collected data from children (both black and white) residing in the continental United States. Samoan and black children demonstrated similar blood pressure reactivity (both absolute and delta values; P > .05); Samoans and blacks demonstrated greater blood pressure reactivity than whites (P < .05). Ethnic differences in heart rate reactivity were not as pronounced. After we adjusted reactivity values for ethnic differences in age, Quetelet index, and resting measurements, Samoans' reactivity continued to be more similar to the reactivity of blacks than that of whites. Results provide further evidence of ethnic differences in children's pressor reactivity; these differences may be related to differences in hypertension in adulthood.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

An insight into the personal and cultural significance of weight and shape in large Samoan women.

The aim of this work was to investigate the personal and cultural significance of body weight and shape for women in Western Samoan culture. A cross cultural study was carried out of Western Samoan and Australian women comparing responses to the Body Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ). The work was carried out in a tertiary education institution and an occupational setting in Apia, Western Samoa, and on community residents in Adelaide, South Australia. The subjects were 70 volunteer female respondents from Western Samoan educational and occupational settings, individually matched for weight and height with 70 respondents from a South Australian random community setting. The psychometric properties of the BAQ, as completed by the Western Samoan respondents, were found to be similar to those for Australian women. Samoan women who were biologically overweight, felt as fat and had similar feelings about lower body fatness as their identical weight Australian counterparts. They, however, showed highly significantly less salience of fatness than the Australian sample, indicating that fatness is not a pre-occupying in Samoans as it is in Australian women. Despite this apparent non-concern over their fatness, Samoan women were significantly more disparaging about their bodies than their Australian counterparts. The other significant finding from this cross-comparative study, was that large Samoan women felt more attractive and much stronger and fitter than their Australian counterparts. It was concluded that Samoan women's body-related attitudes can be studied using techniques and concepts originating in the west, but the specific concerns of Samoan women need to be explored in further detail.

Adult↗