Systematic Review of Filipino-American (FA) Health Issues: Informing Clinical and Research Focus

Written by M. Danet Lapiz-Bluhm & Tammy Kim Nguyen

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2020.10.01.1004

Abstract

Background: Filipinos in the United States (US) represent the third-largest Asian group (US Census Bureau, 2016). There is limited research among Filipino-Americans (FAs); even less are systematic reviews that provide an overall picture of the healthcare priorities of the population.

Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize current research literature on healthcare issues among FAs. It aims to provide clinicians and researchers an overarching view of the healthcare issues, and priorities among FAs as well as identify gaps in the literature, where applicable.

Methods: CINAHL, Pubmed, and PsychINFO databases were searched in January 2019, with a time exclusion of five years, using the terms “Filipino American” and “health.”

Results: Seventy-six articles addressed the diverse health concerns among FAs including, but not limited to, general health trends, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, cancer, mental health, smoking, and reproductive health. Also included are studies that reported healthcare interventions among FAs.

Conclusion: Identification of health issues among FAs provides a wealth of information towards better understanding this minority population. However, more research is needed. This review can assist clinicians and researchers in identifying priority health issues among FAs toward capacity-building and engagement in research and clinical endeavors. It will also inform the development of community-driven sustainable, culturally relevant interventions towards better patient-centered outcomes.

Keywords: Filipino-Americans, health issues, healthcare, systematic review