Filipino Population Research Articles

The rs9939609 polymorphism in the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is associated with obesity in Tunisian population

Context: Variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) has been associated with obesity in many populations, but the results are conflicting.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene on obesity risk and plasma leptin, adiponectin, insulin and lipid concentrations in Tunisians.Materials and methods: Four hundred and ninety-four subjects with obesity and 334 non-obese participated in this study. The rs9939609 (T/A) genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.Results: Significant differences in genotype frequencies were observed between cases and controls. In the separate analysis by gender, the association between the AA genotype and obesity was statistically significant in women but not in men. After stratification by obesity class this association remains only with obesity class III.Discussion: Our study is in agreement with studies on Caucasian, Portuguese and Cebu Filipino populations where a gender-specific association was found between rs9939609 polymorphism and obesity. It is also in agreement with studies on Mexican, Spanish and European populations, where an association was found with obesity class III.Conclusion: The rs9939609 polymorphism of FTO gene is associated with obesity, especially obesity class III in women.

Filipino DNA variation at 12 X-chromosome short tandem repeat markers

Demands for solving complex kinship scenarios where only distant relatives are available for testing have risen in the past years. In these instances, other genetic markers such as X-chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) markers are employed to supplement autosomal and Y-chromosomal STR DNA typing. However, prior to use, the degree of STR polymorphism in the population requires evaluation through generation of an allele or haplotype frequency population database. This population database is also used for statistical evaluation of DNA typing results. Here, we report X-STR data from 143 unrelated Filipino male individuals who were genotyped via conventional polymerase chain reaction-capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE) using the 12 X-STR loci included in the Investigator® Argus X-12 kit (Qiagen) and via massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of seven X-STR loci included in the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit of the MiSeq® FGx™ Forensic Genomics System (Illumina). Allele calls between PCR-CE and MPS systems were consistent (100% concordance) across seven overlapping X-STRs. Allele and haplotype frequencies and other parameters of forensic interest were calculated based on length (PCR-CE, 12 X-STRs) and sequence (MPS, seven X-STRs) variations observed in the population. Results of our study indicate that the 12 X-STRs in the PCR-CE system are highly informative for the Filipino population. MPS of seven X-STR loci identified 73 X-STR alleles compared with 55 X-STR alleles that were identified solely by length via PCR-CE. Of the 73 sequence-based alleles observed, six alleles have not been reported in the literature. The population data presented here may serve as a reference Philippine frequency database of X-STRs for forensic casework applications.

The assessment of the genotoxicity of e-waste leachates from e-waste dumpsites in Metro Manila, Philippines

The extraordinary growth in the usage of electronic gadgets and their improper disposal has led to the massive problem of electronic waste management in the Philippines. The improper disposal of e-waste can lead to the exposure to the hazardous substances that can be harmful to the humans as well as to the environment. Genotoxicity of e-waste from three different e-waste landfills sites in and around Metro Manila was investigated using the Allium cepa bioassay. Morphological modifications of the Allium cepa roots, inhibition of root growth, mitotic index and the induction of high frequency of chromosomal aberrations were observed in the Allium cepa roots exposed to e-waste leachates prepared from the soil samples collected from all three sites tested as compared to the control. Since heavy metals are one of the hazardous components released during e-waste recycling, environmental contamination was further detected by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soil samples of the e-waste recycling sites and in the hair of the informal recyclers. Our results are among the first few in the Philippines that establish the genotoxicity of e-waste as well as trace the route of the heavy metal component of e-waste into the human subjects through the exposure to the environmental contamination by e-waste. Hence, a proper e-waste management is an absolute priority to minimize the risk to the Filipino population and the environment.

Prevalence of Dementia and Associated Risk Factors: A Population-Based Study inthe Philippines.

The Philippines is experiencing rapid demographic aging and with it, the dementia epidemic. Prevalence of dementia and associated risk factors have not been studied in the Philippines. The study aimed to provide a reliable estimate of dementia prevalence and identify associated risk factors in the Filipino population. 1460 participants 60 years and older were randomly selected from the Marikina City's senior registry. A multidisciplinary team (nurse, psychologist, and neurologist) administered a comprehensive assessment to the study population: health history, neurological examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Disability Assessment for Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease 8, and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. The neurologist analyzed all clinical data to diagnose dementia based on the DSM-IV criteria, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) on the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, vascular dementia (VaD) on the Hachinski Ischemic Scale, cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) on a CDR score of 0.5 and not fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for dementia. Risk factors were correlated with dementia prevalence using multivariate binary logistic regression. 1460 persons were randomly selected. 1367 agreed to participate and underwent all assessments. The response rate was 93.6%. Dementia prevalence was found to be 10.6% (95% CI 9.0 to 12.4) with the breakdown 85.5% AD, 11.7% VaD, and 2.7% other dementias. In this population, 82.0% of men and 70.4% of women had at least one cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking), which was associated with VaD prevalence but not AD. The prevalence of dementia, CIND, and cardiovascular risk factors are high in the Philippines.

Validation of the American College of Surgeons Risk Calculator for preoperative risk stratification

ObjectiveVarious risk prediction models are available to stratify patients before non-cardiac surgery and pave the way for anticipative and preventive measures. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality...

The conceptualization of depression among Filipino seafarers

The Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression (CES-D) scale is a well-validated and frequently used measure for assessing symptoms associated with depression. This scale was developed primarily on the basis of American populations, however, and previous research has suggested that the original factor structure may not be appropriate for all populations. One such population is the Filipino population. This study represents the first study we are aware of to examine the factor structure of the CES-D scale in a sample of Filipino seafarers. Seafaring is considered a high stress and high risk occupation. Based on data collected from 135 Filipino seafarers, we conducted factor analyses to identify the appropriate factor structure for the CES-D in this population. We found that a three-factor structure better described the responses of Filipinos in our sample than the standard four-factor structure. The Filipino factor structure appears to collapse depressive affect and somatic factors found in previous research, while including a specific factor of social-focused symptoms of depression. This structure maintains the positive affect factor found in previous work. Implications of this for clinical psychology assessment and practice in the Philippines are discussed.

Aeroallergen sensitization and associated comorbid diseases of an adult Filipino population with allergic rhinitis.

BackgroundThere is a large global variation in sensitization patterns to aeroallergens due to differences in climate, urbanization, and lifestyle. Knowledge of the most common inhalant allergens is important for appropriate prevention and management of allergic rhinitis (AR).ObjectiveThis study aims to provide data on aeroallergen sensitization patterns and associated comorbid diseases of adult Filipinos with AR.MethodsMedical records of adult Filipinos seen in an Otolaryngology-Allergy Clinic from January 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria used was presence of clinically defined AR and positive skin test to at least one aeroallergen in the test panel. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and results of skin prick test were determined. Standard descriptive statistics were used for analysis.ResultsOne hundred ninety-one adult patients were included in this study. Mean age was 38.8 years, and majority lived in an urban area (71.2%). Most patients exhibited polysensitization (97.4%). All exhibited sensitization to indoor and 86.9% to outdoor allergens. The most common indoor allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (97.4%), Dermatophagoides farinae, (95.8%), cockroach (80.1%), and molds (72.8%). Bermuda (67%), Johnson grass (58.7%), and Acacia (58.2%) were the most common outdoor allergens. Urticaria (18.8%), dermatitis (16.8%), and asthma (11.5%) were the most common associated comorbid disease. Twelve percent of patients had more than one associated comorbid disease. Asthma + urticaria followed by asthma + dermatitis were the most common co-morbid combinations. One patient had three comorbid diseases: asthma + urticaria + rhinosinusitis.ConclusionCompared to earlier studies, aeroallergen sensitization patterns of Filipinos remain unchanged. This study also identifies for the first time, the associated comorbid diseases of AR in this population. Understanding these factors can guide treatment strategies to reduce disease burden.

Exploring ethnic identity and its development process among young adult Filipino Americans

ABSTRACTThis study is intended to improve understanding of the development of ethnic identity among young adult Filipino Americans aged 18–24, a stage typically marked by independence and autonomy. There is a great need to expand research on the young adult Filipino population, which is part of the second largest Asian immigrant population in the United States. The purpose of this qualitative study with individual interviews is to explore the process of ethnic identity development in this group. The study sample recruited through convenience and snowball sampling methods consisted of 13 young adult Filipino Americans living in the San Francisco Bay area. The key findings emphasize that the participants’ ethnic identity formed through a continuous, nonlinear process influenced by various environmental factors, such as family, peers, and social groups. Through family values and dynamics, the participants have learned the values of respect and collectivity, which positively influenced the process of ethnic identity development. Through involvement in peer and social groups, the participants developed pride and a sense of community, which affirmed their ethnic identity. The study findings contribute to and expand research on the ethnic identity of young adult Filipino Americans.

Strong viral associations with SLE among Filipinos

ObjectivesEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is considered an important environmental factor in SLE aetiology, but the relationship between SLE and EBV in the Filipino population is unknown. We tested associations between SLE,...

Evaluation of Factorial Validity and Reliability of a Food Behavior Checklist for Low-Income Filipinos

ObjectiveTo examine factorial validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of a Tagalog-language food behavior checklist (FBC) for a low-income Filipino population. MethodsParticipants (n = 160) completed the FBC on 2 occasions 3 weeks apart. Factor structure was examined using principal component analysis. For internal consistency, Cronbach α was calculated. For test-retest reliability, Spearman correlation or intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated between scores at the 2 points. ResultsAll but 1 item loaded on 6 factors: fruit and vegetable quantity, fruit and vegetable variety, fast food, sweetened beverage, healthy fat, and diet quality. Cronbach α was .75 for the total scale (range, .39–.76 for subscales). Spearman correlation was 0.78 (ICC, 0.79) for the total scale (range, 0.66–0.80 [ICC, 0.68–0.80] for subscales). Conclusions and ImplicationsThe FBC demonstrated adequate factorial validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency. With additional testing, the FBC may be used to evaluate the US Department of Agriculture's nutrition education programs for Tagalog speakers.

Pet Loss, Complicated Grief, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Hawaii

ABSTRACTWe examined the impact of pet/animal death on Complicated Grief (CG) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in relation to demographic variables amongst a diverse population of racial and ethnic groups in Hawaii. Three hundred and fifty-five participants (142 solicited by mail, 213 volunteer college students) completed a 37-item questionnaire, the Inventory of Complicated Grief Revised Short Form (ICG-R-SF) and the PTSD Check-list (PCL), and we assessed relationships between demographic variables such as pet ownership with CG and PTSD scores, to gauge potential at-risk populations. While Filipino populations presented increased, if subclinical, CG and/or PTSD scores, no primary racial/ethnic identity correlated with significant scores, based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Individuals who scored higher on questions related to empathy with animals, such as adopting strays, feeling like their pet can sense their mood, integration of animals into the family unit, and feeling over-protective of their pet correlated with higher CG and PTSD scores. We found that 3.8% of participants met the cutoff score for CG and 5.7% met the cutoff score for PTSD, following the death of a pet/animal. There is a need for multicultural awareness regarding both human–pet/animal relationships and bereavement.

Gender- and social class-based transnationalism of migrant Filipinas in binational unions

ABSTRACTEmpirical studies of Filipinos in France focus on migrant women domestic workers and consequently tend to overlook other components of the Filipino population in this country. Departing from these previous studies, I examine the case of migrant Filipinas in binational unions, that is, relationships based on marriage or cohabitation (legally registered or not) with a non-Filipino partner. Drawing from semi-structured interviews and informal conversations, this article demonstrates the intersectionality of gender and social class in the way these migrants maintain transnational familial ties. Influenced by the gender norms and ideology in the Philippines, migrant Filipinas strive to be ‘good mothers’ and/or ‘dutiful daughters’. However, they do so differently depending on their social class belonging and on their family situation: migrants of modest social class background have usually children from previous relationships left under the care of their kin in the Philippines and feel compelled to send remittances and maintain regular communication with their family back home, whereas women of upper social class origin are neither obliged nor asked to do so. However, they send gifts and financial assistance voluntarily, pay frequent visits to their natal family and make some kin visit them in France.

Distribution of DI*A and DI*B Allele Frequencies and Comparisons among Central Thai and Other Populations.

Alloantibodies to the Diego (DI) blood group system, anti-Dia and anti-Dib are clinically significant in causing hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), especially in Asian populations with Mongolian ancestry. This study aimed to report the frequency of the DI*A and DI*B alleles in a Central Thai population and to compare them with those of other populations previously published. Altogether, 1,011 blood samples from unrelated healthy blood donors at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok were included. Only 391 samples were tested with anti-Dia by conventional tube technique. All samples were genotyped for DI*A and DI*B alleles using an in-house polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) technique. The DI phenotyping and genotyping results were in 100% concordance. The DI*A and DI*B allele frequencies among 1,011 Central Thais were 0.0183 (37/2,022) and 0.9817 (1,985/2,022), respectively. Allele frequencies were compared between Central Thai and other populations. Our data shows that DI*A and DI*B allele frequencies are similar to Southeast Asian, Brazilian, Southern Brazilian and American Native populations; whereas, these frequencies significantly differ from those reported in East Asian, Italian, Alaska Native/Aleut, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Filipino populations (P<0.05), corresponding to the results of a matrix of geometric genetic distances. This study confirms that the prevalence of DI*A and DI*B alleles among Central Thais is similar to Southeast Asians and different to others populations of the world. A PCR-based identification of DI genotyping should overcome some of the serological limitations in transfusion medicine and provides a complementary tool for further population-genetic studies.

Meningococcal carriage in children and young adults in the Philippines: a single group, cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional prevalence study investigates meningococcal carriage for the first time in a Southeast Asian population. Posterior pharyngeal swabs were collected between August 2013 and March 2014 from 937 healthy Filipinos aged 5-24 years attending school or university in Manila. Of these, 35 were found to be carriers giving an overall carriage prevalence of 3·7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·6-5·2]. Carriage was associated with age (P < 0·001) and was highest (9·0%, 95% CI 5·5-13·8) in subjects aged 10-14 years, but was comparatively low (<3%) in all other age groups considered. This suggests that an immunization programme in the Philippines designed to reduce carriage acquisition and induce herd immunity may require a vaccine dose before the age of 10 years. Serogroup B was most commonly carried (65·7%, 95% CI 47·8-80·9), with a small number of carriers for serogroups C, Y and W also present. Two individuals (5·7%, 95% CI 0·7-19·2) who were simultaneously carrying multiple serogroups were identified. This exploratory study provides valuable insight into the asymptomatic carriage of Neisseria meningitidis in a healthy subset of the Filipino population and illustrates the importance of generating local carriage data.

Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Otitis Media in an Indigenous Filipino Population.

To identify genetic and environmental risk factors for otitis media in an indigenous Filipino population. Cross-sectional study. Indigenous Filipino community. Clinical history and information on breastfeeding, tobacco smoke exposure, and swimming were obtained from community members. Heads of households were interviewed for family history and personal beliefs on ear health. Height and weight were measured. Otoscopic findings were described for the presence and character of perforation or discharge. An A2ML1 duplication variant that confers otitis media susceptibility was Sanger sequenced in all DNA samples. Co-occurrence of middle ear bacteria detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was determined according to A2ML1 genotype and social cluster. The indigenous Filipino population has a ~50% prevalence of otitis media. Young age was associated with otitis media (4 age strata; P = .004); however, age was nonsignificant as a bistratal or continuous variable. There was no association between otitis media and sex, body mass index, breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, or deep swimming. In multivariate analyses, A2ML1 genotype is the strongest predictor of otitis media, with an odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.3-10.8; P = .005). When otitis media diagnoses were plotted across ages, otitis media was observed within the first year of life, and chronic otitis media persisted up to adulthood, particularly in A2ML1-variant carriers. Among indigenous Filipinos, A2ML1 genotype is the primary risk factor for otitis media and main determinant of disease progression, although age, the middle ear microbiome, and social clusters might modulate the effect of the A2ML1 genotype.

Measuring hearing handicap for hearing impaired adults in the Philippines: A profound conundrum

Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate hearing handicap and its correlates in a Filipino population utilizing either the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (screening version) (HHIE-S) or Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (screening version) (HHIA-S) (dependent on age). An investigation of the psychometric properties of the questionnaires, including factor analysis to evaluate the subscales was also conducted.Study sample: Three hundred and nine participants (18–86 years) were recruited from a population attending a hearing aid donation program in Manila, Philippines.Results: The average hearing handicap (HHIE-S/HHIA-S) total score was high (26.28) consistent with the high mean hearing threshold (85.7 dB HL); however, simple correlation and regression analysis revealed no relationship between hearing threshold and HHIE-S/HHIA-S score. Subsequently, mild-to-severe and profound subgroups were delineated. In the mild-to-severe group, hearing handicap score correlated positively with hearing threshold and negatively with SES. This relationship was not seen in the profound group. MANOVA suggested different response patterns on the HHIE-S/HHIA-S for the two subgroups. Principal component analysis revealed two factors in the HHIE-S/HHIA-S that varied somewhat from the emotional and social subscales intended in the original questionnaire.Conclusions: This study suggests that the HHIE-S and HHIA-S questionnaires are not sensitive to the handicap caused by profound hearing loss. The cause of this lack of sensitivity is not clear but may reflect a ceiling effect. Alternatively, self-rated hearing handicap may be reduced in those exposed to manual communication, or in those who have a congenital hearing loss but who have received minimal intervention.

Multi-layered population structure in Island Southeast Asians.

The history of human settlement in Southeast Asia has been complex and involved several distinct dispersal events. Here, we report the analyses of 1825 individuals from Southeast Asia including new genome-wide genotype data for 146 individuals from three Mainland Southeast Asian (Burmese, Malay and Vietnamese) and four Island Southeast Asian (Dusun, Filipino, Kankanaey and Murut) populations. While confirming the presence of previously recognised major ancestry components in the Southeast Asian population structure, we highlight the Kankanaey Igorots from the highlands of the Philippine Mountain Province as likely the closest living representatives of the source population that may have given rise to the Austronesian expansion. This conclusion rests on independent evidence from various analyses of autosomal data and uniparental markers. Given the extensive presence of trade goods, cultural and linguistic evidence of Indian influence in Southeast Asia starting from 2.5 kya, we also detect traces of a South Asian signature in different populations in the region dating to the last couple of thousand years.

Three cases of Troyer syndrome in two families of Filipino descent.

Troyer syndrome is a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) due to a mutation in SPG20 first reported in the Old Amish population. A genetic mutation in SPG20 is responsible for a loss of function of the protein spartin in this disease. Since its initial report, this syndrome has also been reported in Turkish and Omani families. Here we report the case of three patients of Filipino descent with Troyer syndrome. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous mutation c.364_365delAT which predicts p.Met122Valfs*2 in SPG20. This is the same mutation identified in affected patients from the Omani and Turkish families, and is the first report of this syndrome in the Filipino population. Although Troyer syndrome has characteristic phenotypic manifestations it is likely underdiagnosed due to its rarity and we expect that WES will lead to identifying this disease in other individuals. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Residential Patterns of Korean Americans in the Chicago Metropolitan Area

The city of Chicago is home to the third largest concentration of Korean Americans in the United States. It is estimated that four out of five Korean Americans in Chicago live in the suburbs. In this paper, the authors examine the extent of spatial assimilation of Korean Americans with both the “mainstream” American populations, namely, the Caucasian, Black and Hispanic populations, and also their residential patterns vis-à-vis other dominant Asian sub-groups in Chicago—Chinese, Indians and Filipinos. Their analysis examines spatial assimilation of Korean Americans in terms of their residential segregation/integration from 1970 to 2010 in a multi-ethnic context. Results indicate that in general Koreans are becoming more integrated (less segregated) with the White population over the forty year time period in every major county where they were clustered, while they are generally more segregated from the Black and Hispanic populations. Among the dominant Asian sub-groups, Korean Americans tended to be more integrated with Chinese and Indian populations, and more segregated from the Filipino population.

Hepatitis B Awareness and Knowledge in Asian Communities in British Columbia.

Background. Our study examined hepatitis B virus (HBV) awareness and knowledge in Asian communities in British Columbia (BC). Methods. A statistical random sample representation of Chinese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian, and Southeast Asian populations in Greater Vancouver was surveyed by telephone. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of HBV knowledge. Results. General awareness of HBV was reported in 78.8% (798/1013). HBV awareness was the highest in Chinese (89%) and Filipino (88%) populations and the lowest in the South Asian (56%) population. “Reasonable” knowledge of HBV was elicited in 76.8% (778/1013). Higher HBV knowledge was associated with younger age (p = 0.014), higher education (p < 0.0001), Chinese ethnicity (p < 0.0001), and use of media (p = 0.01) and Internet (p = 0.024) for health information. Compared to the Chinese (OR = 1.0) population, “reasonable” knowledge of HBV was lower in Korean (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.5), Filipino (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6), South Asian (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.4), and Southeast Asian (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.6) populations. 54.8% (555/1013) felt that HBV education was inadequate and 80.1% (811/1013) preferred HBV education in their native languages. Conclusion. Compared to the Chinese population, other Asian communities in BC have lower HBV awareness and knowledge. Public education should target older and less educated and Korean, Filipino, South Asian, and Southeast Asian populations in their native languages via media and Internet.