Asian Young Adults Research Articles

Diagnostic challenges and management of kikuchi-fujimoto disease: a rare case report

Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, otherwise referred to as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare and self-limiting disorder characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, and upper respiratory symptoms. The main target of the illness is young Asian adults and is more prevalent in females. This disease probably has viral triggering or autoimmune responses, and diagnosis depends on histopathological examination. Case Presentation: We present a case of an 18-month history of recurrent high-grade fever with marked weight loss and an enlarged occipital lymph node in a 42-year-old diabetic male from Karachi, Pakistan. The patient’s symptoms did not subside despite being hospitalized several times and receiving multiple courses of antibiotics. Physical examination revealed a firm, non-tender occipital lymph node. Laboratory studies showed mild anemia and leukopenia, raised inflammatory markers, but unremarkable imaging studies and autoimmune tests. An excisional biopsy of the lymph node confirmed KFD with necrotizing lymphadenitis showing characteristic karyorrhectic debris. Discussion: This case epitomizes the diagnostic challenges of KFD, which can mimic a host of conditions like tuberculosis and lymphoma. The recurrent fevers in the presence of significant weight loss and failure to respond to the usual treatments raised suspicion for further detailed investigation. Excisional biopsy established the diagnosis and differentiated it from other conditions. The patient’s rapid improvement with corticosteroid therapy aligns with established treatment protocols for KFD, thus proving its efficacy. Conclusion: KFD should be included in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin. Diagnosis and management of KFD can avoid misdiagnosis and hence improve patient outcomes.

Establishing Normative Values for Entire Spinal Cord Morphometrics in East Asian Young Adults

Establishing Normative Values for Entire Spinal Cord Morphometrics in East Asian Young Adults

Distribution and gender-specific differences of coronal plane alignment of healthy knee

BackgroundUnderstanding optimal prosthesis alignment in TKA remains crucial despite ongoing debate. While current research focuses on osteoarthritic knees, a gap exists in characterizing healthy young adult knees in Asians. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the distribution of CPAK phenotypes in this population, including potential gender variations and individual differences.MethodsA total of 390 knees from 195 young adults aged 20 to 35 years without knee pain who underwent hip-knee-ankle radiography were prospectively collected between February 2024 and March 2024. The average MPTA, LDFA, aHKA, and JLO were measured. The overall CPAK distribution was analyzed to assess gender variations and individual differences. On average, participants were 25.7 years old, 165.7 cm tall, and had a BMI of 23.6 kg/m². LDFA, MPTA, aHKA, and JLO averaged at 86.8°, 87.2°, 0.3°, and 174.0°, respectively.ResultsThis study demonstrates significant differences in knee alignment between men and women, as measured by the CPAK system. While zone II was the most common overall (43.3%), the distribution of CPAK zones varied by gender, with men exhibiting a higher prevalence of distal apex point alignments (89.9%) and women having a higher prevalence of CPAK zone V (18.3%). Finally, analysis of paired knees revealed a comparable zonal distribution for both genders (approximately 56%).ConclusionThis study examined CPAK distribution in young Asian adults without knee osteoarthritis and identified potential sex-based variations. The findings suggest a predominance of distally pointed CPAK (76.9%) and a possible benefit for slightly varus tibial cuts during TKA in this population for optimal joint alignment. Additionally, gender-specific considerations should be incorporated into knee alignment assessments and treatment planning.Level of evidenceII, A prospective descriptive study.

Effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in adults: a randomized controlled trial.

We examined the effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) on insomnia severity, sleep status, daytime function, quality of life, psychological distress levels, treatment response, and insomnia remission in young and middle-aged Asian adults with insomnia symptoms. This 2-parallel, randomized controlled trial recruited 42 participants with insomnia symptoms randomly allocated to the nurse-led BBTI group or sleep hygiene group. The outcome measurements included the Insomnia Severity Index, sleep diary, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, RAND-36 Health Status Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. The measurement time points included baseline, the end of each week of the intervention period, and 1-month follow-up. Compared with the sleep hygiene group, participants in the BBTI group had significantly improved insomnia severity, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the mental components of quality of life after completing nurse-led BBTI immediately and 1 month later (P < .05). In addition, 52.4% and 71.4% of the participants achieved remission after completing nurse-led BBTI immediately and 1 month later, which was significantly higher than in the sleep hygiene group (14.3%, P = .02; 14.3%, P < .001, respectively). We suggested the relative effects of BBTI on declined insomnia severity and improved sleep status among young and middle-aged Asian adults with insomnia symptoms and confirmed the benefits of nurse-led BBTI in alleviating insomnia. Nurses should incorporate BBTI into insomnia care further to enhance the daytime function and quality of life of the population with insomnia symptoms. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Effects of Nurse-led Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05310136; Identifier: NCT05310136. Chang K-M, Lin C-J, Jan Y-W, etal. Effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(11):1763-1772.

(031) SEXUAL HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG ADULT ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN

Abstract Introduction Seen as the “model minority,” Asian populations are often overlooked in conversations surrounding sexual health and reproductive experiences. In comparison to other minority groups, Asian American youth face a disproportionate lack of sexual health discussion with their healthcare providers and higher odds of multiple barriers to sexual and reproductive health services. Despite these challenges, there is no comprehensive assessment examining the sexual and reproductive health perspectives of Asian American women. Our study aims to address these gaps by using a diverse sampling of Asian American communities, providing a comprehensive assessment of the reproductive empowerment impacting young adult Asian American women. Objective To evaluate the disparities impacting sexual health and reproductive empowerment between Asian American women and their Caucasian counterparts. Methods A cross-sectional study at a public undergraduate institution was conducted among individuals who identified as assigned female at birth, 18-24 years old, and second-generation South, East, or Southeast Asian or Caucasian. Data was collected through in-person recruitment with undergraduate and graduate student-based organizations and electronically through student email lists from April to June 2024. Demographic information included reported ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual activity, income, and level of education. Our main outcome was the level of reproductive empowerment, as measured by the Sexual and Reproductive Empowerment Scale (SRE) for Adolescents and Young Adults, a 23-item questionnaire that assessed youth perspectives across 7 domains: comfort talking with a partner, choice of partners, parental support, sexual safety, self-love, sense of future, and sexual pleasure. After ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in income among our groups, an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to adjust for the potential confounding effect of income and better examine the impact of ethnicity on sexual and reproductive empowerment through comparing adjusted mean differences in SRE scores and the 7 SRE domains. Results 96 individuals participated in our study, with a mean age of 20.4 years old and an average SRE score of 70.36 (SD = 12.70). They mostly identified as heterosexual (78.1%), not currently sexually active (53.1%), and Asian (75%). Among our Asian cohort, our participants identified as mostly Southeast Asian (33.3%), heterosexual (76%), and not currently sexually active (51.4%). Our ANCOVA analysis found significant differences among SRE total score (p = 0.02), and 4 SRE domains – individual comfort talking with partner (p = 0.04), choice of partner (p = 0.001), self-love (p = 0.001), and sexual pleasure (p = .014) – between our diverse ethnic groups. Conclusions Among our study cohort of Asian and Caucasian women, our study identified significant differences in overall level of sexual and reproductive empowerment, as well as in specific domains such as choice of partner, self-love, and sexual pleasure. In addition, income emerged as a critical factor influencing sexual and reproductive empowerment. These findings highlight crucial areas of concern impacting the reproductive agency and autonomy of Asian American young adult women. Future research should investigate these ethnic disparities and underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions to mitigate these gaps. Disclosure No.

Growing Up With Temporarily Absent Parents: The Case of Southeast Asian Young Adults

This research aimed to gain insights into the growing-up experience of Southeast Asian young adults with temporarily absent parents, a phenomenon prevalent due to economic migration and employment opportunities abroad. Utilizing a case study approach and employing thematic analysis, the study is framed by five pivotal theoretical lenses on Attachment Theory; Psychosocial Development Theory (Erikson, 1950) ;Cognitive Stress Theory (Lazarus &amp; Folkman, 1984); Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) that explores the interaction between cultural norms and family dynamics; and Self- Determination Theory (Ryan &amp; Deci, 2009). The study reveals key themes as Understanding Growing Up with Temporarily Absent-Parents, Understanding Independence, Shared Identity (Pakikipagkapwa), Relational Dynamics, Personal Responsibility, Self-Managing Emotions, Self-Management, and Support Networks. These themes collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the journey towards self- reliance, emotional resilience, and the vital role of support systems. The findings enrich developmental psychology and family studies, offering significant insights for the development of supportive policies and programs for families with temporarily absent parents in this culturally rich region.

Temporomandibular disorder and somatic symptoms: Relations to 'fear of missing out' and other negative emotional states.

The association between the 'fear of missing out (FOMO)' and physical symptoms has not been widely explored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FOMO and other negative emotions with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms in young adults. The correlations between the various physical and emotional variables were also established. TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the Short-form Fonseca Anamnestic Index, quintessential five TMD symptoms of the Diagnostic Criteria (DC)/TMD, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. FOMO and other negative emotional states were assessed with the FOMO Scale and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Data were evaluated using non-parametric tests/correlation and regression analysis (α = 0.05). While only negative affectivity (total DASS), anxiety, and stress differed significantly between those without and with TMDs, significant variances in FOMO and all DASS-21 constructs were discerned between individuals without and with somatization. Conclusions: Individuals with orofacial pain and more severe somatic symptoms have higher levels of negative emotions including FOMO. While somatization increased the prospect of TMDs, being female, presence of TMDs, and negative affectivity were risk factors for somatization in young adults. Asian young adults appear to be disposed to somatization, and TMDs may be a form of functional somatic syndromes. Recognition of somatic symptoms and emotional distress, including FOMO, is essential for person-centric TMD care.

The Influence of Parental Communication about Sex on Subsequent Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes among Asian, Latino, and White Young Adults

Background: The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young adults aged 18 to 25 in the U.S. is particularly high. Parental communication about sex is crucial in reducing sexual risk behaviors among this group. Due to cultural taboos about sex among Asian and Latino families, little is known about parental sex communication’s prevalence among these groups and its impact on young adults’ sexual behaviors and attitudes. Methods: This study aimed to explore the association between parental sex communication, attitudes toward sex communication, and sexual behaviors among Asian, Latino, and White young adults. A sample of 205 young adults, including 63 Asian, 48 Latino, and 94 non-Hispanic White young adults (Age M = 20.04, SD = 1.22; 68% females; 70% sexually active), completed an online survey. Results: Asian young adults reported significantly lower rates of parental sex communication (39.7%) compared to Latino (69.6%) and White young adults (67.7%) (χ2 = 14.07, df = 2, p &lt; 0.001). Parental sex communication predicted viewing sexual topics as cultural taboos among Latino young adults (p &lt; 0.05), subsequently predicting sexual risk behaviors like having multiple partners (β = −4.05, SE = 1.45, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Asian participants’ attitudes and sexual risk behaviors may be influenced by factors beyond familial discussions due to the lack of parental sex communication. Conversely, parental discussions among Latino participants negatively impact attitudes and behaviors related to sexual risk. Strategies for reducing sexual risk behaviors should guide parents in navigating sensitive discussions, especially within Asian and Latino families where such topics are taboo.

Towards a (strategic) sensibility of unbelonging: full participation revisited

Using a data fragment from drama-anchored mishritata (mixedness) research with Queer Desis/South Asian young adults, I mobilize Desi ontoepistemologies to offer unbelonging to enrich empirical understandings of what it means to advance fuller participation for those who are multiply minoritized. I conclude with implications for placemaking in education and beyond. (50 words)

Prevalence Study of MASLD in Adolescent and Young Adult Pacific Islanders and Asians Living in Hawai'i.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 30.1% while clinical practice observations reflect a disproportionately lower prevalence of 1.9%, indicating a condition that is underrecognized in clinical care settings. Screening for MASLD is rarely performed, and little is known about the prevalence in Hawai'i. This pilot aims to develop an understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with MASLD in Hawai'i's adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. Cross-sectional observational pilot study: We used Fibroscan®-liver ultrasonographic vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify MASLD based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores ≥238 (dB/m) and collected biometric, anthropometric, and Beverage Intake Questionnaire (sugar-sweetened beverage) survey data. The study took place at community clinics in Hawai'i on the island of O'ahu. One hundred individuals were evaluated, age 14 to 34 years. We used VCTE Fibroscan® with CAP scoring to identify the presence of hepatocyte steatosis (fatty liver). Overall MASLD prevalence in the sample was 44% (95% confidence interval: 34.1%-54.3%). In participants with MASLD, obese Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (62%) and nonobese Asians (43%) had the highest rates of MASLD. This pilot evaluation of the AYA NHOPI and Asian MASLD population in Hawai'i shows a higher rate of MASLD than those reported in other parts of the United States. Larger population health studies are indicated to expand our knowledge of MASLD in the Hawaiian Islands.

Abstract IA039: Individual, cultural, and area-based factors associated with survivorship care among Asian American childhood cancer survivors

Abstract With treatment advances for childhood cancer, over 80% of patients achieve long-term survival. However, cancer treatments often lead to serious issues, including chronic health problems and early mortality. As a result, life-long cancer-focused long-term follow-up care (LTFU) is essential for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) to screen for, prevent, and treat late effects. Among Asian Americans, who represent the fastest growing ethnic group and the largest group of new immigrants in the United States, rates of LTFU and factors influencing cancer-focused care among CCS are unknown. To address this research gap, we are currently recruiting a population-based cohort of roughly 330 young adult Asian American CCS and their parents in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California, to examine individual, cultural, and area-level factors (e.g., impacts of residence in an ethnically concentrated neighborhood or “ethnic enclave”) related to survivorship care utilization. Our preliminary data from the Project Forward cohort, a cancer registry–derived, population-based study of risk and protective factors of cancer-related follow-up care among young adult CCS Indicated lower rates of LTFU among Asian American (versus other racial and ethnic groups) and was lowest for non-US-born Asian American CCS (45.8% compared to 62% non-Latino white). To better understand the potential role of neighborhood level enclave in LTFU, we examined all cancer cases of Asian race/ethnicity ages 18-39, living in Los Angeles or Orange County, California, diagnosed while under age 21 in the years 1991-2018 (N=743). Focusing on the most common subgroups (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino), we were able to identify distinct clusters of residential enclave neighborhoods for each subgroup. We then linked cases via their census tract of residence to American Community Survey data to examine factors associated with LTFU among CCS. For all Asian subgroups, the proportion of non-US born individuals was higher inside the enclave than outside, as was the proportion of individuals reporting they speak English “less than very well.” In addition, the direction of the differences varied in potential LTFU-related factors by enclave status and Asian subgroup: for example, Koreans residing inside a Korean enclave were more likely to have access to a vehicle while Filipinos living inside Filipino enclaves were more likely to not have vehicle access (in both cases, versus those residing outside enclaves). Thus, factors related to enclave residence may have unique positive and negative associations with LTFU. Overall, understanding the dynamics of individual, cultural, and enclave-related factors will help identify methods to increase culturally congruent outreach and intervention strategies to promote LTFU for Asian American CCS. Citation Format: Kimberly A. Miller. Individual, cultural, and area-based factors associated with survivorship care among Asian American childhood cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA039.

Co-designing urban transport solutions with Southeast Asian young adults

ABSTRACT The region of Southeast Asia is home to some of the most congested cities. In Malaysia the densely populated area of Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding Klang Valley face the congestion and pollution problems common to cities across Southeast Asia. This study uses the bottom-up approach of concept mapping to explore potential solutions to the transportation problems associated with rapid urbanisation. A sample of young adult Malaysian participants brainstormed ideas and generated 91 proposals for action, which they grouped into the six clusters of Legislation, Infrastructure, Public Transport, Culture & Practices, Education, and Policies. Each proposal was rated for Importance, Feasibility, and Improvement to Traffic Congestion. The study yielded a series of priorities for action by policy-makers including extending existing transport routes to close the ‘last mile gap’, providing safe facilities for non-motorised forms of transport, fair enforcement of existing regulations, and appointing properly qualified professionals to improve infrastructure.

Do cultural differences emerge at different levels of representational hierarchy?

In prior research, Eastern and Western culture groups differ in memory specificity for objects. However, these studies used concrete object stimuli, which carry semantic information that may be confounded with culture. Additionally, the perceptual properties of the stimuli were not tightly controlled. Therefore, it cannot be precisely determined whether the observed cross-cultural differences are generalizable across different stimulus types and memory task demands. In prior studies, Americans demonstrated higher memory specificity than East Asians, but this may be due to Americans being more attuned to the low-level features that distinguish studied items from similar lures, rather than general memory differences. To determine whether this pattern of cross-cultural memory differences emerges irrespective of stimulus properties, we tested American and East Asian young adults using a recognition memory task employing abstract stimuli for which attention to conjunctions of features was critical for discrimination. Additionally, in order to more precisely determine the influence of stimulus and task on culture differences, participants also completed a concrete objects memory task identical to the one used in prior research. The results of the abstract objects task mirror the pattern seen in prior studies with concrete objects: Americans showed generally higher levels of recognition memory performance than East Asians for studied abstract items, whether discriminating them from similar or entirely new items. Results from the current concrete object task generally replicated this pattern. This suggests cross-cultural memory differences generalize across stimulus types and task demands, rather than reflecting differential sensitivity to low-level features or higher-level conjunctions.

Disparities in utilization of preventive health services among Asian young adults in the United States

Despite the favorable health impacts of preventive services use, young adults remain at a higher risk of not using these services compared with older adults. This study seeks to identify barriers to receiving recommended preventive services among Asian young adults compared to other racial/ethnic young adults.Using 2016–2018 National Health Interview Survey data, this study examined barriers to recommended preventive services among non-Hispanic (NH) Asian young adults aged 18–39 years compared with other racial/ethnic groups in the United States (Total = 25,430; NH Asians = 6.3%). General prevention included fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus checkups. We documented information on vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and female-specific preventive care measures.NH Asian young adults reported blood pressure checkups less often than NH Whites (72.88% vs. 79.92%, p < 0.001). NH Asian young adults were also less likely to report HIV testing than all other racial/ethnic groups (p < 0.001). After controlling for covariates, NH Whites (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.60, 2.50), NH Blacks (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18, 2.02), and other races (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.60, 3.58) were more likely to receive any preventive services than NH Asians. Among those receiving any preventive services, there were no differences between NH Asians and all other racial/ethnic groups in whether they reported receiving relatively more preventive services.Our findings demonstrate that the rates of certain recommended preventive services use were lower among NH Asian young adults. Targeted public health strategies are needed to increase the use of preventive healthcare for racial/ethnic minority young adults.

Ethnicity, Coronavirus Disease-Related Stress, and E-cigarette Use and Cigarette Smoking Among Young Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

Research has rarely examined ethnic differences in exposure to coronavirus disease (COVID)-related stress in relation to smoking and e-cigarette use. Using pre- and post-COVID data from a sample of predominantly Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) young adults, this study aimed to test the effects of ethnicity on cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use through exposure to COVID-related stress. Young adults from Hawaii who provided pre-COVID data in or before January 2020 were followed up with in March-May 2021. N = 1907 (mean age = 24.9 [SD = 2.9], 56% women) provided complete data relevant to the current analysis at both waves of data collection. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of ethnicity (white, Asian [eg, Japanese, Chinese], Filipino, NHPI, and other) on pre- to post-COVID changes in cigarette and e-cigarette use via effects on COVID-related stress. Relative to Asian young adults, members of all other ethnic groups (NHPI, Filipino, white, and other) indicated greater exposure to COVID-related stress. Higher levels of COVID-related stress were associated with increased dual-use status and increased current e-cigarette and cigarette use frequencies. Higher COVID-related stress mediated the effects of NHPI, Filipino, and other ethnicity on increased dual-use status. The current data indicate that young adults of vulnerable ethnic groups who experience higher COVID-related stress are at increased risk for dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The findings imply that tobacco use prevention and treatment efforts may need to pay increased attention to racial or ethnic groups that have experienced greater adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personality, psychosocial and oral behavioural risk factors for temporomandibular disorder symptoms in Asian young adults.

The relation between personality, psychosocial factors, somatisation, andoral behaviours as risk factors to temporomandibular disorder symptoms have notbeen well established. This study examined the association of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms with personality traits, psychological distress, somatisation and oral behaviours. The psychosocial and oral behavioural risk factors for TMD symptoms were also established in Asian young adults. Participants were recruited from a large private University. Based on the quintessential five TMD symptoms (5Ts) of the DC/TMD, the participants were stratified into those with no (NT), painful (PT), dysfunctional (DT) and mixed (MT) TMD symptoms. Personality traits, psychological distress, somatisation and oral behaviours were evaluated with the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and Oral Behaviours Checklist (OBC) accordingly. Data were examined using Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests, as well as multivariate logistic regression analysis (α = .05). Of the 420 young adults (mean age 22.7 ± 1.1 years) evaluated, 41.4% had no TMD symptoms, while 17.4%, 20.0% and 21.2% reported PT, DT and MT, respectively. Though personality traits did not vary notably, participants with MT and PT had significantly higher levels of negative affectivity, anxiety and stress than the NT group. Moreover, those with MT and PT presented significantly greater somatisation and more oral behaviours than the DT and NT groups. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that anxiety, somatisation, sleep-related and waking-state nonfunctional oral activities were associated with painful and/or dysfunctional TMD symptoms. Except for sleep-related oral activity, psychosocial and oral behavioural risk factors differed for painful, dysfunctional and mixed TMD symptoms in Asian young adults.

A critical review on fast-food consumption pattern among South Asian and Southeast Asian young adults

Fast food consumption trend has become very popular worldwide. Globalization has led to rapid rise in the number of fast-food outlets in Asian countries. The present study focuses on reviewing the consumption pattern of fast food among young adults of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Here a shift has been witnessed from consumption of traditional homemade food which included healthy nutritious locally available foods toward fast foods and processed foods. An extensive review of existing scientific studies in several South Asian and Southeast Asian countries was carried out to analyse fast food consumption patterns of young adults. Globalization, affluence, busy schedules, increase in number of working female population, mass media, increase in fast food production and delivery outlets are some of the main reasons contributing to increasing fast food consumption trends. Several western fast-food franchises are now well established in developing Asian countries. Dining out culture has increased in the Asian society and is socially acceptable. A rapid nutritional shift in Southeast Asia may be due to increase in food availability and food purchasing power. Consumption of fast-food items is associated with increasing obesity rates among young adults. Such trends are also associated with the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as indigestion, hypertension, asthma, and other several diseases among South Asian and Southeast Asian adults.

A common presentation of an uncommon pathology: Kimura disease.

Kimura's disease is a chronic, benign inflammatory condition of the subcutaneous tissue. It presents as painless, subcutaneous nodules of the head and neck, which are firm, painless, and may be single or multiple. It is most commonly seen in young adult Asian men. The nodes remain stable or may slowly enlarge over time. Elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, peripheral blood eosinophilia and lymphoid proliferation with eosinophilic infiltration on histopathological examination are the characteristic features. Spontaneous regression is usually seen. The diagnosis of Kimura's disease can be difficult and misleading, and it is important not to ignore histopathological features.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF KIMURA DISEASE IN MALAYSIA: A CASE SERIES AND A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract: Kimura disease is a rare benign chronic inflammatory disorder of the soft tissue with predominant occurrences in young Asian male adults. However, there is limited information of Kimura disease in Southeast Asia. Hence, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Kimura disease in Malaysia was investigated. Published Kimura disease cases from Malaysia were comprehensively searched in PubMed and Google Scholar up to December 2020 using the keywords “Kimura Disease” and “Malaysia”. Twenty-three papers were identified for review and case series of seven Kimura disease patients from a hospital in Malaysia were descriptively analyzed. A total of 60 cases were obtained from both sources. Eighty-seven percent were men with a male:female ratio of 6.5:1 and majority of the cases were Malays (77.1%). Median age of onset was 22.0 (IQR 12.5-31.5) years, while the median duration before diagnosis of Kimura disease was 2.0 (IQR 0.8-5.0) years. Head and neck region (95%) were the most frequently involved anatomical site. Peripheral eosinophilia was detected in 88.9% of the cases at presentation and renal involvement was observed in four (22.2%) patients. Surgery (57.5%) was the commonest first choice of treatment, followed by a combination of surgery and steroid (29.8%), steroid alone (10.6%), and a combination of steroid and immunosuppressive agent (2.1%). Local recurrences were observed in 28.6% of the cases. In conclusion, a much younger age of disease onset was found among Malaysians. A high recurrence rate of one in every four patients was observed, indicating the need for further evaluations of treatment strategies.

South Asian Young Adults and Gender Roles: Expectations, Expressions, and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention.

The goals of the researchers who conducted this study were to explore South Asian young adults' (N = 30) perceptions of gender roles and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention in South Asian communities in the United States. Three distinct themes (a) gender role socialization and expectations, (b) gender role expression/negotiation within own intimate relationship, family, and own community, and (c) IPV prevention were identified. Important implications include how socialization and acculturation processes, immigration, and other factors influence South Asian young adults' perceptions of IPV in the community.