Abstract C018: Cultural variables underlying obesity in Asians: Implications for understanding cancer risk behaviors in Filipinos
Authors: Sanchez-Johnsen Lisa , Less Jacob , David Angela Rose , Aniceto Nicole , Rodas Irma , Sedillo David , Suzuki Sumihiro , Volgman Annabelle Santos , Palma Melissa 
Published: December 2023

Obesity is associated with 13 different types of cancers (Steele et al., 2017) and in 2014, overweight- and obesity-related cancers accounted for 40% of all cancers that were diagnosed (Steele et al., 2014). Moreover, there are significant disparities associated with obesity in the United States. Filipinos Americans are disproportionately affected by higher obesity rates compared to other Asian American groups (Bates et al., 2008; Maxwell et al., 2012). Filipino immigrants are also at increased risk for hypertension and diabetes due to higher central adiposity (higher waist circumferences) and increased fat intake compared to other racial/ethnic groups (Vargas & Jurado, 2015). The purpose of this presentation is to describe the design and development of an ongoing pilot study examining how cultural variables (e.g., acculturation, acculturative stress, ethnic identity, and cultural values) contribute to the understanding of disparities in modifiable risk factors (e.g., diet, physical activity body image) associated with overweight or obesity among Filipino adults. This culture and health assessment can inform future interventions that are uniquely tailored to the Filipino American community. This study can also serve as a guide for future researchers interested in 1) assessing cultural variables associated with race and ethnicity as it relates to diet, physical activity and body image and 2) developing questionnaires that are feasible to use for a particular racial or ethnic group. The study aims to: 1) develop culturally appropriate materials and measures to successfully assess diet, physical activity and body image, 2) examine the feasibility and acceptability of selected questionnaires administered during planned interviews, and 3) obtain pilot data can be used to guide a future larger study with Filipinos. In partnership with the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) and Filipino Health Community Advisory Board members, this study will enroll 25 Filipino Americans and immigrants, ages 18-65, with body mass index ≥ 18.5 kg/m2. Participants will complete an interview focused on health, culture, diet, physical activity and body image. Additionally, objective measures (e.g., weight, height, body fat) will be collected. This research study is a work in progress. The presentation will describe the purpose and development of a study that will help to inform future community-based, culturally tailored cancer risk reduction interventions focused on overweight and obesity among Filipino adults.  

Citation Format: Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, Jacob Less, Angela Rose David, Nicole Aniceto, Irma Rodas, David Sedillo, Sumihiro Suzuki, Annabelle Santos Volgman, Melissa Palma. Cultural variables underlying obesity in Asians: Implications for understanding cancer risk behaviors in Filipinos [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 C018.