Sociodemographic and behavioral factors related to obesity among adults in the Republic of Palau based on the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance 2011-2013: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Pacific islanders face drastic increase of obesity-related noncommunicable disease (NCD) due to lifestyle shifts of unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. To date, however, obesity related factors have not been well elucidated in Republic of Palau. This study aimed to investigate sociodemographic and behavioral factors related to obesity using the national level data in Palau.

Determinants of alcohol consumption and marijuana use among young adults in the Republic of Palau.

Background: This study aimed to describe the status of alcohol consumption and drug use among young adults as well as their determinants.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 356 young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) living in Palau in 2013. The prevalence of self-reported alcohol and marijuana usage were compared within and between sexes, age groups, ethnicities, and education levels.

Dental Caries and Otitis Media Among Schoolchildren in Palau.

Both oral disease and middle ear infections are highly prevalent in Pacific Island children. These diseases are multifactorial and likely attributable in part to both social and environmental factors. It has been two decades since these diseases were defined in Palau, and at the time were noted to be among the most common conditions and presented a substantial burden among Palau's children.

Prevalence and Correlates of Dyslipidemia Among Men and Women in Palau: Findings of the Palau STEPS Survey 2011-2013.

Background: Epidemiological evidence of dyslipidemia in Pacific Island countries is limited despite the knowledge that non-communicable diseases have a high burden in the region. We aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of dyslipidemia among residents of Palau.

Methods: The Palau STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS), which was conducted from 2011 through 2013, comprised three parts: behavioral risk factors; physical measurements; and biochemical tests, covering areas such as blood lipids.

The Effects of Chewing Betel Nut with Tobacco and Pre-pregnancy Obesity on Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Palauan Women.

The small Pacific Island nation of Palau has alarmingly high rates of betel nut with tobacco use and obesity among the entire population including pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the effects of betel nut with tobacco use and pre-pregnancy obesity on adverse birth outcomes. This study used retrospective cohort data on 1171 Palauan women who gave birth in Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Republic of Palau between 2007 and 2013.

Profile of non-communicable disease risk factors among adults in the Republic of Palau: findings of a national STEPS survey.

Palau, similar to other Pacific island countries, is currently highly burdened with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The WHO STEPS was launched in 2011 to comprehensively survey indicators for NCDs in the country. This paper aims to describe the prevalence of key NCD risk factors assessed by the survey.

Profile of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Young People in Palau.

Background: Although non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the predominant health problems of Palauan society, there have been no comprehensive data on NCD risk factors available to develop effective control strategies. Therefore, the first Palauan national STEPwise approach to risk factor Surveillance (STEPS) was completed in mid-2013 to provide information on its adult population aged 25 to 64 years. This study aims to obtain corresponding data from the younger adults aged 18 to 24 years, who remained to be surveyed.