A group prenatal care intervention reduces gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes in American Samoan women.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the preliminary effectiveness of an intervention to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pre-pregnancy obesity in American Samoa.

Methods: We enrolled n = 80 low-risk pregnant women at <14 weeks' gestation. A complete case analysis was conducted with randomized group assignment (group prenatal care-delivered intervention vs.

Global prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders is minimally understood. The purpose of this study was to estimate pooled prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders and to estimate their risk of preterm birth compared to White/European women. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Global Health, and two regional journals in March 2023.

A Polynesianspecific missense CETP variant alters the lipid profile.

Identifying population-specific genetic variants associated with disease and disease-predisposing traits is important to provide insights into the genetic determinants of health and disease between populations, as well as furthering genomic justice. Various common pan-population polymorphisms at associate with serum lipid profiles and cardiovascular disease. Here, sequencing of identified a missense variant rs1597000001 (p.

Preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-affiliated Pacific Islands: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To better understand the epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands.

Methods: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, two nonindexed regional journals, and gray literature were conducted and finalized in September 2021. Observational studies published since January 2010 that documented preterm birth outcomes among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands were eligible for inclusion.

Community Perspectives on Contraception in the Context of Zika Virus in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The prevention of unintended pregnancy was identified as a primary prevention strategy to reduce Zika-related adverse birth outcomes during the 2016-2017 Zika virus outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with local health agencies conducted formative research to guide the development of culturally appropriate messages and materials to increase awareness of the prevention of unintended pregnancy as a strategy to decrease Zika-related adverse outcomes in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Nine focus groups (N=71) were conducted with women and men aged 18-44 years living in American Samoa and CNMI.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence, Screening, and Treatment Practices in American Samoa, 2016.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious pregnancy complication and understudied public health issue in American Samoa. The goals of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of GDM in American Samoa, (2) evaluate current screening practices for GDM, and (3) evaluate obtainment of GDM treatments in 2016. This cross-sectional study used 3 data sources: electronic health records, a labor and delivery logbook, and the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) Maternal and Children's Health (MCH) Postpartum database.

missense variant rs373863828 has both direct and indirect effects on type 2 diabetes and fasting glucose in Polynesian peoples living in Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Introduction: The minor allele of a missense variant, rs373863828, in is associated with higher body mass index (BMI), lower fasting glucose, and lower odds of type 2 diabetes. rs373863828 is common in Pacific Island populations (minor allele frequency (MAF) 0.096-0.

Preterm birth among Pacific Islander women and related perinatal outcomes: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Infants born alive <37 weeks are classified as premature. The global estimate of preterm birth in 2014 was 10.6%, and it is the leading cause of death of children under the age of 5 years.

The rising relative and absolute incidence of uterine cancer in specific populations.

Objective: To assess the contemporary incidence of cancers using American Samoa as a learning set for insights into similar populations.

Methods: A retrospective observational analysis of de-identified data held in public-access databases (2004-2014) and data on uterine cancer from a hospital, both in American Samoa (2015-2016).

Results: There were 341 new cases of cancer in 2004-2014 (111 per 100 000 women/year), including breast (20.

Identifying residual transmission of lymphatic filariasis after mass drug administration: Comparing school-based versus community-based surveillance - American Samoa, 2016.

Introduction: Under the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), American Samoa conducted seven rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) from 2000-2006. The World Health Organization recommends systematic post-MDA surveillance using Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) for epidemiological assessment of recent LF transmission. We compared the effectiveness of two survey designs for post-MDA surveillance: a school-based survey of children aged 6-7 years, and a community-based survey targeting people aged ≥8 years.

Predictors of prenatal care satisfaction among pregnant women in American Samoa.

Background: Pregnant women in American Samoa have a high risk of complications due to overweight and obesity. Prenatal care can mitigate the risk, however many women do not seek adequate care during pregnancy. Low utilization of prenatal care may stem from low levels of satisfaction with services offered.

Conceptions of pregnancy health and motivations for healthful behavior change among women in American Samoa.

Background: American Samoan women are particularly at risk of obesity-related non-communicable disease (NCD), requiring efficacious interventions to protect their health and that of their infants. Prior studies have identified pregnancy as an ideal time for behavior change interventions related to NCD.

Aim: This study aimed to understand American Samoan women's conceptions of health during pregnancy, their motivations for pregnancy behavior change, and the role of their family in both enabling and preventing these changes.

Scabies and Bacterial Superinfection among American Samoan Children, 2011-2012.

Background: Scabies, a highly pruritic and contagious mite infestation of the skin, is endemic among tropical regions and causes a substantial proportion of skin disease among lower-income countries. Delayed treatment can lead to bacterial superinfection, and treatment of close contacts is necessary to prevent reinfestation. We describe scabies incidence and superinfection among children in American Samoa (AS) to support scabies control recommendations.

Mothers' attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding highlight barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in American Samoa.

Background: In American Samoa, initiation of breastfeeding is almost universal but exclusive breastfeeding, a promising target for obesity prevention, is short in duration.

Aims: (1) To examine American Samoan mothers' feeding experiences and attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding and (2) to identify potential barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with American Samoan mothers at 16-32 days postpartum.