Background: Prior research suggests that stress plays role in the etiology and progression of hypertension. To lend a more accurate depiction of the underlying mechanisms between stress and hypertension, this study aims to assess the associations between perceived stress and hypertension across varying levels of social support and social network among Asian Americans. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data on 530 Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Americans recruited from a liver cancer prevention program in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore metropolitan area. Results: Hypertension prevalence was 29.1%. Individuals with high perceived stress were 61% more likely to have hypertension compared to those with low levels of perceived stress (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.61, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 2.46). There was no evidence that social support and social network acted as effect modifiers. Social support had a direct beneficial effect on hypertension, irrespective of whether individuals were under stress. The relationship between perceived stress and hypertension was modified by gender and ethnicity whereby a significant positive association was only observed among male or Chinese participants. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of understanding the associations between stress, social support, and hypertension among Asian American subgroups. Findings from the study can be used to develop future stress management interventions, and incorporate culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies into community outreach and education to decrease hypertension risk within the Asian population.

BackgroundThe purpose of this community-based study was to develop a structural equation model for factors contributing to cervical cancer screening among Chinese American women.MethodsA cross-sectional design included a sample of 573 Chinese American women aged 18 years and older. The initial step involved use of confirmatory factor analysis, that included the following variables: access to and satisfaction with health care, and enabling and predisposing cultural and health beliefs. Structural equation model analyses were conducted on factors related to cervical cancer screening.ResultsAge, marital status, employment, household income, and having health insurance, but not educational level, were significantly related to cervical screening status. Predisposing and enabling factors were positively associated with cervical cancer screening. The cultural factor was significantly related to the enabling factor or the satisfaction with health care factor.ConclusionThis model highlights the significance of sociocultural factors in relation to cervical cancer screening. These factors were significant, with cultural, predisposing, enabling, and health belief factors and access to and satisfaction with health care reinforcing the need to assist Chinese American women with poor English fluency in translation and awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening. Community organizations may play a role in assisting Chinese American women, which could enhance cervical cancer screening rates.

Background/Aims: Iron deficiency is a global nutritional disorder, especially for pregnant women. There is a close relationship between deficiency in trace elements and unexplained infertility in females. However, the relationship between iron deficiency and unexplained infertility has not been determined. This study was designed to determine the effect of iron deficiency on conception in a rat model. Methods: Female rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15 each): an iron-deficiency group fed a low iron diet and a normal control group. Both groups of female rats were mated with healthy male rats after the iron-deficiency model was established. Results: Iron-deficient rats developed white skin and eyes, hair loss, and weight loss. Hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count were significantly lower than in controls, showing successful establishment of the iron-deficiency model. There was a significantly lower conception rate in the iron-deficiency group; there also appeared to be a disruption of estrus and a delay in conception in the iron-deficiency group. Conclusions: Severe iron deficiency has a significant influence on fertility, and may be an important factor in unexplained infertility. Further research on the role of iron in conception is warranted.

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