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Objective We compared measures of depressive symptoms and use of counseling in the past year for Filipino versus non-Hispanic white adolescents in California. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from 4421 adolescents who completed the 2003 and 2005 California Health Interview Survey. Bivariate analyses, linear regression, and logistic regression were performed. Results Compared to non-Hispanic white adolescents, Filipino adolescents had higher mean 8-item version of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores (5.43 vs 3.94) and were more likely to report a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms (defined as 8-item version of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score >7) (29.0 vs 17.9%). Filipino adolescents are just as likely as their non-Hispanic white counterparts to report low use of counseling in the past year (17.6 vs 28.4%). Multivariate analyses indicate that depressive symptoms were positively associated with Filipino ethnicity, female gender, living in a single parent household, lower parental education, and poverty. The effect that ethnicity had on use of counseling in the past year varied by gender, income level, and parental education level. Filipino male adolescents with family incomes >300% federal poverty level and parents with more than a college degree were significantly less likely than their non-Hispanic white counterparts to report use of counseling in the past year (odds ratio, 0.01; confidence interval, 0.0004 – 0.44). Filipino female adolescents with family incomes <300% federal poverty level and parental education less than a college degree were significantly more likely to report use of counseling than their non-Hispanic white counterparts (odds ratio, 3.99; confidence interval, 1.00 –15.89). Conclusion Further studies and interventions are needed to effectively screen for and treat depression among Filipino adolescents.

Objectives: We describe pediatric-related emergency experiences and responses, disaster preparation and planning, emergency plan execution and evaluation, and hospital pediatric capabilities and vulnerabilities among a disaster response network in a large urban county in the West Coast of the United States.Methods: Using semistructured key informant interviews, the authors conducted qualitative research between March and April 2008. Eleven hospitals and a representative from the community clinic association agreed to participate (86 percent response rate) and a total of 22 key informant interviews were completed. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti.v.5.0, a qualitative analytical software program.Results: Although hospitals have infrastructure to respond in the event of a large-scale disaster, wellestablished disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children. The general hospitals do not anticipate a surge of pediatric victims in the event of a disaster, and they expect that children will be transported to a children’s hospital as their conditions become stable.Conclusions: Even hospitals with well-established disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children during a disaster. Improved communication between disaster network hospitals is necessary as incorrect information still persists.

This pilot study adds to the knowledge regarding cultural factors associated with colorectal cancer screening behaviors among Filipino Americans. Future research is needed to confirm findings that will be useful in developing culturally appropriate strategies to increase screening adherence.

Background: Although the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires healthcare organizations to demonstrate disaster preparedness through the use of disaster exercises, the evaluation of pediatric preparations is often lacking. Our investigation identified, described, and assessed pediatric victim involvement in healthcare organizations’ disaster drills and exercises using data from after-action reports.Methods: Following the IRB approval, the authors reviewed the after-action reports generated by healthcare organizations after a disaster drill and exercise, as a self-assessed reporting tool for JCAHO regulations. Forty-nine of these reports that were voluntarily supplied to the emergency medical services agency were collected. The authors analyzed the data using quantitative and qualitative analytic approaches.Results: Only nine reports suggested pediatric involvement. Hospitals with large bed capacity (M = 465.6) tended to include children in exercises compared with smaller facilities (M = 350.8). Qualitative content analysis revealed themes such as lack of parent–child identification and family reunification systems, ineffective communication strategies, lack of pediatric resources and specific training, and unfamiliarity with altering standards of pediatric care during a disaster.Conclusions: Although many organizations are performing disaster exercises, most are not including pediatric concerns. Further work is needed to understand the basis for this gap in emergency preparedness. Overall, pediatric emergency planning should be a high priority for this vulnerable population.