A Biopsychosocial Framework to Examine Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in Asian Pacific Islander Immigrants.

There is large disparity in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) for Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs), one of the fastest growing minority populations in the United States. It is critical to examine biopsychosocial pathways and vulnerability factors that intensify risk for T2D in API. Increasing evidence links chronic stress to poor health outcomes and accelerated development and progression of diseases of aging, such as diabetes. Immigrant populations face unique life stressors, including the challenges associated with the process of adapting to a new environment, new language, and cultural differences. In addition, immigrants experience high levels of psychological distress related to changes of identity and values, loss of support, discrimination, and disempowerment. The purpose of this article is to propose a biopsychosocial framework to explicate potential mechanistic pathways that link cumulative life stress to risk for T2D in the API immigrant population. Unique to the proposed framework is the emphasis on inflammatory processes and accelerated cellular aging (telomere biology). A deeper understanding of biopsychosocial pathways can lead to tailored and targeted interventions to reduce the incidence of T2D in the API immigrant population.

Cultural Influence on Coping Strategies of Filipino Immigrant Nurses.

Much of the research on internationally educated nurses (IENs) has focused on the challenges they encounter in the United States and how they can best be integrated into the workplace. Despite their many challenges, Filipino IENs continue to come to the United States and thrive, bringing with them diverse experience and knowledge that contribute to the provision of quality care to a patient population that is becoming increasingly diverse. Although a substantial body of research has been published on IEN coping, fewer studies have focused on the influence of culture on Filipino IEN's preferred coping strategies. This study contributes to the burgeoning interest in understanding culture's influence on coping patterns and preferences among diverse populations. Occupational health nurses and administrators can use these findings to develop culturally appropriate health promotion programs and interventions to retain quality nurses and promote healthier workplaces.