Geographical Locations - American Samoa

• (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor:

Organisations and Networks

UN and Multinational

• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila ( Philippines )
• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: Country Profile: American Samoa

Government

• Official Website of the Government of American Samoa

Non-Government

Academic Institutions

• American Samoa Community College

National Policy and Related Documents

Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

• Effectiveness of a Pilot Community Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention in American Samoa
  Background: The addition of Western foods to the Samoan diet has greatly affected the health of the American Samoan people. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of culturally tailored exercise and nutrition interventions for adults living in Tutuila, American Samoa. Method: Villages in the eastern, central, and western parts of the island of Tutuila were recruited to participate in this study. Villages were randomly assigned to one of three culturally tailored interventions: 46 individuals in one village participated in an exercise intervention, 27 individuals in another village participated in a nutrition-education intervention, and 22 individuals in a third village participated in a combined exercise and nutrition-education intervention. Participants’ nutrition knowledge was measured at pre- and post-intervention stages through a questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI), height, and weight were assessed at baseline and again at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Differences in mean BMI over time by group, were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA with baseline BMI as a covariate. To test for differences in nutrition knowledge over time by group, pair-wise comparisons were used for the percent of correct answers at baseline and at week 12. Results: All three groups realized a significant decrease in BMI, from 1.35 in the nutrition only group to 2.27 in the exercise and nutrition group. The exercise and nutrition group also showed significant gains in ability to identify foods high in fiber and fat. Implications: This study demonstrates that decreases in BMI and increases in nutritional knowledge can be obtained through a culturally-tailored intervention, especially one that combines nutrition education and exercise. [author abstract] [Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 2009, Vol. 7, Iss. 1, pp.14-25]
• Evaluation of three traps for sampling Aedes polynesiensis and other mosquito species in American Samoa
  The efficacy of the recently developed BG-Sentinel mosquito trap baited with BG-Lure (a combination of lactic acid, ammonia, and caproic acid) was evaluated in American Samoa against the omnidirectional Fay-Prince trap and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap, both baited with carbon dioxide. The BG-Sentinel trap captured the greatest number of the important filariasis and dengue vector Aedes (Stegomyia) polynesiensis at all 3 collection locations; however, its catch rate was not significantly different from that of the Fay-Prince trap at 2 of the 3 trapping locations. The CDC light trap caught very few Ae. polynesiensis. The Fay-Prince trap was more efficient than the other 2 traps for collecting Aedes (Aedimorphus) nocturnus, Aedes (Finlaya) spp., Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culex annulirostris. The efficacy and convenience of the BG-Sentinel suggest further research is warranted to evaluate its potential as a possible efficient and safe alternative to landing catches for sampling Ae. polynesiensis in research and control efforts against filariasis and dengue in the South Pacific. [author abstract] [Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 24(2): 319-322, 2008]
• Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Samoa and American Samoa
  In this short report by Gregory l. Armstrong, Ian T. Williams, Utoofili Asofa’afetai Maga, Satupaitea Viali, Wendi l. Kuhnert, and Stephen T. McGarvey, it is revealed that "little is known about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Pacific islands. In this study, serum specimens collected in 1985 and 2002 among the general populations of Samoa and American Samoa were tested for antibody to HCV by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay and a recombinant immunoblot assay. Of the 3,466 specimens tested, 8 (0.2%; 95% confidence interval = 0.07–0.4%) were positive for antibody to HCV. Prevalence did not vary by location or demographic characteristic. Thus, HCV is present in the Samoas but at a low prevalence." [author abstract]

Educational Resources

• American Samoa - socio-cultural and political information
• CDC - Travel Information: Australia and the South Pacific
• CIA - World Factbook: American Samoa
• SamoaNet - the electronic gateway to American Samoa