Geographical Locations - Guam

• (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor:
• CIA - World Factbook : Guam

Organisations and Networks

UN and Multinational

• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila (Philippines)

Government

• Guam.gov – the Official Portal of the Government of Guam
• Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services
• Social and economic indicators - Guam

Non-Government

Academic Institutions

• University of Guam : College of Nursing and Health Sciences

National Policy and Related Documents

Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

• A Profile of Suicide on Guam
  "Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death on Guam, and is widely recognized as a significant public health issue by the Guam community. However, prior to the Focus on Life-Guam Youth Suicide Prevention grant, comprehensive data on suicide did not exist. Hence, it was difficult to assess the magnitude and ascertain the characteristics of suicide to guide suicide prevention policy development, program planning and development, and resource allocation… This Profile represents the initial effort to strengthen data collection, surveillance and analysis of the prevalence and attributes of suicide on Guam. The information contained in this document is meant to guide the development of policy and program initiatives and resource allocation under the Focus on Life - Guam Youth Suicide Prevention grant. It is also intended to serve as a baseline against which progress attained under the grant will be measured." [Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, January 2009]
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Diabetes on Guam: Changing Patterns of Chronic Disease in an Island Community
  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) occurred on the island of Guam with unusually high incidence rates for many years but began to disappear with the island’s westernization after WW II. The authors document these changes and suggest that they support a hypothesis that cultural changes could be responsible for both the virtual disappearance of this chronic degenerative neurologic disease as well as a concurrent surge in the prevalence of diabetes. [author abstract] [Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, Vol 34, No. 3, pp.659-661, September 2003]
• Asian/Pacific Islander Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Suicide Risk in Guam
  Objectives: We examined the effects of same-sex orientation on suicide risks for Guam’s Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents. Methods: We used a probability sample and logistic regression analysis to identify suicide risk factors. Results: Same-sex orientation was associated with a greater risk of suicide attempt, especially for boys. Adolescents who reported suffering physical abuse in the context of a romantic relationship, engaging in binge drinking, and experiencing feelings of hopelessness were at greater risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Race/ethnicity was associated with suicide risk for both boys and girls, and patterns suggest that membership in the same racial/ethnic group decreased suicide risk for girls and increased risk of suicide for boys. Conclusions: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam deserve intervention and counseling programs to reduce suicide risk. [author abstract] [American Journal of Public Health, 2004, 94: 1204–1206]
• Guam [Nutrition]
  "The main nutritional problems are related to diet and sedentary lifestyle. Overweight is already apparent in elementary school children. One recent achievement is the establishment of dietary guidelines, which are being promoted through the Pacific Food Pyramid." [WHO]
• Guam: Cancer Facts and Figures 2003-2007
  "Cancer is clearly a public health priority on our island. Our people have some of the highest rates of certain cancers when compared to the US and its territories. The data presented in this publication reveal patterns and trends in cancer incidence and mortality, and provide a baseline against which to measure progress in the future. The information will also prove essential to those working in cancer control and prevention, whether it be in the areas of policy and advocacy, health promotion and prevention, clinical service delivery, support services for cancer patients, or health care financing." [Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, June 2009]
• HIV/AIDS in Guam
  "While the federal government’s investment in treatment and research is helping people with HIV/AIDS live longer and more productive lives, HIV continues to spread at a staggering national rate of over 40,000 new infections per year. The… data [in this report]represent the total reported AIDS cases in Guam through year-end 2004." [AIDS Action, c2006]
• Lack of Prenatal Care–A Re-Emerging Health Problem on Guam
  Objective: A study was conducted to determine the ethnic profile of new mothers on Guam, their use of prenatal care services, causes for the failure of some women to receive any prenatal care, and suggestions to improve participation in this important health care measure. Methods: Data from birth certificates for the period 1970-2004 were reviewed to determine the ethnicity of mothers and their prenatal care. In addition, a survey of mothers who delivered without any prenatal care was conducted to learn their reasons for not receiving prenatal care, where they would prefer to receive such care in the future, and their suggestions for encouraging participation in prenatal care programs. Results: The percent of Micronesian mothers who received no prenatal care during their pregnancies increased by more than 4 times (461%) over the study period. Lack of medical insurance (24.3% of respondents) and lack of transportation (22.6% of respondents) were the leading reasons given for not receiving prenatal care during their pregnancies. Nearly half (48.2%) of respondents indicated they would prefer to receive prenatal care at public health clinics, the number favoring North, Central, or Southern clinics roughly reflecting population numbers of the areas served by those clinics. Conclusions: Targeted measures should be taken to assure that basic prenatal care is accessible to mothers who do not have health insurance and have limited transportation resources. [author abstract] [Hawai‘i Journal of Public Health, Vol. 1, No. 1, December 2008, pp.41-44]
• Tell Us What You Need: Health Care Perspectives of Guam Families with Genetic Diagnoses
  Objectives: Guam’s geographic isolation and lack of community resources have resulted in unique healthcare needs. In 2006, the Western States Genetic Services Collaborative (WSGSC) conducted a newborn screening and genetics needs assessment in Guam and made recommendations for system improvement. Methods: This article reports on results from two focus groups conducted with twelve parents of children and adults with genetic conditions. The focus groups were part of a larger assessment of genetics and newborn screening needs completed with families, physicians, nurses, and public health staff on Guam. Results: The parents identified four needs: 1) Increase access to specialty services; 2) Improve genetics education for providers and families; 3) Create a Guam-based family support group; and 4) Improve insurance coverage for people with special needs. Conclusions: Although the focus group discussions centered on genetics and newborn screening, the needs identified by parents were much broader and not unique to Guam. Issues surrounding parental support, accessibility of services, and healthcare affordability are prevalent throughout the U.S. The WSGSC has drawn on regional resources and successful state strategies to address the issues identified by the families and to make specific recommendations. Implications: Since 2006, the WSGSC has implemented a genetics outreach clinic to Guam, helped Guam develop a plan to improve newborn screening follow-up, provided genetics education, and begun a dialogue with Guam insurance companies about genetic testing and newborn screening. The WSGSC continues to collaborate with Guam to improve its newborn screening and clinical services. [author abstract] [Hawai‘i Journal of Public Health, October 2009, Vol 2, No 1, pp.46-59]

Educational Resources

• PMC Isla Health System, Medical Center Guam - primary care clinic offering adult and family care medicine since 1992
• CDC - Travel Information: Australia and the South Pacific
• Official Guam Website - a rich resource, highly recommended
• Virtual Guam - a funny site full of information on Guam and its people