Predictors of healthcare usage among Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic in California

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the role of gender in determining healthcare usage among Asian Americans, with specific attention to preventive care and early intervention through doctor visits during COVID-19. The authors used retrospective data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) by selecting 3,962 Asian Americans who resided in California during the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis found several predictors of healthcare usage. The study concluded that Asian American women are more likely to use both preventive care and doctor visits than Asian American men. In addition, married and older Asian residents are significantly more likely to use both preventive care and doctor visits than their married and younger counterparts. Having health difficulties increases the likelihood of using both preventive care and doctor visits. Interestingly, being employed decreased the likelihood of using preventive care. Lack of use of health care services by Asians with specific backgrounds warrants appropriate health interventions.