Social and Cultural Influences on the Health of the Vietnamese American Population

Abstract

Vietnamese Americans represent the fourth-largest Asian American population in the United States. A majority of Vietnamese Americans are either first- or second-generation Americans, with nearly 70% being foreign born , and are inclined to speak Vietnamese at home. As Vietnamese Americans are fairly recent immigrants to the United States, issues such as language barriers, cultural attitudes, and beliefs still play an important role in the treatment and prevention of disease and the promotion of health care within the Vietnamese American community. Understanding these factors, as well as other socioeconomic and systemic barriers, would assist medical professionals to foster more cooperation among their Vietnamese American patients. The chapter begins with a brief profile of the Vietnamese American population, followed by an examination of social, political, and cultural factors that affect Vietnamese American health outcomes. It continues with a discussion of major health issues faced by Vietnamese Americans followed by recommendations for medical and public health providers and professionals.