Sample Of Asian Americans Research Articles

Addressing the Spiritual Needs of Hospitalized Asian Americans: Predictors of Satisfaction among a National Sample of Inpatients

Tailoring services to address patients' spiritual needs is widely recognized to be an important component of service provision in health care settings. Yet, despite the growth of the Asian American population, little research has examined predictors of Asian American patients' satisfaction with this process. To address this gap, the present study employed a national sample of Asian Americans (N = 2,102) to identify predictors of satisfaction with the manner in which their spiritual needs were addressed during hospitalization. The results indicate that nursing, visitors, the discharge process, room quality, and food service played significant roles in satisfactorily addressing Asian American patients' spiritual needs. The implications are discussed for social workers as key players in the health care team and administrators of the discharge process.

Evaluating PTSD prevalence and resilience factors in a predominantly Asian American and Pacific Islander sample of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

BackgroundThis study examined the prevalence, and risk and resilience correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ethno-racially diverse Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Veterans in Hawai’i. MethodsA total of 236 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans residing in Hawai’i completed a mail survey. ResultsThe majority of Veterans identified themselves as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (34.6%), Asian American (29.3%), or European American (24.5%). Asian American Veterans were significantly less likely to screen positive for PTSD than Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and European Americans (16.4% vs. 44.4% and 39.2%, respectively). Results of hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that greater scores on measures of psychological resilience and social support were negatively associated with a positive screen for PTSD in the full sample and in the subsample of European Americans. However, only disclosure norms were associated with PTSD among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Veterans, and none of the variables assessed were associated with PTSD in Asian Americans. LimitationsAll results are correlational and based on self-report measures; causal inferences cannot be made. ConclusionsCulturally distinctive mechanisms likely underlie risk and resilience correlates of PTSD. Understanding these factors will help improve our ability to ameliorate the impact of PTSD, both within and across diverse groups of Veterans.

Hepatocellular screening in hepatitis‐B infected Asian Americans

To the Editor: We thank Dr. Braillon for his comments. Although most evidence in the literature suggest that HCC screening is beneficial [1, 2], we agree that there are limitations to the available data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening as indicated in our paper [3]. We also agree that sources of bias such as lead time and length time bias will need to be excluded when assessing the impact of screening modalities. As indicated by Dr. Braillon, practice of evidence-based medicine is of outmost importance; however, as randomized controlled trials (the highest quality evidence) of HCC screening in North America or Europe are unlikely to be feasible or possible [4], current guidelines established by the American [2], European [5] and Asian [6], and other societies recommending HCC screening are based on lesser degrees of evidence. In our paper, we previously reported that survival was significantly better among patients diagnosed with HCC who had undergone prior screening [3]. This was primarily due to receipt of curative therapy in patients with earlier stage HCC and less severe liver disease. We have now repeated the survival analysis for all-cause mortality and HCC-related mortality in the total study sample (n = 1870). Kaplan–Meier curves (Figs 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) were computed, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival after HBV diagnosis in those who received HCC screening (having imaging and/or AFP levels at least once yearly) vs those who did not. A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to assess the independent effects of factors associated with survival, including HCC screening, age, gender and presence of cirrhosis. Patient characteristics were compared for both screened and unscreened groups using the t-test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. There were a total of 303 patients who had undergone HCC screening and 1567 that were unscreened. There were a total of 86 deaths in the study sample and their characteristics included: mean age at death 56.9 ± 14.1 vs 60.8 ± 12.6 years (P = 0.38), 16% vs 45% female (P = 0.02) and 32% vs 73% with cirrhosis (P = 0.009) in the unscreened vs screened groups, respectively. There were 11 deaths from all causes among the screened and 75 deaths among the unscreened groups (P = 0.021). There were five HCC-related deaths among screened and 27 deaths among unscreened patients (P = 0.36). Among all patients, screening was associated with longer survival, although HCC-related survival did not reach statistical significance. Among all patients, the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for annual screening was 0.48 (95% CI 0.25, 0.91, P = 0.02) for all-cause mortality and 0.64 (95% CI 0.24, 1.67, P = 0.36) for HCC-related mortality. However, when adjusted for age, gender and presence of cirrhosis, the HR for annual screening was 0.37 (95% CI 0.19, 0.70, P = 0.002) for all-cause mortality and 0.37 (95% CI 0.14, 0.97, P = 0.044) for HCC-related mortality. These additional analyses indicate that in this study sample of HBV-infected Asian Americans, HCC screening was associated with decreased all-cause mortality and HCC-related mortality independent of age, gender and presence of cirrhosis. Fig. 1 (a) Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparing all-cause mortality in patients screened (N = 303) for HCC and unscreened (N = 1567) patients. (b) Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparing all-cause mortality in patients screened for HCC and unscreened ... Fig. 2 (a) Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparing HCC-related mortality in patients screened (N = 303) for HCC and unscreened (N = 1567) patients. (b) Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparing HCC-related mortality in patients screened for HCC and ...

Self-referential processing and encoding in bicultural individuals

Prior neuroimaging evidence suggests that the medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC and vmPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) are involved in self-referential processing and memory, and that the specific patterns of activation differ as a result of culture. In the current study, we used an adjective trait judgment task and a surprise recognition memory task to investigate how bicultural identity influences self-referential processing and memory as compared to a close other (mother) and a distant, familiar other (Gandhi). Contrary to expectations, results indicate that the dmPFC is more engaged for mother-referencing than self-referencing in our sample of bicultural Asian Americans. In terms of subsequent memory, there was increased activation in the PCC for processing of mother-relevant and other-relevant (compared to self-relevant) information that supported the encoding of information into memory. Finally, we observed reversals in the pattern of activity in the dmPFC implicated in subsequent memory for those with a blended bicultural identity versus those with an alternating bicultural identity. These findings suggest that cultural effects, specifically individual differences in bicultural identity, modulate neural activity during judgment and encoding of information relevant to the self and others.

Acculturative status and psychological well-being in an Asian American sample.

We sought to examine the relationship between acculturative status and positive psychological functioning (i.e., psychological well-being) in a sample of 96 Asian Americans. Using a supplemental item from the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, we classified participants into one of three acculturative statuses: Asian-Identified (n 56), Western-Identified (n 20), and Bicultural-Identified (n 20). We used Ryff’s (1989) Scales of Psychological Well-Being as a comprehensive measure of well-being, in addition to other commonly used indicators of well-being such as life satisfaction and depressed mood. We hypothesized that BiculturalIdentified individuals would show greater well-being relative to Asian-Identified and Western-Identified individuals as a result of these latter groups experiencing acculturative stress and bicultural stress, respectively. Results of a priori contrast tests largely confirmed our hypothesis, revealing the predicted pattern among four of six subscales of subjective well-being. Implications for future work examining Asian Americans’ well-being and mental health are discussed.

Possible barriers to enrollment in substance abuse treatment among a diverse sample of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Opinions of treatment clients

This mixed methods study examined motivations and barriers to substance abuse treatment entry and treatment continuation among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) substance users. AAPI substance users (N=61) were recruited from substance abuse treatment programs in California and Hawaii. Semi-structured interviews and interviewer-administered surveys assessed barriers and facilitators to entering substance abuse treatment. Barriers included peer pressure, family influences, and face loss concerns. Facilitators included peer support, involvement in the criminal justice system, a perceived need for treatment, and culturally competent substance abuse treatment services. Family and peer influences may act as both facilitators and impediments. AAPI substance using populations face many of the same individual-level and structural and systems barriers to entry to treatment as other substance using populations. However, similar to other racial/ethnic minority groups, it is important to address cultural differences and develop culturally competent substance abuse treatments for the AAPI population.

The intersectional invisibility of race and disability status: an exploratory study of health and discrimination facing Asian Americans with disabilities

PurposeThere is a dearth in the literature on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) with disabilities. Utilizing an intersectionality lens, the present exploratory study seeks to compare AAPIs with a reported learning, emotional, or physical disability to AAPIs without a reported disability on their experiences of discrimination, psychological and physical health, as well as their overall physical and mental health ratings.Design/methodology/approachThe Asian American sample (n=2,095) of The National Latino and Asian American Study dataset was used to conduct the analyses for the present study. Participants with disabilities self‐reported the following disabilities: learning (n=46); emotional/mental (n=56); physical (n=71); and having a condition that substantially limits physical activity (n=157).FindingsDespite some minor nuances, the overall results indicate that AAPIs with a learning, emotional, or physical disability reported more experiences of everyday discrimination, greater psychological and physical distress, and poorer physical and mental health ratings than AAPIs without a reported disability.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations to this study included assessment of disability through self‐report dichotomous measures, aggregation of AAPI ethnic groups, and some small effect sizes.Practical implicationsThe results have several implications for research as well as clinical care and practice. These are highlighted in more detail in the discussion section.Originality/valueThese findings are novel as they are the first to demonstrate the discrimination and health experiences of AAPIs with disabilities. The results underscore the interlocking oppressions associated with their intersectional identities.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Associated Risk and Protective Factors in Young Asian American Children

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in young children but there has been a dearth of studies focusing on Asian American children. This study examines the patterns and the predictors of childhood anxiety and related symptoms in young children in a diverse Asian American (ASA) sample (n = 101). Findings indicate that ASA children are at higher risk for anxiety, somatization, and depressive problems than their peers. Parents' level of acculturation (i.e., American identity, English competence), parental negative emotion socialization, conflicted parent-child relationship, child emotional knowledge and adaptive skills, as well as teachers' ethnic background and school class types were all associated with ASA children's anxiety. A combination of cultural, family, and school factors explained from 17 to 39 % of the variance in anxiety symptoms. Findings inform prevention services for young ASA children.

Epidemiology of Mixed Martial Arts and Youth Violence in an Ethnically Diverse Sample

Mixed martial arts' (MMAs) growing international popularity has rekindled the discussion on the advantages (e.g., exercise) and disadvantages (e.g., possible injury) of contact sports. This study was the first of its kind to examine the psychosocial aspects of MMA and youth violence using an epidemiologic approach with an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adolescent sample (N = 881). The results were consistent with the increased popularity of MMA with 52% (adolescent males = 73%, adolescent females = 39%) enjoying watching MMA and 24% (adolescent males = 39%, adolescent females = 13%) practicing professional fight moves with friends. Although statistically significant ethnic differences were found for the two MMA items on a bivariate level, these findings were not statistically significant when considering other variables in the model. The bivariate results revealed a cluster of risk-protective factors. Regarding the multiple regression findings, although enjoying watching MMA remained associated with positive attitudes toward violence and practicing fight moves remained associated with negative out-group orientation, the MMA items were not associated with unique variances of youth violence perpetration and victimization. Implications included the need for further research that includes other diverse samples, more comprehensive and objective MMA and violence measures, and observational and intervention longitudinal studies.

Asian Americans' family cohesion and suicide ideation: Moderating and mediating effects.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family cohesion and suicide ideation in a national, adult community sample of Asian Americans (N=2072). The data for this study were drawn from the National Latino and Asian American Study, the first national epidemiological study of Asian Americans' mental health. The results indicate that family cohesion was negatively related to suicide ideation. In addition, English language proficiency moderated the relationship between family cohesion and suicide ideation. Family cohesion was related to lower odds of suicide ideation among low English proficiency Asian Americans. In contrast, family cohesion was not significantly related to suicide ideation among high English proficiency Asian Americans. Further, the findings are consistent with a model in which the relationship between family cohesion and suicide ideation was partially mediated by psychological distress. Practical implications for addressing suicide ideation among Asian Americans are discussed.

Heavy drinking, poor mental health, and substance use among Asian Americans in the NLAAS: A gender-based comparison.

The severity of heavy drinking among Asian Americans has often been dismissed because of relatively low rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups. However, higher depression and suicide rates among Asian Americans and their association to alcohol use suggest serious detrimental effects of heavy alcohol use among Asian Americans. Gender differences in heavy drinking have been documented among other immigrant based ethnic minorities, little is known of this pattern for Asian Americans. The purpose of the present study was to examine gender differences in heavy drinking, poor mental health, and substance use among a national sample of Asian Americans (N = 581) in the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). Using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines, heavy drinkers were categorized as those who exceeded the recommended weekly number of drinks (≥14 drinks/week for male and ≥7 drinks/week for female). Accordingly, six comparison groups were created (male non, light, and heavy drinkers, and female non, light, and heavy drinkers). Pearson's chi-square test was conducted to examine percentage distribution for the six groups for mental health disorders (i.e., suicidality, DSM-IV mental health endorsement for past 12-month and lifetime). Logistic regression was followed to determined predictors for heavy drinking behavior for men and for women. Female heavy drinkers reported significantly poorer mental health than non drinkers, light drinkers and male heavy drinkers, as indicated by higher rates of lifetime generalized anxiety, and depressive disorders. In contrast, male heavy drinkers were more likely to have lifetime substance use disorders. Findings suggest the need to develop gender-specific drinking interventions for Asian Americans that focus on improving mental health among women and substance treatment among men.

Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health Among Asian Americans in the United States

Although Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in the United States, research on this population continues to lag behind that on other minorities. In this article, we take factors recognized as critical elements to the physical and mental health outcomes of Asian Americans and apply the social determinants of health (SDH) framework to reconceptualize these factors as structural or intermediary factors. This study uses a nationally representative sample of Asian Americans from the National Latino and Asian American Study (N = 2,067) to examine the relationships between the SDH factors and 4 physical and mental health outcomes (chronic conditions, diagnosable mental health disorders, self-rated physical health, self-rated mental health). Negative binomial, logistic, and ordinary least squares regression analyses are modeled to estimate these associations. The results show that structural and intermediary factors are significantly associated with all 4 health outcomes. The ass...

Maintaining faith in agency under immutable constraints: Cognitive consequences of believing in negotiable fate

Negotiable fate refers to the idea that one can negotiate with fate for control, and that people can exercise personal agency within the limits that fate has determined. Research on negotiable fate has found greater prevalence of related beliefs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Eastern Europe than in Western Europe and English-speaking countries. The present research extends previous findings by exploring the cognitive consequences of the belief in negotiable fate. It was hypothesized that this belief enables individuals to maintain faith in the potency of their personal actions and to remain optimistic in their goal pursuits despite the immutable constraints. The belief in negotiable fate was predicted to (a) facilitate sense-making of surprising outcomes; (b) increase persistence in goal pursuits despite early unfavorable outcomes; and (c) increase risky choices when individuals have confidence in their luck. Using multiple methods (e.g., crosscultural comparisons, culture priming, experimental induction of fate beliefs), we found supporting evidence for our hypotheses in three studies. Furthermore, as expected, the cognitive effects of negotiable fate are observed only in cultural contexts where the fate belief is relatively prevalent. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the intersubjective approach to understanding the influence of culture on cognitive processes (e.g., Chiu, Gelfand, Yamagishi, Shteynberg, & Wan, 2010), the sociocultural foundations that foster the development of a belief in negotiable fate, and an alternative perspective for understanding the nature of agency in contexts where constraints are severe. Future research avenues are also discussed.

Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Initiation and Persistence among High Psychosocial Risk Asian and Pacific Islander Women in Intact Relationships

PurposeThe present study identifies risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) initiation and persistence over three years in a high psychosocial risk Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) sample of women with children living in Hawaii. MethodsWe included 378 women in a 3-year relationship with the same partner who reported IPV experiences at baseline and 3 years later. Baseline risk factors included characteristics of each woman, her partner, and their relationship. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to assess the influence of risk factors on the likelihood of experiencing IPV initiation and persistence. FindingsOf women who experienced no physical violence at baseline, 43% reported IPV initiation. Of women who did experience physical violence at baseline, 57% reported IPV persistence. Being unemployed and reporting poor mental health at baseline are important risk factors for experiencing IPV initiation. Reporting frequent physical violence at baseline increases the likelihood of experiencing IPV persistence. Asian women were significantly less likely to report IPV persistence than other groups of women. ConclusionsOur study indicates that among a high psychosocial risk sample of AAPI women there are different risk factors for IPV initiation and persistence. Future prevention and screening efforts may need to focus on these risk factors.

Pharmacogenetics of Naltrexone in Asian Americans: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Laboratory Study

Recent clinical and laboratory studies have shown that the effects of naltrexone for alcoholism may be moderated by the Asn40Asp single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1). Allele frequencies for this polymorphism, however, have been shown to vary substantially as a function of ethnic background, such that individuals of Asian descent are more likely to carry the minor (Asp40) allele. The objective of this study is to test the naltrexone pharmacogenetic effects of the Asn40Asp SNP in a sample of Asian Americans. This study consists of a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled laboratory trial of naltrexone. Participants (n=35, 10 females; 13 Asn40Asn and 22 Asp40 carriers) were non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers recruited from the community. After taking naltrexone or placebo, participants completed an intravenous alcohol administration session. The primary outcome measures were subjective intoxication and alcohol craving. Results suggested that Asp40 carriers experienced greater alcohol-induced sedation, subjective intoxication, and lower alcohol craving on naltrexone, as compared to placebo, and to Asn40 homozygotes. There results were maintained when controlling for ALDH2 (rs671) and ADH1B (rs1229984) markers and when examining the three levels of OPRM1 genotype, thereby supporting an OPRM1 gene dose response. These findings provide a much-needed extension of previous studies of naltrexone pharmacogenetics to individuals of Asian descent, an ethnic group more likely to express the minor allele putatively associated with improved biobehavioral and clinical response to this medication. These findings help further delineate the biobehavioral mechanisms of naltrexone and its pharmacogenetics.

Beyond Coethnic Boundaries: Coethnic Residential Context, Communication, and Asian Americans' Political Participation

This study examines when and where residential context and communicative factors help and hurt Asian Americans’ political participation both within and beyond coethnic boundaries. Using multilevel analyses, this paper found that living in ethnically homogeneous residential areas and using ethnic media increase Asian-related political awareness. However, these coethnic features in their communicative structure did not directly bridge Asian communities to the political participation. Instead, coethnic features indirectly galvanize Asian Americans’ political participation, which may spill over to more general domains of political participation. Ethnic minorities’ participation in political processes is essential for a functioning democracy whose constituents consist of a variety of racial and ethnic origins. Recent conceptualization of multicultural democracy suggests ethnic minorities should be engaged in politics both as members of ‘‘large’’ general publics and ‘‘small’’ ethnically bounded publics. The large general publics address issues and concerns that face the whole population in a nation-state. The small publics articulate and advance group interests that could be neglected by the dominant ethnic groups (Jacobs & Tillie, 2004; Marri, 2003). Despite these normative expectations about minority-group participation, ethnic minorities have been reported to be less likely to engage in politics relative to dominant ethnic groups. In addition, studies found that existing theoretical models of political participation have not adequately explained this participation gap between the dominant and minority groups. Existing theories of ethnic minority participation lack consideration of an integrative communication aspect that might either facilitate or hinder ethnic All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Mihye Seo, Room 331, Social Science Building, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA. E-mail: mseo@albany.edu minorities’ participation in general and ethnic specific arenas. Political communication research has noted that communicative configuration and processes, both interpersonal and mediated, affect people’s political participation (Ball-Rokeach, Kim, & Matei, 2001; McLeod, Scheufele, & Moy, 1999). An ethnic civic community perspective also highlights key roles of communication in ethnic minority groups’ political participation. This perspective suggests that ‘‘communication fabrics’’ (Kim & Ball-Rokeach, 2006, p. 173) of ethnic community—communicative ties among and across ethnic group members and ethnic media use—affect the level of ethnic groups’ political participation and trust (Fennema, 2004; Fennema & Tillie, 1999; Jacobs & Tille, 2004). Concurring with the importance of the communicative approach to explain ethnic minorities’ political participation, this study is particularly interested in the Asian American population. Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic minorities in the United States, yet their level of political participation is not proportionate to their population growth (Lai, Cho, Kim, & Takeda, 2001; Tam, 1995). Their political participation level, as well as the number of political elites who represent them, is lower than that of other ethnic groups. Studies show that among situations where ethnic minority groups are not highly participatory, in spite of high social economic status (SES), Asian Americans are a typical example of this anomaly (e.g., Cain, Kiewiet, & Uhlaner, 1991; Tam, 1995). Therefore, using a sample of Asian Americans, this study examines the political implications of ethnically homogeneous residential areas and ethnic media reliance: Whether or not the coethnic features of communicative factors encourage or inhibit ethnic minorities’ political participation. Ethnic Minority and Political Participation The task of including ethnic minorities and their voices into the mainstream public sphere is a priority in most democratic societies. Theoretical models developed to explain general political participation have been tested in order to explicate ethnic minorities’ political participation. For instance, the most prominent and widely supported model of political participation is based on SES, which argues that higher status individuals, relative to lower status individuals, are more likely to have better tools enabling them to be politically engaged (Conway, 1991; Gimpel, Lay, & Schuknecht, 2003; Rosenstone & Hansen, 1993). In addition, those with higher SES are believed to obtain greater benefits from political involvement than those of lower status (Campbell, Converse, Miller, & Stokes, 1960; Key, 1964). While the general importance of SES for explaining participation is clear, SES is a less robust predictor for minority group political participation. In fact, the B E Y O N D C O E T H N I C B O U N D A R I E S 339

Media exposure, internalization of the thin ideal, and body dissatisfaction: Comparing Asian American and European American college females

Internalization of the thin ideal mediates the media exposure-body dissatisfaction relation in young adult European American females. There is little related research on Asian Americans. We used structural equations modeling to test: (1) whether media exposure was associated with body dissatisfaction in Asian American young adult females, (2) internalization of the thin ideal mediated any such association, and (3) whether the mediational model provided equivalent fit for European American and Asian American samples. Participants were 287 college females (154 Asian Americans, 133 European Americans). Internalization of the thin ideal explained the media exposure-body dissatisfaction association equally well for both groups. Results suggest that Asian Americans may be employing unhealthy weight control behaviors, and may be prone to developing eating disorders, at rates similar to European American young adult females. Clinicians need to screen carefully for body dissatisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and eating disorders in Asian American females.

Interpersonal Violence and Mental Health Outcomes among Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander College Students.

In a cross-sectional survey of college students (N = 614) we studied interpersonal violence victimization, perpetration, and mental health outcomes in an ethnoracially diverse rural-based sample of Asian Americans (27%), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders (25%), two groups vastly underrepresented in trauma research. High rates of interpersonal violence (34%), violence perpetration (13%), and probable psychiatric diagnoses (77%), including posttraumatic stress disorder, were found. Exposure to physical violence, sexual violence, and life stress all were predictive of psychopathology. Female participants were associated with higher likelihood of sexual violence victimization compared to male participants, and Asian American status (especially among males) was associated with lower likelihood of physical and sexual violence compared with European Americans. These data enhance our understanding of interpersonal violence and mental health outcomes among previously understudied minority groups.

Discrimination and Mental Health–Related Service Use in a National Study of Asian Americans

We examined the association between perceived discrimination and use of mental health services among a national sample of Asian Americans. Our data came from the National Latino and Asian American Study, the first national survey of Asian Americans. Our sample included 600 Chinese, 508 Filipinos, 520 Vietnamese, and 467 other Asians (n=2095). We used logistic regression to examine the association between discrimination and formal and informal service use and the interactive effect of discrimination and English language proficiency. Perceived discrimination was associated with more use of informal services, but not with less use of formal services. Additionally, higher levels of perceived discrimination combined with lower English proficiency were associated with more use of informal services. The effect of perceived discrimination and language proficiency on service use indicates a need for more bilingual services and more collaborations between formal service systems and community resources.

English language proficiency and lifetime mental health service utilization in a national representative sample of Asian Americans in the USA.

US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the lack of English language proficiency and the shortage of providers who possessed appropriate language skills were identified as major barriers to mental health service use for approximately half of the population of Asians and Pacific Islanders. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of lifetime mental health service use in relation to English language proficiency among Asian Americans. Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression. Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor. The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.