The Health Status of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Their Access to Health Services

ABSTRACT

In the year 2000, the Asian American and Pacific Islander population comprised more than four percent or approximately eleven million of the total United States population. They are often referred to as Asian Americans. This number is expected to double by 2009. Though Asian Americans are considered a “model minority,” subgroups of them, especially the elderly, experience lower health status than do their Caucasian counterparts. Some Asian Americans use fewer health services and engage in unhealthy behaviors. Lower utilization of health services is mainly due to numerous cultural barriers, language barriers, and inadequate health insurance coverage. Previous researchers have offered policy recommendations and actions have been taken at the local and national level to address health problems among Asian Americans. These have included increased data collection on Asian Americans and provision of culturally sensitive programs and services. However, health disparities between Asian Americans and the majority population have not been eliminated and continued efforts to address the health care needs of Asian Americans are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Asian Americans
• health care
• access
• elderly