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Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Ethel G. Nicdao, Alixandria Henley and Jeffery C. Peterson

Research on Asian Americans’ health behavior has often cited socioeconomic status, race, language, cultural beliefs, acculturation, etc. as barriers to seeking health care…

Abstract

Purpose

Research on Asian Americans’ health behavior has often cited socioeconomic status, race, language, cultural beliefs, acculturation, etc. as barriers to seeking health care services. Less is known about Southeast Asians refugees’ help-seeking process. In this exploratory study, we examine the illness experiences of Southeast Asian refugees with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, and consider the factors that contribute to their understanding and management of diabetes.

Design/methodology/approach

We used Pescosolido’s network episode model to frame our understanding of the ways in which Southeast Asians maneuver through their social support networks, face barriers in accessing health care services, and manage their diabetes. We interviewed a convenience sample of 16 adults. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and coded. Analysis was guided by the grounded theory approach.

Findings

Our findings revealed that Southeast Asians’ definition, acceptance, and management of their diabetes was largely influenced by various factors including: trauma and PTSD from their refugee experience, challenges of acculturation, illness experience, mental health, and access and barriers to health care services. The network episode model provides a blueprint for understanding the social and cultural challenges that Southeast Asian refugees face with regards to their diabetes.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations include the small and convenience sample used for the study, which does not contribute to generalizability. However, our findings contribute to the limited but growing studies on Southeast Asian refugees in the United States, and emphasize the need for health care providers to consider the illness experience, health beliefs, and the social context of Southeast Asian refugees with diabetes. Although the adults in this study were not recent immigrants, their immigrant history and experiences influenced their understanding and management of their diabetes.

Originality/value

Few qualitative studies focus on the health of Southeast Asians in the United States (Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese). This study has potential value for clinicians, social workers, and community providers serving ethnic minority populations, specifically Southeast Asians. In this study, older immigrant adults faced generational challenges that impacted their chronic illness (Type 2 diabetes).

Details

Special Social Groups, Social Factors and Disparities in Health and Health Care
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-467-9

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 October 2008

Ethel G. Nicdao, Seunghye Hong and David T. Takeuchi

Objective: Our study examines the association between social support and use of mental health services in Asian American men and women. Specifically, we report on the association…

Abstract

Objective: Our study examines the association between social support and use of mental health services in Asian American men and women. Specifically, we report on the association between types of social support and types of health services used (general medical care and specialty mental health care).

Method: We use data from the National Latino and Asian American Study, a nationally representative survey of the US household population of Latino and Asian Americans. Our present study is based on data from the sample of Asian Americans (N = 2,095).

Results: Overall, our findings suggest that Asian Americans use general medical care services more than specialty mental health care. Our findings also showed variations in levels of social support, and the use of health services among different Asian subgroups (Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, and Other Asian) and nativity status (US-born versus foreign-born Asians). Specific types of social support influenced the use of specialty mental health care services, while other types of social support inhibited use of specialist services.

Conclusion: Compared to using generalist services, Asian Americans demonstrated lower rates of using specialist services. Our results emphasize the importance of considering other social factors to explain between group differences as well as factors contributing to the underutilization of specialty mental health services by Asian Americans.

Details

Care for Major Health Problems and Population Health Concerns: Impacts on Patients, Providers and Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84855-160-2

Book part
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Ethel G. Nicdao, Aileen A. Duldulao and David T. Takeuchi

This study examines Filipino Americans with high levels of psychological distress. We report on whether ethnic identity, discrimination, and nativity are predictors for…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines Filipino Americans with high levels of psychological distress. We report on whether ethnic identity, discrimination, and nativity are predictors for help-seeking from a medical professional.

Methodology

We derived our data from the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Study which surveyed Filipino adults living in the United States (N = 2,285). We used OLS regression to examine the association between psychological distress and help-seeking among US-born Filipinos and immigrants.

Findings

The majority of US-born and foreign-born Filipinos sought help for psychological distress from a lay person. Years spent in the United States, ethnic identity, and discrimination were strong predictors for help-seeking. US-born Filipinos were more likely to seek help. Those with low ethnic identity and experienced medium to high discrimination were less likely to seek help.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that years in United States, ethnic identity and discrimination are associated with help-seeking. Future research should consider factors such as social support and acculturation to examine whether these contribute to psychological distress and help-seeking.

Details

Education, Social Factors, and Health Beliefs in Health and Health Care Services
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-367-9

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 21 October 2008

Abstract

Details

Care for Major Health Problems and Population Health Concerns: Impacts on Patients, Providers and Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84855-160-2

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Abstract

Details

Education, Social Factors, and Health Beliefs in Health and Health Care Services
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-367-9

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Abstract

Details

Special Social Groups, Social Factors and Disparities in Health and Health Care
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-467-9

Book part
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Jennie Jacobs Kronenfeld

This chapter provides both an introduction to the volume and a brief review of literature on education and other social factors and health beliefs in health care services.

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter provides both an introduction to the volume and a brief review of literature on education and other social factors and health beliefs in health care services.

Methodology/approach

Literature review.

Findings

The chapter argues for the importance of greater examination of education, other social factors, and health beliefs in the use of health care services.

Originality/value

Reviews the issues of education, social factors, and beliefs and previews this volume.

Details

Education, Social Factors, and Health Beliefs in Health and Health Care Services
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-367-9

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Fernando I. Rivera, Kristine M. Molina and Ethel Nicdao

To investigate the association between subjective dimensions of socioeconomic status and psychological distress, paying particular attention to Latino subgroup differences.

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the association between subjective dimensions of socioeconomic status and psychological distress, paying particular attention to Latino subgroup differences.

Methodology/Approach

We used data from the Latino sample (N = 2,554) of the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). For our main analyses, we conducted a series of weighted multivariable linear regressions.

Findings

The results showed that subjective social status was associated with reduced psychological distress.

Research Limitations/Implications

There are several key study limitations that warrant consideration. Chiefly, data utilized were cross-sectional; thus, it is unclear whether subjective socioeconomic status (SES) precedes or follows psychological distress.

Originality/Value of Paper

Overall, our study makes several contributions to the sociological study of mental health differentials among Latinos. We show the importance of the association between subjective SES indicators and psychological distress. We also demonstrate how the associations analyzed in this study varied by Latino subethnicity, which we argue is an important step to fully understand the different social processes associated with the mental health of different Latina/o groups.

Details

Underserved and Socially Disadvantaged Groups and Linkages with Health and Health Care Differentials
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-055-9

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Abstract

Details

Underserved and Socially Disadvantaged Groups and Linkages with Health and Health Care Differentials
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-055-9

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