Discrimination and the Health of Asian Americans.ppt

Discrimination and the Health of Asian Americans Gilbert C. Gee, Ph.D. University of Michigan Health Behavior Health Education June 25, 2007 Explanations for Health Disparities Genetics Culture Health care Socioeconomic position Discrimination Growing interest U.S. Surgeon General Mental Health, Culture, Race Ethnicity, 2001 World Health Organization Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope, 2001 Institute of Medicine Unequal Treatment, 2003 Eliminating Health Disparities, 2004 National Academies of Science Measuring Racial Discrimination, 2004 Potential pathways between discrimination health Socioeconomic other opportunities Hazardous exposures Historical trauma, soul wound Hate crimes Helpseeking health services Chronic acute stress 2002 GSS: (n=2685) How warm do you feel towards (1=warm...9=very cool)? Asian Americans 3.7 Hispanics 3.6 African Americans 3.4 Caucasians 2.9 MSNBC, 1998: “American Beats Out Kwan” Seattle Times, 2002: “American outshines Kwan, Slutskaya in skating surprise.” “Asian and Pacific Islander homebuyers experience consistent adverse treatment 20.4% of the time, with systematic discrimination occurring in housing availability, inspections, financing assistance, and agent encouragement. This level of discrimination is comparable to the level experienced by African American homebuyers…” National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS) National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS) Household survey, 2002-2003 Languages: Cantonese, English, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese Response rate: 69% 74% n=2095 Weighted PI: David Takeuchi Select sample characteristics Foreign born 77% Female 52% Married 65% Age 41 Per capita income $40K West coast 68% Research Questions Is self-reported discrimination associated with increased: Chronic conditions Mental disorders Everyday Discrimination scale Developed from qualitative research Theoretical focus with chronic stressors 9 items total Less courtesy Po