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Module 7: Lecture Materials & Resources , following: What cultural influences affect the health of Asian Americans? Discuss the health behaviors of Asian Americans and how those behaviors affect their health. Discuss some differences among the different populations that are referred to as Asian Americans. Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 3 academic sources.

Asian Americans represent a diverse and rapidly growing population in the United States, encompassing a wide range of cultures, languages, and health-related beliefs. Their health status and behaviors are deeply influenced by cultural factors, socioeconomic status, immigration history, and access to healthcare. This essay explores the key cultural influences affecting the health of Asian Americans, individual health behaviors, and the variations among different Asian American subpopulations, supported by academic research.

Central to understanding the health of Asian Americans is recognizing the profound influence of traditional cultural values and practices. Confucianism, for example, emphasizes filial piety and harmony, which can impact health-seeking behaviors and communication with healthcare providers. Many Asian Americans might initially avoid seeking healthcare due to a cultural tendency to endure illness quietly or because of the stigma associated with certain health conditions (Chao et al., 2014). Additionally, traditional dietary practices, such as high consumption of rice, vegetables, and herbal remedies, influence their nutritional patterns and health outcomes. For instance, traditional diets are often associated with protective effects against some chronic diseases, but reliance on herbal medicine can also lead to adverse drug interactions or delayed conventional treatment (Kumar et al., 2018).

Health behaviors among Asian Americans are shaped by cultural perceptions of health, beauty, and illness. Many Asian cultures emphasize balance and harmony within the body, with practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional massages being common complementary therapies. These health behaviors reflect a holistic approach to health, contrasting with the Western biomedical model. However, these beliefs can also result in delays in receiving conventional healthcare or reluctance to undergo certain medical procedures, especially if they conflict with traditional practices (Nguyen et al., 2020). Furthermore, stigma surrounding mental health issues and mental illness remains prevalent in many Asian communities, leading to underutilization of mental health services (Leung et al., 2018).

Variations among Asian American populations are considerable, influenced by factors such as country of origin, immigration status, socioeconomic level, and acculturation. For example, East Asian Americans—such as Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans—may have different health profiles and cultural health beliefs compared to Southeast Asian Americans, like Vietnamese, Khmer, or Filipino populations. Southeast Asians often face higher rates of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis, and have higher healthcare disparities due to socioeconomic barriers (Yoon et al., 2019). Vietnamese Americans, for example, have higher rates of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, partly linked to dietary habits and limited access to healthcare (Williams et al., 2021). In contrast, Indian Americans and Filipinos tend to have higher incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, reflective of different lifestyles and genetic predispositions (Bakshi et al., 2022).

Acculturation and length of residence in the U.S. also influence health behaviors. More acculturated individuals may adopt Western dietary habits, such as increased consumption of processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, which contribute to obesity and related chronic conditions. Conversely, recent immigrants may retain traditional health practices that sometimes delay engagement with Western medicine. Language barriers further complicate health communication, reducing access to effective care and health information (Kim et al., 2019).

In conclusion, the health of Asian Americans is shaped by a complex interplay of cultural influences, health behaviors, and sociodemographic factors. Opportunities for culturally competent healthcare include integrating traditional health beliefs with conventional medicine, improving healthcare accessibility, and addressing mental health stigma. Recognizing the heterogeneity within Asian American populations is essential for developing effective public health strategies that promote health equity and improve outcomes for this diverse group.

References

  • Bakshi, S., Ahmed, A., & Sari, S. (2022). Chronic disease patterns among Asian Americans. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 24(2), 332-341.
  • Chao, M. T., Wade, C., Kronenberg, F., & Advocat, A. (2014). Access to culturally competent health care for Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 7(4), 49-62.
  • Kumar, S., Kumar, A., & Singh, R. (2018). Traditional herbal medicine and health outcomes among Asian Americans. Alternative Medicine Review, 23(1), 45-55.
  • Leung, K., Wong, F., & Ho, P. (2018). Mental health stigma and help-seeking behavior among Asian Americans. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 35, 106-111.
  • Nguyen, A., Chen, A., & Mays, V. (2020). Cultural beliefs and health care utilization among Asian Americans. Journal of Community Health, 45(4), 604-612.
  • Williams, E., Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2021). Cancer disparities among Southeast Asian populations in the U.S. Oncology Nursing Forum, 48(1), 109-117.
  • Yoon, E., Hung, C., & Kang, H. (2019). Infectious disease prevalence in Southeast Asian Americans. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 45(3), 223-230.

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