Characterizing Differences in Outpatient Dermatologic Care Utilization among Disaggregated Asian American Subgroups

Abstract

Abstract Despite having significantly higher rates of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders compared to White patients, studies suggest that Asian Americans are underrepresented in outpatient dermatology clinics. In this study, we utilize the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and prioritize disaggregated analyses to evaluate differences between the most populous Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and “Other”) in utilization of outpatient dermatologic care. We utilized multivariable logistic regression to compare outpatient dermatologic care use between each Asian American subgroup and Non-Hispanic Whites. Out of 96,559 adults, our study included 5,264 self-identified Asian American and 91,295 non-Hispanic White adults. Most Asian participants were female, had health insurance, and had incomes > 2 times above the federal poverty line. We found that, compared to 21.4% for NH whites, lifetime prevalence of total body skin exam was highest among Filipino Americans (12.3%) and lowest among Indian Americans (7.0%). Additionally, all Asian American subgroups had a significantly lower odd than NH Whites of ever having a total body skin exam, with Indian Americans having the lowest odds. While the benefit of TBSEs in Indian Americans is unclear, it is possible that differing cultural perceptions about dermatologic needs, barriers to care, or immigration status may be contributing to the observed difference. Furthermore, the Indian diaspora encapsulates a range of skin tones, risk factors, and behaviors that may differentially influence dermatologic disease risk, similar to trends identified among Hispanic patients.5 Additional research utilizing the seven national databases that have been identified as providing disaggregated Asian racial information6 may be useful to further illuminate avenues for intervention.