Turning the Health Equity Lens to Diversity in Asian American Health Profiles

Abstract

The monolithic misrepresentation of Asian American (AsAm) populations has maintained assumptions that AsAm people are not burdened by health disparities and social and economic inequities. However, the story is more nuanced. We critically review AsAm health research to present knowledge of AsAm health profiles from the past two decades and present findings and opportunities across three topical domains: ( a) general descriptive knowledge, ( b) factors affecting health care uptake, and ( c) effective interventions. Much of the literature emphasized underutilization of health care services; low knowledge and awareness among AsAms about risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; inadequate efforts to improve language access, provider–patient communication, and trust; and the critical roles of community- and faith-based organizations and leaders in health promotion initiatives. Future opportunities for AsAm health research will require adoption of and significant investment in community-engaged research infrastructure to increase representation, funding, and research innovation for AsAm communities. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 45 is April 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.