Assimilation and Health Outcomes : A Multidimensional Analysis of Self-Assessed Health among Asians in the United States

• In Event: 598 - Section on Asia and Asian America Roundtable Session.
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Asia and Asian America Roundtables. Table 01. Health and Educational Outcomes

Abstract

In the context of the “immigrant health paradox,” a majority of studies have focused on comparisons of Latino groups with Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites stressing influence of socioeconomic status on health outcomes. A broader understanding of health by race ethnicity demands studying minority groups besides Latinos. Asian descents are the second-largest and fastest-growing group in the U.S., yet are understudied in the context of the “immigrant health paradox” in connection with discrimination and health outcomes. This could be due to the reoccurring “model minority” stereotype assigned to Asian descents. This label implies that in spite of being minorities, Asians achieve high levels of social, economic, and physiological health; therefore, Asians require less research attention. Using immigrants’ selectivity, classic assimilation, integration on a continuum, sense and politics of belonging, this study examines the relationship between assimilation, discrimination and self-assessed health outcomes among immigrants and minorities of Asian origin living in the U.S. This study uses data from the National Asian American (NAA) Survey 2008 and from oral history interviews with 16 paramedics (12 nurses and 4 physical therapists) of Asian Indian ancestry. The data analysis follows a mixed methods approach. Various statistical analyses (i.e. EFA, CFA, and SEM) will be used to analyze the data from the NAAS, 2008. The interview data will be used verbatim. The findings will contribute to expansion of knowledge in race and ethnic studies, migration studies, public health scholarship, and migration and health studies.

Author

• Moushumi Choudhury, Michigan State University