Social science literature often cites the disparity of health status between minority and majority populations. In order to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health, we need to find out what contributes to health status of different ethnic groups.
A number of indicator have been used to measure health status of different populations. Traditional indicators used to measure health status include physical health (number of diseases and self-perceived health), disability, chronic diseases, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. What is lacking in this model are the effects of family and culture variables on health.
A number of ethnic Chinese in the United States came from the People’s Republic of China. Many of them still have similar health beliefs and practices that are similar to those who are still reside in PRC. Recently, Yu, et al added family and culture variables to other indicators of health to examine the correlates of health in an urban, elderly sample in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
Preliminary results indicates that the number of illness, physical functioning, proportion of income used to pay medical expenses, life satisfaction, gender, general family support (financial and other) and cultural variables (care and support of the elderly when ill) are correlated with health status of elderly. These findings suggest that objective measures of health alone is not enough to predict correlates of health. Family and cultural factors need to be examined and added to the model.
Learning Objectives: Participants will derive an understanding of how family and cultural variables affect health status
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.