Objective: To investigate how health insurance, access to medical care, and other factors affect preventive care utilization among Japanese residents in New York. Methods: A sample of adult Japanese residents in Westchester county was randomly selected from a telephone database. A mail survey questionnaire was sent to the sample during June and July, 1999. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with receiving a routine check-up within the previous 12 months. Results: The sample population (n=911) was predominantly foreign-born, highly educated, and adhered to Japanese food and language at home. Ninety-three percent had a health care coverage, mostly through their employers. Eighty-one percent had a regular primary care provider, and among them, 77 percent chose a Japanese-speaking provider. Receiving a routine check-up within the previous 12 months was associated with age 65 years or above (OR=4.96, 95%CI=1.46-16.84), having a Japanese-speaking primary care provider (OR=2.92, 95%CI=2.01-4.25), having an English-only primary care provider (OR=2.36, 95%CI=1.42-3.92), and having a chronic condition or illness (OR=2.58, 95%CI=1.74-3.83). Health insurance, personal transportation, length of stay in the U.S., and English speaking skills had no significant effects on preventive care utilization. Conclusions: For the Japanese residents, having a Japanese-speaking primary care provider had a positive effect on the utilization of preventive care. Increasing access to health care providers with language skills is likely to encourage preventive care utilization among other Asian-Americans.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize unique health care needs in the Japanese community in New York 2. Idenitify factors associated with preventive care utilization among Japanese residents in New York 3. Discuss means to increase preventive care utilization in other Asian-American communities
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Preventive Medicine
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.