Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106151

Jambur Ananth, MD, DPM, Dip Psy¹, Veronica Acosta-DePrez, PhD, CHES², and Sarath Gunatilake, MD, PhD². (1) Learning Center, Metropolitan State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650, (2) Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840-4902, (562)985-7698, vacosta@csulb.edu

Culture is an important aspect that influences mental health treatment. Currently, there is a limited amount of literature on the mental health of Asian Americans, yet alone articles that seek to elucidate their cultures. Because Asian Americans is one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, it is valuable to understand their cultures as well as the communities and contexts in which they live to establish a relationship that is mutually satisfying for both patient/client and health care professional and to increase the likelihood of treatment effectiveness. This presentation will describe particular cultural values and practices of Asian-Americans. Four aspects of culture which have profound effects on their health will be explored: 1) marriage and the family including the effects of past experiences, social roles, mutual support and needs, and expectations, 2) somatization including communication processes such as verbal, nonverbal, and symbolic approaches, 3) spirituality and its effects on treatment, and 4) individualism, collectivism, gender roles, and the role of social support in mental health. An important aspect of this presentation is collectively sharing our experiences in addressing the health and health care needs of Asian Americans. We will discuss general principles of treatment while providing some real-life examples in an attempt to elucidate the characteristic challenges that health care givers and public health professionals may experience in the context of treatment. Finally, some suggestions and recommendations for culturally congruent practices as well as advocacy activities for health policy development for Asian Americans will be provided.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• investigate physical, social, emotional, and mental factors influencing health of Asian American populations;
• plan and develop public health programs and health care regimens that are consistent with Asian American values and beliefs.
• use culturally sensitive communication methods and techniques in addressing Asian American health care needs and health problems.
• analyze social, cultural, demographics and political factors that influence decision-making processes of Asian Americans.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.