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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Gilbert C. Gee, PhD, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Rm, M5224, Ann Arbor, MI 48102, (734) 615-7825, gilgee@umich.edu

Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) appear to have a dual representation in the United States. Recent polls find that the U.S. general population view APIAs as “hardworking” and “successful,” but simultaneously “untrustworthy,” and “taking over American jobs.” Many of the institutional barriers erected against APIAs during the early 1900s appear to have been reversed, but closer examination suggests that there is a long way to go. For example, one in five APIAs encountered discrimination in homebuying in 2000, a level comparable to African Americans. Continued growth in the APIA population and the increasing prominence of Asian countries as global competitors against the U.S. suggests a potential rise in anti-APIA sentiment over the next century. It would be important to establish a baseline from which to examine these predictions. Additionally, discrimination may not just be a civil rights issue. Increasing evidence suggests that racial discrimination may cause high blood pressure, depression, tobacco and alcohol use, and other health conditions. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of discrimination may aid in efforts to buttress civil rights, promote health, and eliminate health disparities. The goal of this presentation is to review the state of evidence regarding discrimination among APIAs and to discuss the potential linkages between discrimination on health. We draw from large, recent surveys, including the 2003-2004 National Latino and Asian American Study, the 1994-1995 Chinese American Psychiatric Epidemiologic Study, the 1998-1999 Filipino American Community Epidemiologic Survey, and the 2003 California Health Interview Survey. We conclude with recommendations for future research and interventions.

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

• Describe several forms of discrimination and their relevancy to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs).
• Articulate the current trends and potential directions of discrimination for APIAs.
• Review several studies that document discrimination among APIAs.
• Discuss how discrimination may influence the health of APIAs.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Social Justice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No