Diverse Experiences, Common Goals: Capturing Health Needs & Resources of NYC's Asian American Communities

Background: More than one million documented and undocumented Asian Americans live in New York City (NYC). However, there is scant health research available on NYC Asian Americans. In collaboration with community-based organizations and advocates, the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health conducted a series of community health needs and resource assessments (CHNRA) among Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, Koreans, South Asian, Cambodians, and Japanese in NYC from 2004-2007. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through outreach to social service, faith-based, cultural, health and civic organizations. Questions included health status perceptions, health seeking behaviors, barriers to care, health resources available, patient-provider interaction, and best approaches to implement health interventions. Results: 735 surveys were administered and 80 focus groups/key interviews were conducted. Across all ethnic groups, cardiovascular disease was the primary health concern. The top 3 health barriers identified were communication barriers with doctors or health professionals; lack of affordable health services, and difficulties in understanding health information. Differences among the seven Asian subgroups were related to sociodemographic characteristics, geographic settlement patterns in NYC, sources of health information, and establishment of networks and resources to support specific Asian ethnic commununities. Conclusion: Findings identified priority health areas of focus for each community. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the use of these findings for the creation of ethnic-specific coalitions and subsequent pan-Asian initiatives in the areas of research and program development.