Self-perceptions of health among Cambodian Americans

This study investigated the perceptions of physical health among Cambodians in Long Beach, California, home to about 50,000 immigrants from this group. Information is lacking regarding this population's health status. A stratified random sample of 680 respondents was obtained from census tracts with high concentrations of Cambodian Americans. A cross-sectional survey collected data on demographic characteristics and self-reported health status, classified as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Health status was dichotomized into excellent, very good, and good versus fair and poor. The percentage who reported excellent to good health was 39.5%; in corresponding with the 65% for fair or poor health (p = 0.017). Bivariate analyses determined that the relationships among demographic variables (gender, age, education, and income) and fair or poor health were statistically significant. The sex-specific percentages of persons in fair or poor health were 55.2% and 64.3% for males and females, respectively; the percentages among persons who had less than high school education in comparison with persons who had more education were 75.1% and 36.2%, respectively; the percentages among persons with a lower monthly income ($999 or less) versus a higher monthly income ($1,000 or more) were 76.5% and 40.7%, respectively; and the percentages among persons who were younger than 65 years of age or 65 years of age and older were 55.8% and 82.6%, respectively. Consequently, persons who reported fair or poor health status tended to be females, were 65 years of age and older, and had lower income and education levels.