Wellness of Asian and Latino adults in the U.S.: Using the NLAAS to explore the “immigrant paradox”

Ascertainment of the causes of disparities in health among ethnic minorities has been elusive and complex. In the past, we have not had the opportunity to examine these issues because data were not available to empirically study the complex contributors to health and wellness among heterogeneous minority populations. The “immigrant paradox” – which posits that being foreign-born is protective against poor health status – has been observed among some ethnic minority populations. However, the mechanisms that explain this phenomenon are still largely unknown. This study contributes to the literature on minority health and the “immigrant paradox” among foreign-born adults. Specifically, this study examines the extent to which stress, family cohesion, and ethnic identity are associated with functional impairment among Latino and Asian American adults (LAAAs). Data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS) and multiple regression analysis were used to examine these relationships. Functional Impairment was measured by the WHO-DAS II. Risk factors included Discrimination, Financial Strain, Acculturative Stress and protective factors included Family Cohesion and Ethnic Identity. Several sociodemographic characteristics were also measured, including age, gender, education, employment, English proficiency, and length of residency in the U.S. Consistent with the immigrant paradox, U.S.-born respondents had higher rates of functional impairment than foreign-born LAAAs. Findings also identified discrimination as a risk factor for impairment among U.S.- and foreign-born LAAAs; however, acculturative stress was a risk factor for impairment among foreign-born respondents. Results suggest that nativity and stress exposure help explain variability in LAAA health outcomes.