Oral

Immigration, acculturation, and assimilation are important life experiences that impact the social processes and cultural identity formation of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) populations. The relationship of migration to health is complex and the notion of unhealthy assimilation is much debated in the public health field. Building on nationally representative data and large epidemiological studies on diverse API populations, this session discusses whether empirical evidence supports the theory of unhealthy assimilation, presenting new insights into this important research question. It places emphasis on the diversity of API populations’ assimilation experiences and on the importance of applying alternative conceptual frameworks of assimilation to health outcomes.

Session Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to: (1) Describe heterogeneity in Asian immigrant health trajectories; (2) Compare alternative theories in interpreting Asian immigrant health trajectories; (3) Assess whether US assimilation is associated with diabetes risk in the largest API population in the US − Chinese immigrants; (4) Define the types of ethnic enclaves found among Asian and Pacific Islanders; (5) Describe the relationship between ethnic enclaves and suicide among APIs; and (6) Identify variations in relationship between religion and health among key Asian immigrant groups, as well as differences in this relationship among Latinos.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)