Raising Awareness, Improving Skills: A Strategy to Address Health Disparities among Southeast Asians in Connecitcut

Connecticut (CT) has experienced a significant increase in the Southeast Asian population (65% from 2000-2010), health care providers have minimal knowledge of cultural mores and practices. The Asian population in CT comes from nearly 20 countries with varied political, economic, religious, cultural, linguistic and health tradition backgrounds.

Southeast Asians tend to be healthier than whites and other ethnic groups, studies reveal a large disparity in health status among subgroups indicating poor access, language challenges, physician distrust, and cultural misunderstandings.

 Recognizing the unique needs of Southeast Asian communities in CT, the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Community Based Education Office, in collaboration with the Connecticut Multicultural Health Partnership, developed and implemented an educational series delivered state-wide.  The program highlights the following: immigration history and demographics; health status, traditional health beliefs and practice; risk factors and challenges; effective strategies for outreach and patient-physician communication approaches.

 To date, six programs have been offered with over 350 participants. Audience members include: physicians, social workers, public health professionals, trainers, and consumers.  Venues were held in academic settings, state and community organizations. Ethnic food was provided at each setting along with a discussion and presentation of traditional practices (e.g. water blessing offered by Cambodian monks).

 Evaluations are overwhelmingly positive revealing: increased knowledge, effective demonstrations, skills development for workplace and individual advocacy. Participants reported that the information learned would influence their approach in clinical practices and the community. Cultural competency is an important tool for educating professionals and consumers in a variety of settings.