Health characteristics of the Asian adult population: United States, 2004-2006

Abstract

Objective: This report compares national estimates for selected health status indicators, health behaviors, health care utilization, health conditions, immunizations, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing status among selected non-Hispanic Asian adult subgroups. Comparison estimates for the non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), and Hispanic adult populations are also presented.

Methods: The estimates in this report were derived from the Family Core and the Sample Adult Core components of the 2004-2006 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Estimates were generated and comparisons conducted using the SUDAAN statistical package to account for the complex sample design.

Results: In general, non-Hispanic Asian adults were least likely to be current smokers, be obese, have hypertension, delay or not receive medical care because of cost, be tested for HIV, or be in fair or poor health compared with non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic AIAN, or Hispanic adults. Across non-Hispanic Asian subgroups, Vietnamese adults were least likely to have a bachelor's degree or higher and most likely to be poor, be in fair or poor health, and abstain from alcohol use. Korean adults were most likely to be uninsured, be current smokers, and be without a usual place for health care. Japanese adults were most likely to be current moderate or heavier drinkers, and Filipino adults were most likely to be obese.