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. 2010 Feb;69(2):42-6.

Disparities in health, obesity and access to care among an insured population of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Hawai'i

Deborah Taira Juarez  1 , Raynald A Samoa, Richard S Chung, Todd B Seto
Affiliations

Disparities in health, obesity and access to care among an insured population of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Hawai'i

Deborah Taira Juarez et al. Hawaii Med J. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To examine differences in health status, obesity and access among Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Hawai'i using data from a 2007 health plan survey, including Caucasians, Puerto Ricans, American Indian and Alaska Natives, Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Native Hawai'ians, Samoans, and Other Pacific Islanders.

Methods: Data were collected through a stratified random sample of adult members of a health plan in Hawai'i (n = 119,563) who saw a physician in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to examine racial/ethnic differences in health status, access, and obesity and the impact of obesity and access on health status, after controlling for age, gender, and education.

Results: The highest obesity rates were found among Samoans (50%), Puerto Ricans (37%), Native Hawai'ians (36%), and Other Pacific Islanders (35%). Puerto Ricans and Samoans reported the highestnumber of poor physical health days (5.4). Samoans reported the highest number of poor mental health days (4.4). Obesity had a stronger impact than access on self-reported health status.

Conclusion: Samoans had the highest rate of obesity, low health ratings, and a high number of days of poor health. Targeted interventions may be needed for this group.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Odds Ratio of Obesity by Race/Ethnicity, Adjusted p<0.05 for all expect American Indian; *Adjusted for age, gender, and education
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patient Ratings of Health Status by Race and Ethnicity The adjusted odds ratios of very good or excellent health, relative to Caucasians, were 0.78 for Puerto Ricans, 1.02 (NS) for American Indians, 0.57 for Chinese, 0.53 for Filipinos, 0.51 for Japanese, 0.46 for Koreans, 0.52 for Native Hawaiians, 0.59 for Samoans, and 0.73 for Other Pacific Islanders.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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