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Approximately 1.2 million Vietnamese live in the United States. Health care providers need to understand that this population differs greatly from other cultures depending on gender, religion, generation, reason for migration, enclave identity, educational level, and language preference. This article will explore the history, communication practices, biocultural ecology, and health care principles among this population.
Key Words: Vietnam, Vietnamese, immigration, communication, health care practices, religion, spirituality, mental health.
Vietnamese, whether as immigrants or sojourners, have fled their country to escape war, persecution, or possible loss of life. In providing care to Vietnamese, health care providers must understand that they differ substantially depending on gender, religion, generation, reason for migration, enclave identity, educational level, and language preference. The terms Indochinese and Vietnamese are not synonymous. Indochina is a supranational region that includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (Central Intelligence Agency [CIA], 2007).
IMMIGRATION AND RESIDENCE
Approximately 1.2 million Vietnamese live in the United States. California has the largest number of Vietnamese residents, followed by Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, and Virginia, although immigration patterns are shifting to include Oklahoma and Oregon. Vietnam, located at the extreme southeastern corner of the Asian mainland, has a population of approximately 84.4 million (CIA, 2007).
The Vietnamese have immigrated to the U.S. in four waves. The first wave began in April 1975, when South Vietnam fell into the communist control of North Vietnam. At that time, many South Vietnamese businessmen, military officers, professionals, and others closely involved with America feared persecution by the new regime and sought to escape. American ships and aircraft rescued some, and these refugees were dispersed over much of the U.S., often in the care of sponsoring American families. Their expatriation was unexpected and unplanned, and for many, their departures were often precipitous and tragic (Museum Victoria Australia, 2007).
The second wave occurred in the late 1970s because many Vietnamese grew disenchanted with communism and their decreased living standard. For more than a decade, some left Vietnam by land across Cambodia or Laos, while others departed in small, often unseaworthy and overcrowded vessels in hopes of reaching a non-communist port. Half died during their journey. Many were forcibly repatriated to Vietnam or eventually returned voluntarily; others continued to languish in camps. Most represented lower socioeconomic...