Perceived Disarray in Healthcare and Social Engagement among Asian Americans: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore Asian American groups’ (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Filipino) experiences of perceived disarray when navigating the healthcare system and level of social engagement. This quantitative study utilized secondary data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). The results demonstrated several significant associations between Asian ethnic group and experiences of disarray in the healthcare system including perception of being treated unfairly, not knowing of the right to an interpreter, perception of doctor explaining clearly, and having personal doctor as main medical provider. In addition, this investigation found a significant negative correlation between two forms of social engagement, indicating the higher the perception of positive neighborhood social ties, the less civic engagement in the form of volunteer work. The findings may illuminate for healthcare systems how to better address the gaps that may exist in services and how best to adapt services to the needs of Asian minority communities.