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Asian American & Pacific Islander Women's Health FAQFAQ on Major APA Health Problems from the Office on Women's Health, DHHS
Who are considered to be Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States?Asian American and Pacific Islanders represent one of the fastest-growing and most diverse populations of women in the United States. There are 28 Asian and 19 Pacific Islander groups-representing a vast array of languages and cultures. Some are 4th and 5th generation Asian Americans, while 75% are recent immigrants and refugees. Native Hawaiians and American Samoans are part of the Asian-American population, but they are indigenous peoples, not immigrants, who are striving to preserve their culture and retain their relationship to the land.
Is it true that health status varies within the Asian American population?Yes. In general, Asian-American women have the highest life expectancy (85.8 years) of any ethnic or racial group in the U.S. Yet there are wide disparities between subgroups; Samoan (74.9 years), Native Hawaiian (77.2 years), Filipino (81.5 years), Japanese (84.5), and Chinese women (86.1 years).
What are some specific health issues of Asian American and Pacific Island women?Some of the most pressing health concerns are:
Why is access to health care a problem?Access to reliable and consistent health care can be limited due to cultural and language differences, as well as social and other barriers. On average, Asian American and Pacific Island women have significantly lower breast and cervical cancer screening rates than the national average. The severity and consequences of many diseases can be diminished through early detection. It is important for all women to have regular and consistent access to health care services.
Is tuberculosis still a problem in this country?Yes. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most serious problems facing Asian American women. This disease is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The bacteria can attack any part of your body, but they usually attack the lungs. TB is spread through the air from one person to another, when a person with TB coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. TB is the number one infectious disease killer in the United States. It is 13-times more common among Asian populations, especially those from Cambodia, China, Laos, Korea, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. Tuberculosis is highly contagious but can be easily found with a test. However, it is important to remember that TB is treatable with great success.
What is Hepatitis B?Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver which is potentially deadly. Symptoms can include nausea, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin.) It was once believed to be transmitted only through blood, however it is now known that it can be passed via needles, body piercing and tattooing using unsterilized instruments, the dialysis process, sexual and even less intimate close contact, as well as from mother to baby during childbirth. Compared to the US average this disease is 25 to 75 times more common among Samoans and immigrants from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Chin There is currently a hepatitis B vaccine available.
What types of cancer are most common among the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations?Cervical cancer incidence rates among Vietnamese women are nearly 5-times those of white women yet we are not sure why. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix before they turn deadly. The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding. Risk factors have been identified that lead to an increased chance of cervical cancer later in life but these are risk factors that are shared by many ethnic groups. These include multiple sexual partners, sexual intercourse at a young age, and other dangerous sexual behavior. Breast cancer: Native Hawaiians have the highest breast cancer death rate for any racial/ethnic group in the U.S.: 37.2 per 100,000. Scientists are currently researching possible explanations for this trend. Chinese American and Japanese American women have higher rates than their counterparts in China and Japan. At first it was believed a higher fat – Western diet could explain the difference, but this has not been proven. Regular mammograms are recommended to detect early malignancies. Women above 50 should receive a mammogram every year.
Is suicide a serious problem for Asian American women?Yes. Asian American women have the highest suicide rates among women ages 15 to 24 and those over age 65. Suicide is ranked 8th in the leading causes of death for Asian American and Pacific Islander women in the United States. Protective factors such as social support and connectedness appear to play significant roles in prevention of suicide. One possible explanation for the higher rate of suicide among Asian American women is the cultural barriers associated with seeking mental health support. Depression is common among Asian American women, but should not be thought of as the sole cause of suicide. However, cultures in which counseling and psychotherapy is not socially acceptable tend to have higher rates of suicide.
Are Asian American women at a greater risk for osteoporosis?Yes. Asian American women are at particular risk for osteoporosis due to their relatively lower bone mass and density, smaller frames, and lower intake of calcium compared to other population groups. Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to the depletion of calcium and bone protein. Treatment can include dietary supplements, hormone replacement therapy, and new medications that show great promise in reducing the effects of this bone crippling disease. Regular dietary calcium and exercise in the teen years and beyond can help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
What can Asian American and Pacific Island women do to decrease their risk of disease?A healthy diet and regular exercise greatly reduce the risk of illness and disease for all women. Be physically active each day; eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, and low in fat; practice safe sex; get regular preventive screenings; don't smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol; and use seat belts and safety helmets. It is also important to see a doctor regularly to monitor current health conditions as well as get information about risks and prevention.
For more general information, see also . . .
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