Health care needs of foreign-born Asian Americans: an overview

Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing groups in the United States. A majority of them are foreign born, which makes their health-related situation very complex. Many still have the diseases they brought with them from their native lands. In addition, they acquire new diseases attributed to the changes in their living conditions and lifestyle. They are vulnerable to the physical effects of acculturation-related stress as well. The health care needs of these new Americans are not being adequately met. This article describes the barriers to their ability to use health care services and analyzes the reasons for the health care system's inability to respond to their needs. Finally, it urges social work to contribute to the system's responsiveness and suggests approaches to social work intervention with and on behalf of Asian Americans.