Mental Health & Utilization in Asian Americans in California

Mental health and utilization of services amongst Asian Americans remains low and underrepresented according to previous research. Using California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), secondary data analysis was used to further understand mental health status and utilization of mental health services amongst Asian-Americans in California. Specific ethnic subgroups of the study were Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Korean. Participants of the secondary data analysis identified as adults, ages 18 and up. The specific aims of the study were to understand overall mental health issues, if mental health had an influence on daily activities, and to know the insurance rate coverage for mental health treatment amongst Asian-Americans. Results of the study have found significant differences amongst ethnic subgroups for overall mental health issues as well as interference of mental health in daily activities. However, no statistical significance was found for insurance rate coverage for mental health treatment amongst subgroups. This study concludes with the need to further understand mental health in Asian-Americans and tailor programs to better suit the needs for utilization of services.