Disparities in health, obesity and access to care among an insured population of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Hawai'i.
OBJECTIVE
To examine differences in health status, obesity and access among Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Hawai'i using data from a 2007 health plan survey, including Caucasians, Puerto Ricans, American Indian and Alaska Natives, Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Native Hawai'ians, Samoans, and Other Pacific Islanders.


METHODS
Data were collected through a stratified random sample of adult members of a health plan in Hawai'i (n = 119,563) who saw a physician in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to examine racial/ethnic differences in health status, access, and obesity and the impact of obesity and access on health status, after controlling for age, gender, and education.


RESULTS
The highest obesity rates were found among Samoans (50%), Puerto Ricans (37%), Native Hawai'ians (36%), and Other Pacific Islanders (35%). Puerto Ricans and Samoans reported the highestnumber of poor physical health days (5.4). Samoans reported the highest number of poor mental health days (4.4). Obesity had a stronger impact than access on self-reported health status.


CONCLUSIONS
Samoans had the highest rate of obesity, low health ratings, and a high number of days of poor health. Targeted interventions may be needed for this group.
Juarez
Deborah Taira
DT
Hawai'i Medical Service Association, Honolulu, USA. dtjuarez@hawaii.edu
Samoa
Raynald A
RA
Chung
Richard S
RS
Seto
Todd B
TB
D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence