title: Priorities and approaches to investigating Asian youth health: perspectives of young Asian New Zealanders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The proportion of young people in New Zealand identifying with Asian ethnicities has increased considerably. Despite some prevalent health concerns, Asian youth are less likely than non-Asian peers to seek help. As preparatory research towards a more nuanced approach to service delivery and public policy, this qualitative study aimed to identify young Asian New Zealanders' perspectives on best approaches to investigate health issues of priority concern to them.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with 15 Asian youth leaders aged 18-24 years. Using an inductive approach for thematic analysis, key themes were identified and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study participants considered ethno-cultural identity, racism and challenges in integration to play significant roles influencing the health of Asian youth (especially mental health) and their access to health services. While emphasising the importance of engaging young Asians in research and service development so that their needs and aspirations are met, participants also highlighted the need for approaches that are cognisant of the cultural, contextual and intergenerational dimensions of issues involved in promoting youth participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research that engages Asian youth as key agents using methods that are sensitive to their cultural and sociological contexts can inform more responsive health services and public policy. This is of particular relevance in primary health care where culturally competent services can mitigate risks of unmet health needs and social isolation.
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. r.peiris-john@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Roshini
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Peiris-John
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Amritha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sobrun-Maharaj
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Shanthi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ameratunga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D044466:Asian People; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D054525:Minority Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D009520:New Zealand; D011640:Public Policy; D063505:Racism / Q000208:ethnology; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult