One Budget, Different Strategies: A Comparative Study of Community Healthy Priorities Across Asian American Ethnic Groups in Hampton Roads
Poster #: 151
Session/Time: B
Author:
Emily Nguyen, BS
Mentor:
Honguyun Fu, PhD
Research Type: Public Health
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
The Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the United States, yet the aggregation of key cultural distinctions in public health research may contribute to why this population remains underserved by mainstream health systems. This study addresses these gaps using qualitative data from a broader mixed-method Community Health Resources and Needs Assessment (CHRNA) to explore how four Asian American subgroups: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and Vietnamese, in Hampton Roads, Eastern Virginia would allocate a hypothetical $100,000 health budget, revealing both similarities and differences in their health concerns, cultural contexts, and priorities.
METHODS:
A sample of 80 key-informants (24 Filipino, 23 Chinese, 17 Indian, and 16 Vietnamese) were recruited from April 2022 to July 2025, using purposive sampling and referrals from Asian community gatekeepers in Hampton Roads, Eastern Virginia. Screening criteria included: 1) persons of Chinese, Filipino, Indian, or Vietnamese descent; 2) between 18-85 years; and 3) residents of project cities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom by trained medical student researchers, then transcribed, and coded into themes, guided by the grounded theory. Amazon e-gift cards ($25) were provided to compensate participants.
RESULTS:
Across all subgroups, participants emphasized culturally and linguistically specific health education, community health preventive screenings, and lifestyle programs. The most common health concerns shared by all subgroups included language barriers, unbalanced diet, and difficulty navigating the U.S. healthcare system. However, subgroup-specific priorities for health issues and cultural strategies were found: The Filipino subgroup prioritized mental health and surrounding stigma, and emphasized strategies involving mental health outreach and direct monetary donation to underserved individuals. The Chinese subgroup prioritized the lack of health insurance prevalent in their community as well as health misinformation via social media. Their strategies recommended preventative health information via platforms like WeChat. The Indian subgroup main priority was to address systemic delays for medical services and appointments, and strategized temple-based health fairs and exercise campaigns. The Vietnamese subgroup prioritized increased smoking and drinking habits inherent in social culture as well as financial stability, while strategizing outreach at religious organizations and community gatherings.
CONCLUSION:
While common themes emerged across all subgroups, the significance of disaggregated, community-specific data illustrates how differences in preferred healthcare delivery methods and priorities reflect deep structural and cultural nuances that can be used for designing equitable health programs that enhance the impact of limited resources in underserved Asian American communities.
The Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the United States, yet the aggregation of key cultural distinctions in public health research may contribute to why this population remains underserved by mainstream health systems. This study addresses these gaps using qualitative data from a broader mixed-method Community Health Resources and Needs Assessment (CHRNA) to explore how four Asian American subgroups: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and Vietnamese, in Hampton Roads, Eastern Virginia would allocate a hypothetical $100,000 health budget, revealing both similarities and differences in their health concerns, cultural contexts, and priorities.
METHODS:
A sample of 80 key-informants (24 Filipino, 23 Chinese, 17 Indian, and 16 Vietnamese) were recruited from April 2022 to July 2025, using purposive sampling and referrals from Asian community gatekeepers in Hampton Roads, Eastern Virginia. Screening criteria included: 1) persons of Chinese, Filipino, Indian, or Vietnamese descent; 2) between 18-85 years; and 3) residents of project cities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom by trained medical student researchers, then transcribed, and coded into themes, guided by the grounded theory. Amazon e-gift cards ($25) were provided to compensate participants.
RESULTS:
Across all subgroups, participants emphasized culturally and linguistically specific health education, community health preventive screenings, and lifestyle programs. The most common health concerns shared by all subgroups included language barriers, unbalanced diet, and difficulty navigating the U.S. healthcare system. However, subgroup-specific priorities for health issues and cultural strategies were found: The Filipino subgroup prioritized mental health and surrounding stigma, and emphasized strategies involving mental health outreach and direct monetary donation to underserved individuals. The Chinese subgroup prioritized the lack of health insurance prevalent in their community as well as health misinformation via social media. Their strategies recommended preventative health information via platforms like WeChat. The Indian subgroup main priority was to address systemic delays for medical services and appointments, and strategized temple-based health fairs and exercise campaigns. The Vietnamese subgroup prioritized increased smoking and drinking habits inherent in social culture as well as financial stability, while strategizing outreach at religious organizations and community gatherings.
CONCLUSION:
While common themes emerged across all subgroups, the significance of disaggregated, community-specific data illustrates how differences in preferred healthcare delivery methods and priorities reflect deep structural and cultural nuances that can be used for designing equitable health programs that enhance the impact of limited resources in underserved Asian American communities.