Chien-Ching Li Associate Professor, Department of Health Systems Management, Rush University
The prevalence of mental health problems among Asian Americans has increased. However, compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Asian Americans are less likely to receive necessary mental health care. This may be especially true for older Asian Americans who are experiencing psychological distress or depression associated with the management of a chronic health condition. The objective of the proposed project is to examine the mental health (psychological distress/depression and unmet mental health needs) of older Asian Americans diagnosed with cardiometabolic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease). Older Asian Americans who participated in California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) and the New York City Community Health Survey (CHIS) will be included in the study. This study will utilize the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to examine the role of individual factors (demographics, health behaviors, acculturation, cardiometabolic diseases, and general health status, interpersonal predictors (social support, patient-provider communication, healthcare discrimination experience), and community factors (neighborhood disorder and cohesion) on mental health and unmet mental health care needs among Asian Americans ethnic groups. Study findings will inform the development of interventions to promote mental health literacy and increase access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for Asian Americans with cardiometabolic diseases.