Factors associated with having a usual source of care in an ethnically diverse sample of Asian American adults

Abstract

Background: Despite significant population increases, how Asian Americans ethnic subgroups vary in having a usual source of care (USC) is poorly understood.

Objectives: To examine how having a USC varies among Asian American ethnic subgroups (Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and South Asians), and the potential factors influencing variation in having a USC.

Research design: Data were from 2005 and 2009 California Health Interview Survey. Logistic regressions and pair-wise comparisons were used to compare odds of having a USC among Asian ethnic adults (18-64 y) and to examine ethnicity-specific associations with immigration-related factors (English proficiency, length of residence, and living in an ethnically concordant neighborhood) and key enabling (employment, income, insurance), predisposing (education), and need (health status) factors. Models also adjusted for other sociodemographic factors.

Results: Significant differences in the magnitude of the variation and factors influencing having a USC were found across Asian subgroups. Korean and Japanese adults had 52%-69% lower adjusted odds of having a USC compared with Chinese. Among all Asian subgroups, uninsured adults had 85%-94% lower adjusted odds of having a USC. Patterns of associations with USC and key factors varied by specific Asian subgroup.

Conclusions: Patterns of associations for USC varied by Asian subgroup, although uninsurance persisted significantly across all subgroups. Persistent variation and heterogenous associations suggest that targeted, ethnicity-specific policies and outreach are needed to improve having a USC for Asian American ethnic adults.