Health Priorities Among Filipino Americans in New Jersey: Generational Perspectives

Written by Persephone Vargas, Joset Brown, & M. Danet Lapiz Bluhm

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2025.1501.1503

Abstract

Background: The Filipino American (FA) population is one of the largest immigrant group in New Jersey (NJ). Studies have shown significant health disparities in this population.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the generational perspectives on the health priorities and how to address them among FAs in NJ.

Method: The study used an exploratory, descriptive design using a qualitative re-search approach. Through focus groups, open-ended questions explored the FAs’ perceptions on health priorities, interventions and engagement of the FA population. A total of five focus groups were held. Participants were grouped into two categories: younger adults (18-25 years old) and mid-older adults (> 25 years old) and analyzed as two different groups.

Results: There were 50 participants included in the study, 19 identified as younger adults and 31 identified as mid-older adults. Commonalities and differences in perspectives were identified between the two groups. Three overarching themes and sub themes were identified: 1) Health priorities related to chronic diseases and mental health as well as healthcare resources, 2) culture and cultural influences related to dietary practices and caring for the elderly, and 3) need for information and community engagement. There were generational differences related to priorities within each sub theme including importance of mental health among the younger generation.

Conclusion: This study focused on the generational differences in perspective among FAs in NJ regarding health prioritization and how to address them. Common health priorities were identified and the importance of mental health concerns in the younger Filipino American adults was highlighted. Findings from this study can be used to determine health priorities and effective health interventions to improve health outcomes for this population.

Keywords: Filipino Americans, health priorities, patient-centered outcomes, mental health