Health Concerns, Facilitators, and Barriers of Health Among Filipino-Americans in New Jersey

Written by Persephone Vargas, Veronica Lavarro, & M. Danet Lapiz-Bluhm

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr. 2020.10.02.1003

Abstract

Background: Filipino-Americans (FAs) are the fourth largest immigrant group in the United States (US). A few recent studies using disaggregated data on the Asian subgroups have revealed that Filipinos are at higher risk for certain chronic diseases. As a growing population, there is a need for more data on FAs’ health status.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the healthcare concerns of FAs in New Jersey (NJ).

Methods: The study used an exploratory, descriptive design using a qualitative research approach. Through focus groups, open-ended questions explored the FAs’ perceptions on health and healthcare issues and experiences. A total of five focus groups were held, with each group consisting of seven to nine participants.

Results: Forty participants were included in the study, with ages ranging from 24 – 85 (M = 59). Themes for health concerns included family centeredness and stress, cardiovascular disease and diabetes and aging issues. Facilitators to health themes included lifestyle: healthy eating and exercise, mental well-being, health insurance coverage and access to healthcare. Barriers to health themes included culture, healthcare insurance, related cost of health care, and health literacy and reliable information source.

Conclusion: FAs in NJ have significant health and healthcare concerns. Findings from this study can be utilized to implement strategies to improve health outcomes and increased healthcare access.

Keywords: Filipino-Americans, Filipino health, immigrant health, health disparity, healthcare access