Asian American Social Network Formation, Help-Seeking Behaviors, and Interactions with the Healthcare System

Abstract

The duty of healthcare providers is to go beyond the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence to create a more equitable health system in which a patient’s health outcomes are not determined by their race, ethnicity, language skills, or social or cultural capital. One step in creating this equitable health system is addressing the unique health challenges faced by a rapidly growing part of America – Asian Americans. As of the 2018 census, there are approximately 23 million Asian alone-or-in-combination residents in the United States. This thesis will examine how Asian Americans form social networks, the impact that social networks have on health behaviors and outcomes, help-seeking behaviors, and barriers and challenges faced when interacting with the healthcare system. I will then offer possible solutions for healthcare systems and individual providers on how they can improve interactions with Asian patients, provide culturally responsive care, and address individual and systemic barriers.