Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – individuals of more than 47 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific Islands, speaking over 100 languages – represent one of the fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the United States.[1] The U.S. Census Bureau projects the Asian American population will grow to 37.6 million individuals by the year 2050, comprising 9.3 percent of the population. [2]
When it comes to health, the API population experiences health disparities related to cancer screening, diabetes and infectious diseases, among others.[3]
Health Statistics[4]
At 85.8 years, Asian American women experience the greatest life expectancy of any ethnic group in the United States.
- · Asian Americans contend with numerous factors that may threaten their health, including infrequent medical visits due to fear of deportation, language and cultural barriers and the lack of health insurance.
- · Asian Americans are at a greater risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, accidents and diabetes.
- · Asian Americans also have a high prevalence and risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, smoking, tuberculosis and liver disease.
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Asian American and Pacific Islander – Primer, 2006. Accessed online at http://www.epa.gov/aapi/primer.htm on May 27, 2009.
[2] Asian American Populations. Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed online at http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/populations/AsianAm/AsianAm.htm on May 27, 2009.
[3] Highlights in Minority Health & Health Disparities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed online at http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/Highlights/2006/HMay06AAPI.htm on May 27, 2009.
[4] Asian American/Pacific Islander Profile. The Office of Minority Health. Accessed online at http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=53 on May 27, 2009.
