Asian Oncol Nurs.  2023 Dec;23(4):168-176. 10.5388/aon.2023.23.4.168.

Cancer History and Healthcare Utilization among Asian Adults Living in the United States: A Population-based Study

• Lee JE

• KMID: 2550440
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2023.23.4.168

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the relationship between cancer history and healthcare utilization among Asians residing in the United States.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis used 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, focusing on the Asian demographic. Multiple logistic regression analyses evaluated the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, cancer history, and healthcare utilization outcomes. These outcomes included self-rated health, healthcare usage during the previous year, overnight hospitalizations during the previous year, and the establishment of a routine healthcare facility.
Results
A total of 2,956 Asian participants were included in our study. We found that cancer history significantly influences self-rated health, the frequency of healthcare visits, and the likelihood of overnight hospital stays. However, it did not significantly correlate with having a consistent healthcare provider. Among the various sociodemographic characteristics, both citizenship and health insurance emerged as influential factors in healthcare utilization among Asians.
Conclusion
Our findings emphasize the importance of enhancing the well-being of individuals with a history of cancer, aiming to optimize their access to, and use of, healthcare services. Continued research in this area is essential for the formulation of targeted interventions and policies to bridge health disparities and improve health outcomes of Asian Americans.

Keyword

Asian; Cancer history; Citizenship; Health care utilization; Insurance