Risk and Protective Factors of Alcohol Use Disorders among Filipino Americans: Location of Residence Matters

Regional and racial/ethnic variations in alcohol consumption among older adults

Objectives: This paper sought to examine the role of region and race/ethnicity in alcohol consumption among older adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Participants aged 60 and older were included (n = 185, 190). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted to examine the effects of region and race/ethnicity on alcohol consumption among older adults. Results: Results indicate that region and race/ethnicity are significantly related to the alcohol consumption of older adults. More specifically, results suggest that White older adults consume significantly more alcohol than other racial/ethnic groups among older adults. Regarding regional effects, results suggest that older adults in the West consume significantly more alcohol than older adults in the Midwest and South. Additionally, results suggest regional variation in alcohol consumption patterns by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Findings provide additional insight into how and where alcohol is being used among older adults in the United States. Further, findings highlight the importance of taking race/ethnicity and geography into consideration when investigating the health behaviors of older adults.

The impact of acculturation and acculturative stress on alcohol use across Asian immigrant subgroups

Acculturation and acculturative stress are examined as predictors of alcohol use among Asian immigrants, using the 2004 National Latino and Asian Americans Survey (NLAAS). Separate regression analyses were conducted for Chinese (n = 600), Filipino (n = 508), and Vietnamese (n = 520) immigrants. Alcohol use varied for the three groups. English proficiency was associated with drinking for all groups. Family conflict was associated with drinking for Chinese immigrants. General acculturative stress and discrimination were associated with drinking for Vietnamese immigrants. Results underscore acculturation and acculturative stress as being contributors to alcohol consumption, and the importance of considering the heterogeneity of Asian immigrants in research on their alcohol use. The study's limitations are noted.

Chronic conditions, behavioral health, and use of health services among Asian American men: the first nationally representative sample

Although the Asian American population is increasing, Asian American men's health remains underinvestigated. This study examined the overall pattern of their health and health care usage. Using a nationally representative sample (N = 998) from the National Latino and Asian American Study (2002-2003), the first comprehensive epidemiological survey, rates of chronic conditions, behavioral health, and mental health service utilization (e.g., general medical, specialty mental health, and any medical services) were computed. The ages ranged from 18 to 95 and the mean age was 41. Of the sample, there were no ethnic subgroup differences in most of the physical and chronic conditions, with the exception of allergies/hay fever, arthritis, asthma, and high blood pressure. Behavioral health problems and substance use varied among Asian American men with more Vietnamese American men reporting that they are current smokers and more Filipino American men reporting having ever used drugs and having higher rates of obesity. Levels of mental health status and health services-seeking behaviors also varied among Asian subgroups. Variations exist among the three subgroups of Asian American men with regard to chronic, behavioral, and mental health issues. The results provide greater understanding of the heterogeneity and relationships among the Asian American subgroups with respect to physical, behavioral, and mental health concerns. Similarities and differences in prevalence rates and use of health services must include examining the social context. Social factors such as immigration status, living environments, lifestyle, culture, and health insurance may help explain the variations among Asian American men.

The social determinants of depression in elderly Korean immigrants in Canada: does acculturation matter?

Depression in old age significantly decreases the quality of life and may lead to serious consequences, such as suicide. Existing literature indicates that elderly Korean immigrants may experience higher levels of depression than other racial ethnic group elders. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate factors that influence depression among older Korean immigrants in Toronto. A total of 148 participants, ages 60 years or older (mean age = 74.01, SD = 8.24), completed face-to-face interviews in Korean language. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted by adding variables in three steps: (1) demographic variables; (2) acculturation variables (years of immigration and English proficiency); and (3) social determinants (social integration variables, physical health, and financial satisfaction). Results showed that acculturation factors were not associated with depression. Instead, social determinants variables, including lower physical health status and lower financial status, living alone, and lower level of social activity, predicted higher level of depressive symptoms, along with lower education. The final regression model explained about 37% of variance of depression in the sample. These results suggest that social determinants, not acculturation, are important factors explaining the levels of depression in Korean immigrant elders living in a metropolitan city in Canada. Implications for practice are discussed.

Predictors of gambling behaviors in Filipino Americans living in Honolulu or San Francisco

This study compared the prevalence and predictors of gambling behaviors between Filipino Americans who live in San Francisco (S.F.) or Honolulu. Data from the 1998-1999 Filipino American Community Epidemiological Survey were used to answer two research questions: (1) What are the prevalence and types of gambling behaviors among Filipino Americans and (2) What are the protective/risk factors of heavy gambling for Filipino Americans in S.F. and Honolulu? Overall, S.F. Filipino Americans had a higher level of participation in gambling, and the odds of gambling increased among older age groups, males, those who were US-born, and those with more health problems. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that factors associated with infrequent and regular gambling participation were different between the S.F. group (older, male, higher education) and Honolulu group (male, US-born, more health concerns). Differential gambling environments, i.e., wide open gambling in S.F. and the restrictive gambling in Honolulu, may contribute to gambling participation and predictors of risk gambling Filipino Americans living in Honolulu and S.F. Policy makers and health professionals need to be aware of these differences to serve this population more effectively.

Heavy drinking, perceived discrimination, and immigration status among Filipino Americans

Filipino American drinkers (N = 1,443) in Honolulu and San Francisco were selected from the 1998-1999 Filipino American Community Epidemiological Survey to examine the association between perceived discrimination and heavy drinking behavior by immigration status. Results indicate that living in San Francisco, lower religious participation, and higher perceived discrimination were associated with increased odds for heavy drinking among US-born individuals, whereas being male was a risk factor among foreign-born individuals. Thus, perceived discrimination and immigration status should be considered when designing prevention and intervention strategies to address heavy drinking behavior in this population.