​​The study compared health care indicators among Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and non-Hispanic white (NHW) adults with cardiovascular disease and hypertension (CVD/HTN). Authors analyzed 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) health indicators from a sample of Asians and NHWs with CVD/HTN.

The study reports Koreans had the lowest utilization of emergency room (ER) or inpatient hospital services; Vietnamese had the lowest access to a personal doctor; Chinese had the lowest adjusted odds of having seen a doctor in the prior 12 months.

All Asians received fewer written heart disease care plans compared to NHWs. Even when utilization of ER for heart disease appeared to be similar, lack of access to a doctor was a more common reason noted by Asians versus NHWs. Authors concluded that health care indicators varied by race and across Asian ethnicities even after controlling for sociodemographic factors, insurance coverage, and health status.

• Hoang Tran
• et al