The purpose of this study was to explore and compare differences in factors associated with psychological distress among Asian subgroups including Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and non-Hispanic whites. Using a cross-sectional study design, California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011/2012 data were analyzed. The sample consisted of 29,142 participants: 25,645 non-Hispanic whites; 3,497 non-Hispanic Asian-Americans; 1,156 Chinese; 471 Filipinos; 864 Vietnamese, 704 Koreans; and 302 Japanese. Sociodemographic characteristics included gender; age group, marital status, education, poverty level, working status, health insurance, level of acculturation, social cohesion, neighborhood safety, and civic engagement. Physical health status included disability and chronic illness. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler 6 (K6) scale.

Results showed that psychological distress levels ranged between 1.96 (Japanese) and 4.52 (Korean) out of 24 and associated factors were significantly different among the five Asian subgroups and non-Hispanic whites.