A federal perspective on prevention and behavioral health disparities in the Asian American and Pacific Islander population.

Abstract

Global recognition of the necessity and benefits of prevention in health care has driven a shift in focus for health care systems from the treatment of illness and disease to the promotion of physical, mental, and social well-being. Preventing disease leads to better outcomes at all levels-people lead longer, healthier lives; a productive and stable workforce helps businesses and communities thrive and drive down health care costs; and healthy communities and environments enable people to reach their full potential and contribute to the nation's success. These benefits, however, cannot be fully realized without attention to behavioral health. The physical, emotional, social, and economic impact of behavioral health disorders-mental and substance use conditions-on individuals, families, and communities is well documented. Preventive efforts, however, have been proven to reduce risk factors for behavioral health conditions and strengthen protective factors, mitigating symptoms, preventing future disorders and disability, improving the experience of care, reducing the burden of disease, and reducing the cost to families, employers, and publicly funded health systems.Although the foundational concepts of prevention, including social determinants of health, inform the formulation and implementation of effective preventive interventions, such efforts must also take into account the disproportionate burden of poor health that some populations carry. Health disparities are connected to social, economic, and environmental disadvantage, and such disadvantages can vary across race, ethnicity, sexual identity, geography, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Though lack of disaggregated data can mask the actual health status of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), available data and research has shown that significant health disparities exist for the AAPI population. Recognizing the burden of health disparities, the

Introduction to the special issue on culture and prevention.

“…In addition to these seven studies, we are fortunate to have an invited commentary by Bui and Dutta (2014, pp. 153–159).…”