Priorities and approaches to investigating Asian youth health: perspectives of young Asian New Zealanders

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:The proportion of young people in New Zealand identifying with Asian ethnicities has increased considerably. Despite some prevalent health concerns, Asian youth are less likely than non-Asian peers to seek help. As preparatory research towards a more nuanced approach to service delivery and public policy, this qualitative study aimed to identify young Asian New Zealanders' perspectives on best approaches to investigate health issues of priority concern to them.

Stakeholder views on factors influencing the wellbeing and health sector engagement of young Asian New Zealanders

“…28,29 The stakeholders in this study discussed the importance of engaging young people in the research process over a period of time, enabling them to become familiar with the people with whom they share their views, a sentiment voiced by the young participants as well. 21 This is consistent with a growing body of knowledge supporting the benefits of hearing young people's voice in identifying their health issues and in developing appropriate solutions. [30][31][32] Although different methodologies are used in research with young people, participatory methodologies are increasingly employed.…”

“…23,24 The findings from this study are also broadly consistent with themes identified in a parallel study with similar objectives conducted among Asian youth. 21 In particular, young Asians advocated for and expressed a strong interest in engaging in health research addressing current barriers to accessing services. Both studies directly or indirectly highlighted challenges relating to cultural identity and issues around acculturation, difficulties in addressing mental health concerns, the importance of including parents in the discussion and the need for breaking down barriers and the unhelpful concept of the 'model minority' forced on young people and their families.…”

“…25,26 However, the need for recognising a multiplicity of perspectives and addressing unmet health service needs is widely acknowledged. [25][26][27] It is intriguing that concerns relating to sexual health were not specifically commented on in the youth study, 21 which may reflect their discomfort discussing this sensitive topic in one-off focus group meetings, each including boys and girls.…”

“…The findings are discussed in relation to themes identified in the parallel study with similar objectives conducted with Asian youth. 21 …”

“…20 In a parallel study conducted among Asian youth in New Zealand, young people expressed particular interest in engaging in processes that can inform more responsive health services. 21 The current study sought to understand stakeholder views on the key issues that would be most useful to explore in relation to health and wellbeing of young 'Asian' New Zealanders and best approaches to research processes that would foster engagement of Asian youth in research that can inform more responsive health services. The findings are discussed in relation to themes identified in the parallel study with similar objectives conducted with Asian youth.…”