Research Strategies: Lessons Learned From the Studies of Chinese Americans and Korean Americans

Abstract

Given the increasing population of Asian Americans in the United States, there is an urgent need for culturally and linguistically sensitive and appropriate research to validate research findings, particularly with respect to health care. Although increasing attention is being focused on ethnic minority-group studies, few research reports concentrate on research strategies with respect to Asian American populations. This article describes the importance of language in culturally informed research for ethnic minorities and explores the paradigm for Asian American research methods. Finally, this article makes use of six research projects to discuss practical issues that help produce culturally and linguistically appropriate research on Asian American populations. Cultural diversity issues in patient care need to be included in the health care–related curriculum. Cultural interpretation programs should be facilitated in hospital settings.

Using Culturally Competent Community-Based Participatory Research With Older Diabetic Chinese Americans

“…In return, CAB members provided the researchers with valuable insider knowledge about their community’s culture. The CAB members actively participated in all aspects of the study process, which included (a) assessment, planning, and dissemination of findings; (b) suggesting an incentive of a $30 Chinese supermarket gift certificate rather than the proposed $30 cash payment; (c) assisting with the development of a recruitment flyer, semistructured open-ended interview questions, and a self-reporting questionnaire and suggesting specific Chinese words for the informed consent to enhance the understanding of the study by participants (Lee, Kim, & Chen, 2010); (d) participating in the recruitment of study participants by distributing recruitment flyers and communicating research information to community members; (e) clarifying and validating the responses—for example, regarding certain exercises, foods, and herbs—obtained during individual and focus group meetings; and (f) planning and being instrumental in generating interest in the research project at the centers during the dissemination of research results. Overall, CAB members were trusted and valuable partners of the research team.…”

A Mixed Methods Study of Health Care Experience Among Asian Indians in the Southeastern United States

“…To narrow the health inequalities that exist in the U.S. between and among people from different ethnic cultural backgrounds, we need to develop innovative, yet culturally congruent community-based programs. As shown in the current study, the length of stay in the U.S. affects the participants’ knowledge of the health care system; therefore, researchers and health care providers must be aware that the level of familiarity with the host country may play an important role in individuals’ experiences in seeking and receiving health care (Lee, Kim, & Chen, 2010). Health disparities in Asian Americans are real and on the rise.…”

COVID Racism against East Asian Community beyond Post-COVID 19

“…Language is the most influential vehicle for expressing one's culture. Hiring bilingual professionals in the clinical fields with culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery has been proved to be the best method for improving health outcomes for minority populations (Lee, Kim and Chen, 2010;Drolet et al, 2014;Garcia et al, 2017). Even with proven data and the benefits of bilingual social workers, there have been scarcely any studies on Asian bilingual social workers and their shortage, including East Asian workers.…”