Understanding Subgroup Variations of the Epidemiological Paradox

Shauna K. Carlisle, University of Washington
David Takeuchi, University of Washington

Despite difficulties negotiating life in a new country, immigrants to the United States have better health outcomes than the native born population. Over time, however, their health outcomes tend to converge with native born residents. This pattern, known as the “epidemiological paradox,” is generally observed among Hispanic migrants, however, little is known about how the paradox varies across subgroups. The goal of this paper is to consider Asian American ethnic subgroups using data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS). Using a stratified probability sampling design the NLAAS investigates the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorder and mental health service use among a representative sample of Asian American groups. This analysis will address the question; how are mental health outcomes of migrants affected by length of residence and ethnic subgroup? Discussion will focus on implications for the future population health of these groups.