Characterizing differences in outpatient dermatologic care utilization among disaggregated Asian American subgroups

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Asian Americans experience higher rates of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders than White patients.
• Studies indicate underrepresentation of Asian Americans in outpatient dermatology settings.
• Disparities in dermatologic care access and utilization persist among diverse Asian American subgroups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate differences in outpatient dermatologic care utilization among major Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Other) compared to Non-Hispanic Whites.
• To analyze the lifetime prevalence of total body skin exams across these demographic groups.
• To identify potential factors contributing to observed disparities in dermatologic care access.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
• Conducted disaggregated analyses for Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and "Other" Asian American subgroups.
• Employed multivariable logistic regression to compare outpatient dermatologic care use between Asian American subgroups and Non-Hispanic Whites.

Main Results:

• Lifetime prevalence of total body skin exams was 12.3% for Filipino Americans and 7% for Indian Americans, compared to 21.4% for Non-Hispanic Whites.
• All analyzed Asian American subgroups showed significantly lower odds of ever having a total body skin exam compared to Non-Hispanic Whites.
• Indian Americans exhibited the lowest odds of undergoing a total body skin exam.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in outpatient dermatologic care utilization among Asian American subgroups, particularly Indian Americans.
• Factors such as cultural perceptions, access barriers, and immigration status may contribute to these disparities.
• Further research using disaggregated data is crucial to understand and address these healthcare gaps.