SPH PUBLIC HEALTH FORUM–The “Skinny” on Health Disparities among Asian Americans: Biological, Behavioral, and Social Determinants

Maria Rosario Araneta, Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group, and have surpassed Latinos as the largest wave of new immigrants to the United States. Despite perceptions of high household incomes and educational attainment, health disparities persist, and few studies reflect the heterogeneity in their health risk factors and behaviors. In California, type 2 diabetes prevalence is highest among Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and South Asians, exceeding rates among Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans; gestational diabetes prevalence follows similar patterns. Biological factors explain some of their excess risk for type 2 diabetes, but social determinants—including socioeconomic disadvantage, childhood malnutrition, sleep insufficiency, and limited social connectedness—play important roles and create opportunities for public health intervention. Cohosted with Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College. #PHForum2018 Lecture 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. Reception to follow. Please RSVP at the link provided. LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE at www.bu.edu/sph/live Services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People Provided