Despite a significant decline in overall adult cigarette smoking since 1964, disparities in cigarette smoking remain among racial and ethnic population groups, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. For example, current (past 30-day) cigarette smoking during 2010-2013 was lower among […]
Asian
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Illness Stigma and Discrimination Among Californians Experiencing Mental Health Challenges
Racial and ethnic minorities are significantly more likely than whites to delay or forego needed mental health care, and, if they do seek treatment, they are more likely than whites to drop out (McGuire and Miranda, 2008). Mental illness stigma and discrimination are thought to contribute to these racial/ethnic disparities in service utilization (U.S. Department […]
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Facts for Families and Friends (Cambodian/Khmer Version)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a Cambodian/Khmer-language publication for information about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. It describes prescribed opioid medications, their proper use and side effects, withdrawal symptoms and how medications fit with counseling in the recovery process. Population of focus: Asian Americans Links to resource: Link to download […]
Racial-Ethnic Differences in Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment Across 11 Health Care Systems in the Mental Health Research Network
A large study from Kaiser Permanente, involving more than 7 million adults, found significant differences in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions based on the race and ethnicity of the patients. The new study published in the journal Psychiatric Services, also found that regardless of race or ethnicity, patients were more than twice […]
A Snapshot of Behavioral Health Issues for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Boys and Men
As part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) efforts to promote behavioral health equity and to support President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color, SAMHSA and the American Psychological Association co-sponsored the “Pathways to Behavioral Health Equity: Addressing Disparities Experienced by Men and Boys of Color” conference in March 2015. […]
Suicide among Older Chinese Adults in the United States
A study of Chinese people over the age of 60 in the greater Chicago area revealed that living alone, poor health, and an annual income under $5,000 were significantly associated with the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts. The authors suggest that “older adults with a lower income level may experience greater life stress that may […]