Asian American Communities and Health: Context, Research, Policy, and Action

"…a recently published book that not only focuses on a growing and hugely diverse cultural group in the United States but also underscores the importance of context in any relationship between a clinician and patient." (New York Times, July 16, 2009)

“This commentary provides an in-depth and comprehensive contextual understanding of key issues influencing health in Asian American communities. It is a valuable resource addressing health disparities through ecological lenses and multilevel analyses and is congruent with the current movement toward a better understanding of the social determinants of health. The chapters are groundbreaking work of more than 40 leading researchers and community advocates. The book’s emphasis on understanding the social, cultural, and political context of the health of Asian Americans is relevant for a wide range of health professionals, social scientists, community advocates, and policy makers. It is also an excellent resource for faculty members and students interested not only in Asian American—related issues but also broader issues in vulnerable populations, public health, and social justice.”
— Health Promotion Practice

“The research literature regarding Asian-American health issues remains thin, funding agencies have been little forthcoming, and general understanding has been hampered by stereotypes and misunderstanding. These reasons make the new text Asian American Communities and Health: Context, Research, Policy, and Action a timely and important contributor to the understanding of Asian-American health concerns. The editors have a sophisticated view of Asian-American health issues and they have drawn together a collection of chapters impressive in their scope and depth. As a whole, the book addresses community health on multiple levels, including institutional and social factors affecting health, collaborative efforts for health improvement, and how age, gender, and sexual orientation factor into Asian-American health.”
— The Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health