Summary
The burden of mental health problems is increasing among caregivers due to population aging, yet little is known about the distress experienced by Asian caregivers when examined by disaggregated ethnic groups.
Using 2019–2020 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, authors examined disparities in psychological well-beings between non-Hispanic white and Asian American adult caregivers, with an emphasis on understudied Asian ethnic groups. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler 6 scale, with scores ≥6 indicating mental distress and ≥13 indicating serious mental illness.
Findings: The study included 8,722 caregivers. Overall, 26.8% had mental distress, and 8.5% had serious mental illness. Compared to white caregivers, Korean American caregivers had higher odds of mental distress and serious mental illness, while Chinese and Japanese American caregivers had lower odds of mental distress. Korean American caregivers had the highest prevalence of mental distress (43.1%) and serious mental illness (15.3%), compared with white and other Asian American caregivers.
Disaggregating data reveals significant mental health disparities among ethnic subgroups of Asian American caregivers. Tailored resources should address the distinct needs of ethnic subgroups of Asian American caregivers, considering language barriers, acculturation, and cultural norms that may exacerbate psychological distress.
