Familiarity, Preference, and Utilization of Ethnic Items Among Asian Americans

Abstract

Purpose The purpose was to determine whether Asian Americans are still seeking familiar and preferred ethnic items and whether they are using them in daily life after they have immigrated to the United States.

Methods A descriptive exploratory study design was used. A convenience sample of 224 Asian Americans was recruited from the states of Michigan and Ohio.

Results It was found that (a) participants were significantly different in mean age, duration of stay in country of origin and the United States, and proficiency in English; (b) the familiarity, preference and utilization of overall ethnic items were statistically different by ethnic group; (c) overall, familiar feeling with ethnic items had the highest mean score for all ethnic items, and ethnic food was the most familiar, preferred and used item in daily life; (d) Asian Americans who sought more ethnic items had greater proficiency in English and more preference, use and familiarity with ethnic items; and (e) daily use of ethnic items was the best predictor of familiarity, followed by preference, and fluency in English.

Conclusion Asian Americans have different backgrounds in terms of customs, food preferences, beliefs, lifestyles, and languages. Despite being in different age groups, having different lengths of stay in the United States, and different countries of origin, a common trait among Asian Americans was that they were consciously seeking ethnic items regardless of ethnic group. Healthcare professionals should consider providing culturally relevant care to Asian Americans to promote their overall health. Future study should focus on exploring the relationship between familiarity, preference, and attitude in health behavior among Asian Americans.