Hmong Americans face a disproportionate health burden ranging from the high prevalence of diabetes to depressive disorders. Little research attention has been paid toward exploring contributing factors to this disparity. As such, the present study seeks to fill the gap in the literature by examining the health literacy levels in Hmong Americans and its associated factors. The present study employed Andersen’s behavioral model of health service as the theoretical framework. A cross-sectional survey research design was used and information was gathered from 168 Hmong American immigrants. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors linked to health literacy. Approximately half of the participants had low health literacy and reported that they did not understand health information well. Health literacy levels were found to differ significantly based on the number of years participants have lived in the U.S., their social or religious group attendance, health status, and whether they had difficulties with activities of daily living. Our exploratory findings could be used prompt more research to help inform the development of interventions aiming to improve health literacy levels and address the health disparities in Hmong American Population. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

immigrants health disparities Health literacy Andersen behavioural model Hmong Americans Asian Americans

immigrant psychological model sampling health disparity multiple regression human epidemiology daily life activity statistics and numerical data ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies United States Young Adult cross-sectional study migrant human tissue conceptual framework Humans Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants female Asian American religious group medical information adult exploratory research human experiment health literacy Healthcare Disparities health care disparity