Between Culture and Care: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Healthcare Experiences Among Asian and Asian Americans in Texas

Background and Purpose: Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, yet they remain underrepresented in healthcare research. Existing studies often aggregate Asian Americans into broad racial categories, obscuring significant disparities in healthcare access, preventive care utilization, and health outcomes across diverse ethnic subgroups. While national surveys suggest favorable health indicators for Asian Americans, emerging evidence challenges this perception, highlighting cultural, structural, and systemic barriers to healthcare access. This study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the lived healthcare experiences of Asian and Asian American individuals in central Texas, a region experiencing rapid Asian population growth yet lacking corresponding research. Unlike studies focused on well-established Asian communities in California and New York, this research also investigates how state-specific factors, including healthcare policies (or lack thereof), and provider availability, shape healthcare access in Texas.

Methods: This ongoing qualitative study uses in-depth interviews with key informants (e.g., healthcare providers, community leaders, n=10) and focus groups with Asian and Asian American community members (n=30). Participants were recruited through community organizations and local networks to ensure representation across different ethnic subgroups, immigration generations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Interviews and focus groups explore structural barriers, cultural influences on healthcare-seeking behaviors, and participants’ interactions with medical providers. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using an inductive approach guided by the principles of phenomenology.

Findings: Preliminary findings reveal several emergent themes shaping Asian and Asian American healthcare experiences: (1) persistent challenges in navigating the U.S. healthcare system due to language barriers and insurance complexities, (2) cultural stigma surrounding mental health and preventive care, (3) limited provider awareness of culturally specific health concerns, (4) the role of family and community networks in healthcare decision-making, and (5) the intersection of state policies and healthcare access, particularly among low-income and undocumented populations. Participants emphasized the need for greater cultural competency among healthcare providers and more accessible healthcare services tailored to Asian communities.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings highlight the need for healthcare policies and practices that reflect the diverse experiences of Asian and Asian American populations. Addressing barriers to care, such as language accessibility, cultural stigma, and systemic inequities, requires a multi-level approach involving policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. This study highlights the importance of qualitative, community-engaged research in amplifying marginalized voices and informing culturally competent healthcare policies. By bridging gaps in research and practice, these findings can contribute to more equitable healthcare access for Asian populations in the U.S.