Socioeconomic Status and Chronic Health Conditions in Asian Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers

Abstract

Purpose:

While there are known disparities in socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes among racially and ethnically minoritized adolescent and young adult (AYA; ages 15–39 years at diagnosis) cancer survivors compared with White survivors, outcomes in the Asian survivor population are understudied. To better understand the association of an AYA cancer diagnosis with SES and health outcomes within a minoritized population, the current study makes comparisons between individuals of the same race or ethnicity with and without a history of AYA cancer.

Methods:

Non-Hispanic, Asian AYA cancer survivors and non-Hispanic, Asian age- and sex-matched controls were identified from self-reported data in the National Health Interview Survey (2009–2020). Prevalence of chronic health conditions and socioeconomic factors were compared between groups using chi-square tests. Odds of chronic conditions by SES factors were determined within and between survivors and controls using logistic regression methods.

Results:

One hundred and thirty-one survivors and 1310 controls were included. Survivors were less likely to be married compared with controls; however, there were no differences in other SES factors examined. Survivors had higher odds of at least one chronic condition diagnosis (odds ratio = 4.17, p < 0.001) compared with controls. Of the chronic conditions assessed, survivors had higher odds of arthritis, pulmonary disease, and hypertension compared with controls.

Conclusions:

Asian AYA cancer survivors are at increased risk of chronic health conditions compared with Asian individuals without a cancer history. Culturally adapted targeted interventions are needed to improve health outcomes for this population.