Field Actions Science Reports (Apr 2015)
Assessment on the Use of the Suinn-Lew Asian Self Identity Acculturation Scale in Health Studies of Asian Immigrant Populations
Abstract
The most widely used measure of acculturation among Asians populations is the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA). Purpose: This systematic review aims to: (a) describe population characteristics and methodology used in health studies assessing acculturation, as measured by the SL-ASIA; (b) evaluate the use of the SL-ASIA in the included studies; (c) summarize associations between acculturation, as measured by the SL-ASIA, and health outcomes; and (d) provide recommendations for future research. Methods: An electronic search was conducted using PsycINFO and MEDLINE. Studies using the SL-ASIA in the context of mental or physical health outcomes in Asian adult populations were included, for a total of 14 studies. Results: Most studies were conducted with Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese immigrants, with the majority being foreign-born. All studies used cross-sectional designs with convenience sampling. More than half used a modified version of the scale, and less than half used a translated version. Psychometric properties and pilot testing of modified/translated versions of the SL-ASIA were underreported. Most findings on the relationship between acculturation, as measured by the SL-ASIA, and health are consistent with research in other immigrant populations. Conclusions: Future studies should include underrepresented groups for a more representative picture of Asian immigrant health, and follow established methodologies for translations of the SL-ASIA. Associations drawn between health and acculturation from the use of the SL-ASIA will facilitate understanding of within-group Asian immigrant differences in the adaptation process, and identify at-risk populations.
