Factors associated with ED use among new Asian immigrants in New Zealand : a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data

Introduction: New Zealand has an ethnically diverse population and continues to host immigrants from different countries. The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with ED use among new Asian immigrants in New Zealand. Methods: A secondary analysis of 2016-2017 New Zealand Health Survey database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. A total of 414 new Asian immigrants were identified. Results: Asthma, diabetes, chronic pain, anxiety, hypertension, body mass index, waist measurement, perceived health status, and distress were associated with a significantly increased likelihood to ED visits. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 5.29, 95% confidence interval, 1.26-22.24) and perceived health status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.99) were factors associated with ED use among new Asian immigrants. Conclusion: Asthma and perceived health status were the 2 key factors associated with ED use among new Asian immigrants in New Zealand. ED use among new Asian immigrants encompassed both chronic health conditions and mental health indicators.