Effects of Patient-Centered Communication on Influenza Vaccination and Self-Reported General Health Status among Asian Americans: A Comparison Model for Young/Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Objectives: Asian American subgroups' influenza vaccination is still below the US standards. This study examined the effects of patient-centered communication (PCC) on influenza vaccination and the general health (GH) of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean Americans. A group difference between younger and older adults was investigated. Methods: The 2014-2016 California Health Interview Surveys were merged (Chinese [N = 1,680], Korean [N = 514], and Vietnamese [N = 644]; age 18+; younger = 1,629 and older = 1,209). Two path models (PCC [measured by physicians' careful listening], vaccination, and GH; PCC [measured by physicians' clear explanation], vaccination, and GH) were evaluated. Regression maximum likelihood was applied for missing values. Results: Both the first and second models showed good model fit scores (comparative fit index [CFI] = .95, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .04, and standardized root mean residual [SRMR] = .03; CFI = .93, RMSEA = .04, and SRMR = .03). There were direct effects of PCC on vaccination among younger adults. PCC directly influenced GH for both age-groups. Discussion: A PCC manual for physicians in local or community health centers could enhance both younger and older adults' influenza vaccination.