Khmer are uncomfortable discussing mental health symptoms. Depression is explained as sadness. Western medicine is considered too strong for their bodies. Khmer often go to Western doctors and Cambodian or Vietnamese physicians simultaneously. Health care in Southeast Asia tends to be reactive, based on symptom relief.
Prevention is less of a priority.
Some may believe that illness is a punishment for faults. Traditional healing and natural medicines play an important role in health care. Recent immigrants may seek employment in positions with a disproportionate number of occupational hazards. Cases of tuberculosis are 10 times higher for Asian Americans in RI than for the general RI population. Laotians in RI often don't know enough about tuberculosis and hepatitis, or how to prevent heart attacks.