Abstract
Despite the rapid growth of Asian populations in New Zealand (NZ), research focusing on these communities remains limited. While "Asian" represents a diverse array of ethnic groups, it's important to note that Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures share similarities in both culture and language. Consequently, this review aims to identify the challenges and barriers they encounter within the NZ healthcare system, as well as their perspectives on health and wellbeing. Methods: An integrative review approach was chosen. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Relevant findings were extracted and listed in a table. Result: Of the thirteen studies included in the review, five focused on Chinese populations, five on Korean residents, and three on Japanese residents. The objectives of the included studies encompassed the experiences of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese populations in NZ regarding childbirth, mental health, aging, and breast health services. The majority of these studies took place in Auckland, with others in Dunedin, Hamilton, and Wellington. Of the 223 total participants across the studies, there was a notable female majority, with 162 females to 29 males. Age data, when specified, showed participant ages ranging from 29 to 85 years. Conclusion: Key findings highlighted system barriers, healthcare providers' lack of cultural awareness, and individual cultural challenges these communities face. Language barriers are amplified by cultural misunderstandings, especially with Western-trained providers. Despite the need, community health projects tailored for East Asians face funding challenges.