“Patchworking” Social Support Among Vietnamese Americans for Chronic Disease Management

Vietnamese Americans commonly experience a variety of chronic medical conditions. Social support can play a salient role in chronic disease management, but little is known about these dynamics among Vietnamese Americans. A mixed-methods study aimed to understand medication adherence, health literacy, and cultural beliefs among Vietnamese American patients at a Massachusetts federally qualified health center. One hundred participants completed self-report surveys and pill counts, for which frequencies and descriptive analyses were conducted. A linear regression analysis was performed between social support and medication adherence. A sub-sample of participants completed in-depth interviews, chronic disease diaries, and home observations. All qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. No statistically significant association was found between social support and medication adherence. Qualitative findings highlighted substantial social support related to chronic disease management. Participants received instrumental support from their adult children, home health aides, and community organizations. Friends were a key source of affective and confidant support. Community organizations addressed instrumental needs, while also facilitating affective and confidant support among participants and their friends. While the quantitative data concluded that participants had low satisfaction with social support and that social support had no significant impact on medication adherence, the qualitative data revealed an extensive relationship between social support and the broader scope of chronic disease management. When possible, providers should engage patients’ adult children, home health aides, and community organizations as important members of their social support networks.