Mongolian American Health Disparities and Research Gaps: A Systematic Literature Review.
Namuun Clifford, Tselmuun Chinzorig
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic literature review synthesized peer-reviewed and gray literature on health disparities and research gaps among Mongolian Americans in the United States. Five articles met inclusion criteria. Three cross-sectional studies of community screening in California and Washington, D.C., reported hepatitis B virus positivity of 6.2–9.9% and anti-hepatitis C virus positivity of 9.1–9.9%. Other included reports described socioeconomic disadvantage and barriers to culturally and linguistically appropriate perinatal care. The review found that evidence about this growing population remains sparse, limiting understanding of its health needs.
Key findings
- Three cross-sectional screening studies reported hepatitis B virus positivity of 6.2–9.9% among Mongolian Americans.
- The same studies reported anti-hepatitis C virus positivity of 9.1–9.9%.
- One report found California Mongolian Americans had a 24% poverty rate, 14% homeownership, and 50% low English proficiency.
- A qualitative study of 12 Mongolian women identified barriers to culturally and linguistically appropriate perinatal care.
Why it matters
The review highlights substantial reported viral hepatitis positivity alongside socioeconomic and care-access barriers, but the evidence base comprises only five articles. Sparse, poorly disaggregated data can make it difficult to characterize needs or assess whether services are reaching this community. The findings support attention to better population-specific data and public health responses, while recognizing the limited evidence available.
What to keep in mind
Only five articles met inclusion criteria, and the evidence included cross-sectional screening studies and a small qualitative study, limiting the breadth of conclusions.