Comparison of Health Locus of Control, Depression, Wellbeing, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II in Middle Aged Korean and Korean-American Women

Abstract

W-city, Korea, were collected using a self administered questionnaire including items on HLOC, HPLP, a Wellbeing Index and Major Depression Inventory. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the middle aged Koreans and Korean-Americans on mean age, education, religion, and current health insurance. Significant differences were found on HLOC (F= 2.504, p=.033) and Wellbeing (F=2.451, p=.036). The results also showed significant differences on HPLP (total HPLP, F=4.655, p=.001; physical activity, F=2.967, p=.014; nutrition, F=4.250, p=.001; spiritual growth, F=4.398, p=.001; interpersonal relations, F=2.648, p=.025; and stress management, F=5.201, p<.001) using ANCOVA. However, there were no significant differences on depression, or health responsibility in HPLP between the groups. Conclusion: Understanding middle aged women's health adjustments based on their culture will enhance the ability of health professionals to provide culturally congruent care and enable middle aged women to develop healthy lifestyles.

The healthcare experiences of Koreans living in North Carolina: a mixed methods study

“…A number of factors, including health literacy, may contribute to poor health outcomes of Korean immigrants. Consistent with previous studies (Lee et al 2010a,b, Song et al 2010, our findings suggest that a lack of health insurance and English proficiency are main barriers to utilisation of healthcare services. Past research has shown that between 46% and 55% of Koreans have health insurance coverage, the lowest rate among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States (Yoo & Kim 2008).…”

“…Our findings are consistent with the results of Lee et al . (,b); in their study, 91.3% of the middle‐aged Korean American women reported going to church not only for religious purposes but also for social networking. Our study also indicates that Korean churches have become a place for community members to obtain health information and education.…”

“…Consistent with previous studies (Lee et al . ,b, Song et al . ), our findings suggest that a lack of health insurance and English proficiency are main barriers to utilisation of healthcare services.…”

“…Several studies have reported that religion, employment, high income, longer stay in the United States, English language proficiency and knowledge about available services are key facilitators of utilisation of healthcare services among Koreans (Kim & Sarna , Lee et al . , ,b, Song et al . , Kim & De Gagne ).…”

“…Several studies have reported that religion, employment, high income, longer stay in the United States, English language proficiency and knowledge about available services are key facilitators of utilisation of healthcare services among Koreans (Kim & Sarna 2004, 2010a,b, Song et al 2010, Kim & De Gagne 2012. In particular, the Korean church facilitates the sharing of health information among church members and how to utilise healthcare resources (Kim & De Gagne 2012).…”