In-Depth Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Korean American Elderly

Abstract

While studies of immigrants have generally indicated significant dietary changes upon immigration that mirror a Western diet, previous data are limited to the dietary patterns and intakes of younger and middle-aged adults. Using a relatively large sample of Korean American elderly (KAE) immigrants, this paper offers an in-depth assessment of the nutritional status of KAE, one of the most rapidly increasing minority populations in the United States. A total of 202 KAE in a metropolitan city on the East coast participated in a comprehensive nutritional survey using 24-hour dietary recall. Despite their spending about 16 years in the U.S., the KAE consumed more than two regular meals in a day which qualified under a Korean food pattern. When compared with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, the average consumption of nutrients reported was generally lower than Americans, with the exception of carbohydrates, vegetable protein, and sodium intakes. Inadequate intakes of calcium, dietary fiber, and folate were notable when examined in comparison to the Dietary Reference Intakes. The findings can help healthcare providers and researchers to design appropriate nutritional education programs to facilitate the adoption of healthier dietary practices in this immigrant population. In particular, future interventions should consider ways to lower sodium intake and increase fruit and vegetable consumption among KAE, while encouraging them to maintain their healthy dietary pattern.

Influence of Living Arrangements on the Management and Control of Hypertension: A Mixed-Methods Study of Korean American Elderly

“…In addition, the average length of stay in the U.S. reported in the study sample (24 years) was somewhat longer than that reported in a random sample survey of Korean elders (16 years). Hence, our sample may have included those who were more acculturated than the general KA elderly residing in a community, though longer years of residence in the U.S. is not always associated with higher levels of acculturation in elders [15, 38]. Finally, because of the sample inclusion criteria and sampling scheme, the study included hypertensive Korean elders who were otherwise generally healthy and mobile and who resided in suburban areas (including those living in group housing).…”

Asian American Dietary Sources of Sodium and Salt Behaviors Compared with Other Racial/Ethnic Groups, NHANES, 2011-2012

“…First, the primary sources of sodium consumed in Asian Americans appear to be salt added during cooking, not from packaged and restaurant foods; 13,31,32 and second, Asian Americans may retain traditional dietary practices postmigration to America. 33,34 Examination of Asian American demographics in NHANES reveals that NHANES appears to have recruited one portion of this population: highly educated, high-income earners 35,36 -with these individuals likely being more acculturated, 37 meaning they have adopted more US cultural practices.…”

Understanding Cultural Issues in the Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors of Korean Immigrants

“…Very limited information, however, is available to design an effective and efficient DSME program for Koreans Americans. As a first step in expanding knowledge to design culturally appropriate DSME for Asian Americans, in this study we explored views about diabetes management in Korean immigrants, the fastest growing group of Asian immigrants in the U. S. 20,22 Ultimately, it is our goal to design scientifically based, culturally specific diabetes programs to reduce health disparities in Asian Americans.…”