Sagong Hae, Chon Myoung-Gi, Tsai Pao-Feng, Jang Ah Ram
College of Nursing, Auburn University, 710 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL, USA.
School of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
BMC Geriatr. 2024 Dec 4;24(1):995. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05565-2.
Frailty is prevalent in older adults and represents a dynamic condition that can improve with early detection and interventions focused on influencing factors. Older immigrant populations, marked by diverse cultural backgrounds, distinct health beliefs and behaviors, language barriers, and low health literacy, require a focused exploration of factors influencing frailty. This study examines the perceived factors affecting frailty among older Korean American immigrants (OKAIs).
A focus group interview was conducted with nine OKAIs (five frail/prefrail and four robust) in Alabama, supplemented by demographic and health-related surveys. Semi-structured questions addressed health literacy, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. Data analysis included both descriptive and content analysis methods.
Participants displayed notable differences in health literacy scores between Korean and English assessments. Content analysis highlighted that social activities, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization for OKAIs were shaped by distinct environmental and healthcare contexts compared to those in Korea. Limited English proficiency and access to healthcare resources further influenced their experiences. Participants expressed a preference for Korean healthcare providers, interpreters, and traditional food options to maintain well-being.
Interventions aimed at preventing and managing frailty among OKAIs should consider their unique characteristics and challenges to improve effectiveness.
衰弱在老年人中普遍存在，是一种动态状况，通过早期检测以及针对影响因素的干预可以得到改善。老年移民群体具有多样的文化背景、独特的健康观念和行为、语言障碍以及低健康素养，需要对影响衰弱的因素进行重点探究。本研究调查了韩裔美国老年移民（OKAIs）中影响衰弱的感知因素。
在阿拉巴马州对9名OKAIs（5名衰弱/衰弱前期和4名健康）进行了焦点小组访谈，并辅以人口统计学和健康相关调查。半结构化问题涉及健康素养、身体活动、营养和心理健康。数据分析包括描述性分析和内容分析方法。
参与者在韩语和英语评估中的健康素养得分存在显著差异。内容分析强调，与韩国相比，OKAIs的社会活动、健康行为和医疗保健利用受到不同的环境和医疗保健背景的影响。英语水平有限和获得医疗资源的机会进一步影响了他们的经历。参与者表示更喜欢韩国医疗服务提供者、翻译人员和传统食物选择来维持健康。
旨在预防和管理OKAIs衰弱的干预措施应考虑他们的独特特征和挑战，以提高有效性。
