This study aimed to compare factors related to changes in perceived health status of Han Chinese (traditional Chinese) and Korean-Chinese (Chinese nationals of Korean descent) women after immigration to Korea. During summer 2013, a survey was conducted with 151 Han and 158 Korean-Chinese women married to Korean men. Most of the respondents reported either no changes (82%) or positive changes (18%) in their perceived health status after immigration. The results of the multiple logistic regression analyses indicated healthy dietary behavior was related to positive changes in the perceived health status of both groups (odds ratio [OR] = 7.4 for Han Chinese; OR = 14.6 for Korean-Chinese). Among Han Chinese women, the length of residence in Korea and the change in perceived health status showed a negative relation (OR = 0.2). In contrast, their level of acculturation and health perception were positive (OR = 7.5). However, these results did not apply to the Korean-Chinese women. In conclusion, factors related to changes in perceived health status differed between the 2 groups although they shared healthy dietary behaviors as a common factor. Therefore, policies and programs aimed at promoting immigrant women's health should consider the differences between Han Chinese and Korean-Chinese. © 2016 Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health.

immigrant women Health status Korea Acculturation dietary behavior

perception China South Korea immigrant Republic of Korea multivariate logistic regression analysis human Health Behavior immigration middle aged Odds Ratio statistics and numerical data controlled study health status diet ethnology marriage Surveys and Questionnaires Young Adult Humans migrant Diagnostic Self Evaluation psychology married person male Emigrants and Immigrants self evaluation Acculturation female Behavior summer questionnaire cultural factor women's health major clinical study adult migration Han Chinese Emigration and Immigration Korea