Journal of Applied Gerontology
2019

Healthcare Navigation Self-Sufficiency in Older Korean Immigrants (Article)

Jang Y.* , Park N.S. , Chiriboga D.A. , Rhee M.-K. , Yoon H. , Kim M.T.
  • a University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
  • b University of South Florida, Tampa, United States
  • c University of South Florida, Tampa, United States
  • d University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
  • e Texas State University, San Marcos, United States
  • f The University of Texas at Austin, United States

Abstract

Using data from surveys with Korean Americans aged 60 years or above (n = 2,150), the level of healthcare navigation self-sufficiency was assessed, and its related factors were explored. The overall status of self-sufficiency was low; for example, over half of the sample needed assistance with reading and filling out medical documents, and nearly half needed someone to interpret during medical visits. Diminished self-sufficiency in healthcare navigation was associated with disadvantaged social status (e.g., advanced age, female gender, and low education), early stages of immigration (short length of stay in the U.S. and low English proficiency), and lack of personal health resources (e.g., poor health condition and lack of health insurance). The findings shed light on older immigrants’ challenges in the use of health services in a broad sense and help identify areas of patient burden and avenues for interventions. © The Author(s) 2019.

Author Keywords

Healthcare disparities healthcare navigation Older immigrants

Index Keywords

male education human female major clinical study immigrant adult length of stay health care planning Article health care disparity health insurance immigration social status gender middle aged American
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85064625272&doi=10.1177%2f0733464819842495&partnerID=40&md5=fbe917078caa7736202743b2c607eb09
DOI: 10.1177/0733464819842495
ISSN: 07334648
Original Language: English