Korean American (KA) elderly by utilizing the translated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9K). Based on the literature related to cultural expression of depression among KAs, the PHQ-9 was selected, translated into Korean (PHQ-9K), and utilized. Data were collected at an Asian Senior Center and analyzed according to the diagnostic assessment and severity of depression criteria. Findings indicated that among the participants, 15 % definitely require treatment for depression and 3.4 % had suicide ideation daily during the two-week period preceding data collection. Two hypotheses were supported: A high prevalence of depression exists among KA elderly and the PHQ-9K may be a culturally appropriate instrument to detect depression in KA elderly. KA Senior Centers can be ideal places to screen for depression in KA elderly who are unable to access current health care systems when they experience depressive disorders.

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depression hospitalization mass screening psychological aspect methodology human validation study middle aged statistics Self Assessment (Psychology) Aged Depressive Disorder nursing assessment language ethnology New England United States Humans Severity of Illness Index Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants self evaluation Aged, 80 and over Asian American female questionnaire prevalence Psychometrics psychometry Article Questionnaires Translating migration standard attitude to health