Bum Jung Kim

The impact of social capital on depression among older Chinese and Korean immigrants: similarities and differences

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine similarities and differences in terms of the influence of social capital on depression among older Chinese and Korean immigrants. Methods: The study used data collected from both 172 Chinese and 210 Korean immigrants living in Los Angeles County. The variables included depression Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, (GDS-SF), social capital (five indices of norms, trust, partnership in community, information sharing, and political participation), and demographics. Results: The study found that partnership in community was significantly associated with a lower level of depression for both the groups. On the other hand, political participation was only associated with a lower level of depression for older Chinese immigrants. Also, norms and information sharing were only associated with a lower level of depression for older Korean immigrants. Conclusion: There was an evidence for the correlation between social capital and depression in older Chinese and Korean immigrant population. It suggests the needs to develop social programs and service in order to build more social capital for older immigrants.

Traumatic brain injury as a result of violence in native American and black communities spanning from childhood to older adulthood

Abstract Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the aetiology of TBI between different race, gender and age groups to understand demographic characteristics of people who experience TBI. Research design: A secondary data analysis of the Arizona Trauma Database consisting of 18 868 cases of TBI between 2008–2010 was conducted. Methods and procedures: The sample consisted of patients who ranged in age from 0–79 and were White, Black, Native American, Asian or other race. Cross-tabulations, chi-squares and a logistic regression were conducted. Main outcomes and results: Standardized residuals indicated that Native Americans and Blacks were more likely to experience violent TBI, regardless of gender or age group (p < 0.01). The logistic regression indicated that Native Americans (OR = 3.13), Blacks (OR = 1.95) and other race (OR = 1.56) patients had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) higher odds of experiencing violent TBI compared to Whites. In addition, females (OR = 0.40), children (OR = 0.75) and older adults (OR = 0.17) had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower odds of violent TBI. Conclusions: Providers of Native American and Black patients who have experienced violence should encourage them to receive assessments and treatment for TBI.

Problem-Focused Coping Skipped-Generation Caregivers Affected by HIV/AIDS in Vietnam

In this article, we examine skipped-generation caregivers who foster their grandchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Vietnam. We investigated the challenges facing this population and the ways in which grandparents handled their trials on behalf of their families. Specifically, how did caregivers make sense of their roles, and how did these meanings inform their coping strategies? We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 21 older caregivers and 7 key informants and selected 5 caregivers from the sample to complete participant observations. The participants understood coping as problem-focused coping; for example, by considering a set of caregiving-related activities that included providing childcare, making money, borrowing money, cooking, and doing other daily chores. The voices of older caregivers must be a vital component to influence and inform service organizations and HIV sectors working in Vietnam. Based on a deeper understanding of the caregiving process, we outline implications for service development within the area of HIV caregiving.

Social Capital and Self-Rated Health Among Older Korean Immigrants

Purpose of the Study: The objective of this article is to investigate determinants of self-rated health and describe their association with social capital and socioeconomic characteristics among older Korean immigrants. Method: A cross-sectional study of 205 older Korean immigrants (aged 60 years and older) was conducted in Los Angeles county. Independent variables included age, gender, marital status, income of the older Koreans, and social capital included social norms, trust, partnership with the community, information sharing, and political participation. Self-rated health was the dependent variable. Results: Descriptive analyses were done to show group differences in self-rated health and logistic regression analyses to identify determinants of self-rated health. Gender (male), high income, and high levels of information sharing were significant determinants of high self-rated health status among older Korean immigrants. Implications: This population-based study provides empirical evidence that gender, income, and information sharing are directly associated with the self-rated health status of older Korean immigrants.

Social capital and life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants

Summary Research has indicated that many Asian Americans experience life dissatisfaction. Studies have also found that social capital is a protective factor for life satisfaction. This study analyzed the impact of social capital and other demographic characteristics on the life satisfaction of 172 Chinese elderly immigrants and 205 Korean elderly immigrants. Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants participated in a structured survey, which measured social capital, life satisfaction, and demographic variables. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the impact of social capital on life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants. Findings Social capital was a strong predictor of life satisfaction among Korean elderly immigrants (p < . 05), while only one aspect of social capital, community partnership, was associated with life satisfaction of Chinese elderly immigrants (p < .05). Applications Social workers and social service agencies may improve life satisfaction among Korean and Chinese elderly immigrants by increasing their social capital.

The Relationship Between Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Chronic Diseases, and Depression Among Older Korean Immigrants

It has been identified that performance of Activities of Daily living (ADL) and chronic disease are predictors of depression for older Asian immigrants. This study examined the independent and interactive effects of ADL performance and chronic disease on depressive symptoms among older Korean immigrants. Data from 210 older Korean immigrants in Los Angeles County were analyzed. Self-reported measures included sociodemographic characteristics, ADL performance, chronic disease, and depressive symptoms. A hierarchical regression model indicated that performance of activities of daily living were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Also, older Korean immigrants with more chronic diseases were more likely to have depressive symptoms. The interaction between ADL performance and chronic diseases was significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (β = .46, p < .05). Findings suggest that it is critical to develop various strategies for enhancing immigrants’ ability to perform activities of daily living; this can lead to increased independence and reduced chronic illnesses, thus, improving overall quality of life.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Elders: What Gerontologists Should Know

Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) experience significant health disparities compared with other racial groups in the United States. Lower life expectancy has resulted in small proportions of elders in the population distribution of NHOPI, yet the number of NHOPI elders is growing. This article presents data on NHOPI elders and discusses possible reasons for continuing health disparities, including historical trauma, discrimination, changing lifestyle, and cultural values. We outline promising interventions with NHOPI and make suggestions for future research.

Factors that influence suicidal ideation among elderly Korean immigrants: focus on diatheses and stressors

Objectives: The study examined major diatheses and stressors directly related to suicidal ideation among elderly Korean immigrants. The study also explored the significant interactions among these factors.Method: Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 220 elderly Korean immigrants (age ≥ 65) in Los Angeles County.Results: Using a robust hierarchical regression, the study found that neuroticism and hopelessness were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, two interaction terms – neuroticism by hopelessness and neuroticism by acculturation – were both significant predictor variables with strong explanatory power.Conclusion: The theoretical implications as well as the practical implications for developing and implementing late-life suicide prevention strategies are discussed.

The Relationship between Neuroticism, Hopelessness, and Depression in Older Korean Immigrants.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neuroticism, hopelessness, and depression among older Korean immigrants. To extend this line of research, this study aimed to examine the effects of neuroticism and hopelessness in predicting depression among older Korean immigrants. Methods Data for this study came from a survey of 220 first generation Korean immigrants aged 65 years or older in Los Angeles County in 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with trained social workers using a structured questionnaire translated into Korean. All interviews were conducted in Korean. The neuroticism sub-scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire was used to assess neuroticism (EPQN). Hopelessness was measured by the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Depression was measured by the 20-item Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Results The study found that age (β = .26, p< .01), gender (β = -.13, p< .01), income (β = -.13, p< .01), neuroticism (β = .51, p< .01), and hopelessness (β = .15, p< .01) were significant predictors of depression. Conclusion The study provides preventive strategies that would help in the development of depression-reduction services or programs for the population, especially for those living with neuroticism and hopelessness.

The moderation of blood alcohol levels on higher odds of survival among American Indians with violent, blunt-force traumatic brain injuries

This study assessed the moderation of blood alcohol level (BAL) and American Indian race on survival of patients with violent traumatic brain injury (TBI). An initial logistic regression model indicated that those who were American Indian and insured had higher odds of survival and those with higher injury severity scores and low-medium BAL were less likely to survive. A second logistic regression model including a relationship between American Indians and BAL found that American Indians had a higher odds of survival which tripled when they have no BAL. Low-medium and high BAL were associated with less likelihood of survival among White patients.