Esther Wong

Study Design and Implementation of the PINE Study

Objective: Multiple barriers in research participation have excluded the Chinese older adults from benefitting the recent advancement of aging sciences. The paucity of systematic understanding of Chinese aging population necessitated the P opulation-Based Study of Ch IN ese E lderly in Chicago (PINE). Method: Guided by community-based participatory research approach, the PINE study is a population-based epidemiological study of Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the Greater Chicago area. Results: We described study design and implantation of the PINE study, highlighting strategies in adapting a population-based study design to the Chinese community. These measures included community-engaged recruitment, innovative data collection methods, and culturally and linguistically sensitive study infrastructure. Discussion: The intricate cultural and linguistic diversity among U.S. Chinese older adults, coupled with their demographic characteristics and residential pattern, present challenges and opportunities in implementing a population-based study of older adults. Implications for the research and practice in relation to future minority aging and social sciences studies are discussed.

How do U.S. Chinese older adults view elder mistreatment?: findings from a community-based participatory research study.

Objectives: This study examines the perception, knowledge, and help-seeking tendency toward elder mistreatment among Chinese older adults. Method: A community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago’s Chinese community. A total of 39 Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group interviews. Data analysis is based on grounded theory framework. Results: Chinese older adults mostly characterized elder mistreatment in terms of caregiver neglect and identified psychological mistreatment as the most serious form of mistreatment. Other forms included financial exploitation, physical mistreatment, and abandonment. Chinese older adults have limited knowledge of help-seeking resources other than seeking assistance from local community service centers. Discussion: This study has important practical implications for health care professionals, social service agencies, and concerned family members. Our results underscore the need for research and educational initiatives as well as community awareness programs that highlight the pervasive public health issue of elder mistreatment.

Perception and negative effect of loneliness in a Chicago Chinese population of older adults

This qualitative study aims to investigate the cultural understandings of loneliness, identify the contexts of loneliness, and to examine its effect on the health and well-being of U.S. Chinese older adults. Despite loneliness is one of the main indicators of well-being, little attention has been paid to understanding loneliness among immigrant older adults. This study utilizes both survey questionnaires and semi-structured focus group methods to investigate the feelings of loneliness among U.S. Chinese older adults. Based on interviews with 78 community-dwelling Chinese older adults in Chicago Chinatown, this community-based participatory research study (CBPR) shows loneliness is common among U.S. Chinese older adults. It was frequently identified through emotional isolation and social isolation. Social, psychological and physical health factors could contribute to the experience of loneliness. In addition, the health of older adults with loneliness may be associated with worsening overall health, elder mistreatment, health behavior changes and increased healthcare utilizations. This study has implications for healthcare professionals, social services agencies and policy makers. Our findings point to the needs for healthcare professionals to be more alert of the association of loneliness and adverse health outcomes. Communities and social services agencies should collectively take a lead in reducing social isolation, improving intergenerational relationships, and increasing social networks and companionship for this group of vulnerable older adults.

Assessing the health needs of Chinese older adults: Findings from a community-based participatory research study in Chicago's Chinatown

The objective of this study is to examine the cultural views of healthy aging, knowledge and barriers to services, and perception of health sciences research among community-dwelling Chinese older adults in Chicagos Chinatown. This qualitative study is guided by the Precede-Proceed conceptual model with community-based participatory research design. Data analysis is based on eight focus group interviews with Chinese older (age 60+) adults (n = 78). We used a grounded theory framework to systematically guide the thematic structure of our data. Findings show participants described cultural conception of health in terms of physical function, psychological well-being, social support, and cognitive function. The availability, affordability, and cultural barriers towards health care services were major negative enabling factors that inhibit participants from fulfilling health needs. Perception and knowledge of health sciences research were also discussed. This study has implications for the delivery of culturally appropriate health care services to the Chinese aging population.

The Perceptions, Social Determinants, and Negative Health Outcomes Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among U.S. Chinese Older Adults

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Recent demographic growth of the U.S. Chinese aging population calls for comprehensive understanding of their unique health needs. The objective of this study is to examine the perceptions, social determinants of depressive symptoms as well as their impact on health and well-being in a community-dwelling U.S. Chinese aging population in Chicago. DESIGN AND METHODS A community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinatown population in a geographically defined community. Data were collected from questionnaires and semistructured focus group interviews with 78 community-dwelling Chinese older adults. RESULTS Our findings suggest that the depressive symptoms were common among older adults. It was frequently identified through feelings of helplessness, feelings of dissatisfaction with life, feelings of getting bored, loss of interests in activities, suicidal ideation, and feelings of worthlessness. Societal conflicts, family conflicts, financial constraints, personality, and worsening physical health may be associated with greater depressive symptoms. In addition, depressive symptoms may be detrimental to the overall health and well-being of Chinese older adults. IMPLICATIONS This study has wide implications for health care professionals, social services agencies, and policy makers. Our results call for improved public health education and awareness programs to highlight the health impact of depressive symptoms on Chinese older adults. Future prospective studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Longitudinal research is needed to quantify the risk and protective factors of depressive symptoms.

Suicidal ideation in an older U.S. Chinese population.

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among U.S. Chinese older adults. Method: Guided by the community-participatory research approach, the PINE (Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago) study is a population-based epidemiological study conducted from 2011 to 2013 of 3,159 community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 60 years and above in the Greater Chicago area. Results: The 2-week prevalence of suicidal ideation, 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicidal ideation were 3.5%, 4.8%, and 9.4%, respectively. Age, sex, marital status, education, income, living arrangement, country of origin, years in the United States, overall health status, quality of life, and health changes over the past year were significantly correlated with suicidal ideation. Discussion: Suicidal ideation was common among U.S. Chinese older adults in the Greater Chicago area. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted to explore the risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation.

Association of Depressive Symptomatology and Elder Mistreatment in a U.S. Chinese Population: Findings From a Community-Based Participatory Research Study

Elder mistreatment (EM) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to examine the association between depressive symptoms and EM in a U.S. Chinese population. A community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinatown population. Self-reported EM was assessed using a modified Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale instrument. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using the short form Geriatric Depression Scale. Exact logistic regression was used to assess these associations. Of the 78 participants, mean age was 74.8 (SD = 7.8) years and 52.6% were women. EM was reported in 20.5% of participants. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher numbers of depressive symptoms were independently associated with increased risk of EM (Exact OR, 1.99, 95% CI [1.23, 3.41]). Interaction terms analyses suggest that higher educational levels might buffer the risk of EM associated with depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings in this U.S. Chinese population.

Perceived barriers and facilitators to implement elder abuse intervention for victims and perpetrators: views from US Chinese older adults

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The study design was qualitative, using a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions. Findings – Participants viewed many benefits of intervention programs. Perceived barriers were categorized under cultural, social, and structural barriers. Facilitators to implement interventions included increasing education and public health awareness, integrating social support with existing community social services, as well as setting an interdisciplinary team. Perpetrators intervention strategies were also discussed. Originality/value – This study has wide policy and pra...