Abstract
Rising incidence of type 2 diabetes (DM) in Korean immigrants has highlighted the need for better prevention efforts. Health
literacy is an important predictor in the utilization of preventative health measures, however little is known about health
literacy in Korean immigrants. This study examined DM risk factors in a sample of 145 at-risk Korean immigrants, their level
of health literacy, and associations between health literacy and DM risk factors. Findings indicated a high prevalence of
DM risk factors and a low level of health literacy in the sample. Health literacy was correlated with English proficiency,
acculturation, and lower waist to hip ratios among all participants, and with lower blood glucose levels among highly acculturated
participants. Korean immigrants who are less acculturated may have lower health literacy than those who are more acculturated.
Thus, linguistically and culturally sensitive health education should be incorporated into diabetes prevention efforts.
literacy is an important predictor in the utilization of preventative health measures, however little is known about health
literacy in Korean immigrants. This study examined DM risk factors in a sample of 145 at-risk Korean immigrants, their level
of health literacy, and associations between health literacy and DM risk factors. Findings indicated a high prevalence of
DM risk factors and a low level of health literacy in the sample. Health literacy was correlated with English proficiency,
acculturation, and lower waist to hip ratios among all participants, and with lower blood glucose levels among highly acculturated
participants. Korean immigrants who are less acculturated may have lower health literacy than those who are more acculturated.
Thus, linguistically and culturally sensitive health education should be incorporated into diabetes prevention efforts.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9672-9
- Authors
- Sarah E. Choi, Program in Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, University of California, 100B Berk Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3959, USA
- Elizabeth Rush, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Shayna Henry, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912