J Korean Community Nurs.  2002 Jun;13(2):399-409.

A Comparative Study on Health Promoting Behavior and Perceived Health Status between Koreans and Korean-Americans

• Park JS
• Oh YJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to provide basic data to develop a future health promotion program through the comparison of health promoting behavior and perceived health status between Koreans and Korean-Americans.
METHODS
The subjects of this study were 411 adults recruited from religious organizations located in the Yongnam area, Korea, and Chicago, U.S.A. The instruments used in the study were Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP) developed by Walker, Sechrist & Pender (1995), and the Health Self Rating Scale designed by North Illinois University. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, ANCOVA, ANOVA and Duncan test with the SPSS program.
RESULTS
1) The mean HPLP score was 2.26 in Koreans and 2.43 in Korean-Americans, showing a significant difference between the two groups. 2) In subscales of HPLP, both groups showed the highest practices in 'interpersonal relationship' and the lowest practices in 'physical activity'. 3) The mean score of perceived health status was 2.26 in Koreans and 2.43 in Korean-Americans, showing a significant difference between the two groups. 4) Health promoting behavior was significantly different by family income in Koreans, but significantly different by age and family income in Korean-Americans. 5) Perceived health status was significantly different by family income and marital status, but significantly different by age, education, and family income. 6) The HPLP was not correlated with perceived health status in Koreans, but positively correlated with perceived health status in Korean-Americans.
CONCLUSION
The study findings suggest a need to develop a health promotion program, in which physical activity and stress management for Koreans and Korean-Americans are emphasized, and cultural and environmental elements are considered, for better understanding of their health related issues.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Education
Health Promotion
Humans
Illinois
Korea
Life Style
Marital Status
Motor Activity