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Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Elderly Korean Immigrants and Elderly Koreans

Research in Gerontological Nursing 

By Mo-Kyung Sin, DSN, RN; Myoung-Ae Choe, PhD, RN; Jeungim Kim, PhD, RN; Young-Ran Chae, PhD, RN; Mi-Yang Jeon, PhD, RN

Received: January 28, 2009; Accepted: July 21, 2009; Posted: January 29, 2010.

Depression among minority older adults is a prevalent underrecognized medical illness. Changes in cultural norms and social conditions because of immigration have a significant influence on mental health. The purpose of this study was to assess the interrelationships between acculturation, geographical location, gender, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elderly Korean immigrants and elderly Koreans. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 88 elderly Korean immigrants and 295 elderly Koreans were recruited separately from senior centers and senior apartments. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form and acculturation with years of living in the United States. Acculturation had no significant relationship with depressive symptoms (r = 0.01, p = 0.94). Depressive symptoms were highly present in both elderly Korean immigrants and elderly Koreans. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in women. This study provides baseline data for development of culturally specific, community-based intervention programs for better management of mental health of elderly Korean immigrants.

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100108-01