Abstract
Background
Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease. Although self-care is the crucial element in managing diabetes, older Korean immigrants with diabetes face challenges in performing effective self-care related to vulnerability as minority immigrants.
Purpose
This study measures sociodemographics, self-efficacy, social support, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self-care activities among older Korean immigrants in the United States. This study also aims to demonstrate the direct and indirect effects of the related factors on diabetes self-care activities using a path analysis.
Methods
This study uses a cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling targeted Korean immigrants aged 55 or older using paper and online surveys. Four instruments were used to measure variables: self-efficacy was measured by the General Self-Efficacy scale, diabetes knowledge by the Simplified Diabetes Knowledge Test, social support by the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, and diabetes self-care by the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities questionnaire. Using path analysis, the effects of related factors on self-care activities were analyzed.
Results
190 older Korean immigrants participated, 53.2% female, and 46.8% male. The mean age was 67.2 (SD = 9.9; range, 58–93). A path model shows that sociodemographics (sex, age, education, and years in the United States), diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and family support predict diabetes self-care.
Conclusions
The path model demonstrates the effects of sociodemographics, self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge, and social support on diabetes self-care among older Korean immigrants. The findings can help to understand diabetes self-care among the minority ethnic older group and can be used to develop culturally tailored education, counseling, and healthcare services.
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Conceptualization or/and Methodology: Kim, JE/ Jiang, YH/ Dee, V. Data curation or/and Analysis: Kim, JE/ Jiang, YH. Funding acquisition: None. Investigation: Kim, JE. Project administration or/and Supervision: Kim, JE/ Dee, V. Resources or/and Software: Kim, JE. Validation: Kim, JE/ Jiang, YH. Visualization: Kim, JE. Writing: original draft or/and review & editing: Kim, JE/ Jiang, YH/ Dee, V.
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Kim, J.E., Jiang, Y. & Dee, V. Implications on self-care behaviors among older Korean immigrants diagnosed with diabetes residing in the United States: a path analytical approach. J Diabetes Metab Disord (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01363-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01363-6