Pathway to Health Literacy in Korean American Immigrants: The Mediating Role of English Proficiency |
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| Authors: | Hee Yun Lee Jeong-Kyun Choi |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA;2. Department of Social Work , School of Liberal Arts, Winona State University , Winona , Minnesota , USA |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated predictors of and pathways to health literacy among Korean American immigrants residing in New York City (n = 407). Social Cognitive Theory guided the study and the Chew et al. 16-item health literacy screening scale was employed. Structural equation modeling using Mplus 4.21 tested the proposed conceptual model. Findings revealed that education and English proficiency were the most influential predictors of health literacy; education was directly associated with health literacy and indirectly through language proficiency. Predictors of greater English proficiency included higher levels of education, younger age, and unmarried status. The findings suggest that immigrants with minimal English abilities, little education, and no health insurance have particular intervention needs, perhaps best met by a patient-centered approach focusing on individual language needs and cultural health beliefs. |
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| Keywords: | Health literacy underserved immigrants patient-centered practice Korean American immigrants health disparity |
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