Health-seeking behaviors of elderly Chinese Americans: shifts in expectations.
OBJECTIVE
This study reported a qualitative analysis of health-seeking behaviors of community-dwelling elderly Chinese Americans on the influences of family network, cultural values, and immigrant experience in their use of health resources. Barriers to health care, pathway of health care, and adaptation of health care by use of self-treatment and Eastern and Western medicines were also examined.


METHODS
The investigators used content analysis to obtain themes and key points of focus group interview data (N = 25) to explore the elderly participants' attitudes, values, and practices in their use of health resources. Survey questionnaires in Chinese were used to compile demographic data.


RESULTS
Findings suggested a shift from traditional expectations of filial piety to more dependence on neighbors and friends, and a genuine adaptability to combining Eastern and Western health care modalities. Immigration was not proposed by these Chinese elders as an explanation of shifts in expectations for family support or values.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has implications for research, service delivery, and policy making for health care of ethnic elderly persons, particularly in addressing structural and cultural issues in access and compliance.
Pang
Elaine C
EC
University of Southern California School of Social Work, 669 W. 34th Street, MRF 214, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA. ecp@usc.edu
Jordan-Marsh
Maryalice
M
Silverstein
Merril
M
Cody
Michael
M
D000368:Aged; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States