title: Health-seeking behaviors of elderly Chinese Americans: shifts in expectations.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California School of Social Work, 669 W. 34th Street, MRF 214, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA. ecp@usc.edu
authors.forename: Elaine C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.forename: Maryalice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jordan-Marsh
authors.forename: Merril
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silverstein
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cody
mesh_terms: 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