title: Lifestyle Behaviors Predict Negative and Positive Changes in Self-reported Health: The Role of Immigration to the United States for Koreans.
abstract: Studies of changes in health following immigration are inconsistent, and few are based on longitudinal designs to test associations based on change. This study identified factors that predicted changes in self-reported health (SRH) among California residents of Korean descent. A sample of California residents of Korean descent were interviewed and followed-up 2 or 3 times by telephone during 2001-2009. The questionnaires dealt with SRH, lifestyle behaviors (smoking, physical activity, and fast food consumption), and socioeconomic measures. Statistical analysis included random-intercepts longitudinal regression models predicting change in SRH. A similar percentage of respondents reported improved and deteriorating SRH (30.3% and 29.1%, respectively). Smoking, consumption of fast foods, age, percentage of life spent in the United States, and being female were predictors of deteriorating SRH, whereas physical activity, education, and living with a partner were predictive of improvement in SRH. The effect of immigration on SRH is influenced by socioeconomic factors and lifestyle practices. Results support promotion of healthy lifestyle practices among immigrants.
authors: University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel ornaepel@research.haifa.ac.il.
authors: Orna
authors: O
authors: Baron-Epel
authors: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: C Richard
authors: CR
authors: Hofstetter
authors: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
authors: Veronica L
authors: VL
authors: Irvin
authors: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Sunny
authors: S
authors: Kang
authors: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Melbourne F
authors: MF
authors: Hovell
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002140:California; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
keywords: Korean immigrants; fast food consumption; follow-up; lifestyle; physical activity; self-reported health; smoking