Factors Affecting Quality of Life for Korean American Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review.
Understanding of Korean American cancer survivors' quality of life (QOL) within a cultural context is limited. This article examines factors associated with the QOL of Korean American cancer survivors. .



A systematic literature search was conducted of PubMed, CINAHL®, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases from January 2000 to January 2014. .



The studies were assessed for the relevance to the purpose of the review. Each study was rated on a two-point scale using an 11-item quality criteria checklist. .



The 13 studies that met the criteria for inclusion included 7 descriptive, 5 qualitative, and 1 mixed-method.  .



Social support, communication, and acculturation were key factors associated with Korean Americans' QOL. Cultural differences were evident for Korean Americans versus other Asian American ethnic groups. .



More innovative and culturally driven research is needed to understand each minority group's cultural barriers, as well as to improve cancer survivors' QOL. Improving the doctor-patient relationship is critical to promoting better cancer experiences for Korean American cancer survivors.
Loyola University.
Hyojin
H
Yoon
University of Michigan.
Linda
L
Chatters
University of Michigan.
Tsui-Sui
TS
Kao
University of Michigan.
Denise
D
Saint-Arnault
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Laurel
L
Northouse
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States
Korean American; cancer; integrative review; quality of life