Related Experiment Videos
Help-seeking behaviors by Korean immigrants for depression
1Columbia University, School of Nursing, New York 10032-3703, USA. JS124@Columbia.edu
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
|June 25, 2002
Summary
Korean immigrants often delay seeking mental health services for depression due to family care and traditional practices. Improved community education and integrated care models are needed to address this underutilization.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Services Research
- Immigrant Health
Background:
- Asian immigrants, particularly Korean immigrants, exhibit underutilization of mental health services.
- Understanding help-seeking behaviors is crucial for improving mental healthcare accessibility for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the help-seeking behaviors of Korean immigrants experiencing depression.
- To identify factors contributing to the underutilization of mental health services among Korean immigrants.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 70 Korean immigrants in New York City.
- Utilized 6 focus group discussions and 24 in-depth interviews.
- Explored experiences with depression and mental healthcare access.
Main Results:
- Prolonged care within the family and reliance on traditional Asian practices delayed professional help-seeking.
- Lack of integration between formal and psychiatric service providers contributed to delayed treatment.
- Many Korean immigrants with depression remained outside the formal mental health delivery system.
Conclusions:
- Community education, culturally sensitive approaches, and integrated care models are essential.
- Bridging the gap between community needs and mental health service delivery is vital.
- Cultural brokering and linking mental health with other services can improve access for Korean immigrants.