Knowledge of Depression Among Korean American Older Adults

The present study explored knowledge about depression and the factors that predict that knowledge in a sample of Korean American older adults (N = 675). Compared with other published results, knowledge of depression in the present sample was generally low. The participants provided on average only 42.6% correct answers on the 12-item Depression in Late Life Quiz, and for 9 items, more than 50% of the participants provided incorrect answers. In a multivariate linear regression, acculturation (β = .12, p < .01) and depressive symptoms (β = -.09, p < .05) were significant predictors of knowledge. Individuals with lower levels of acculturation had less knowledge of depression. An interesting finding was that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms exhibited poorer knowledge of depression. The study findings emphasized the need for educational interventions to be provided in order to improve the mental health literacy of Korean American older adults.