Elderly Chinese immigrants are among the fastest growing segments in California's predominantly immigrant populations. Hence, there is a growing need to understand the effects of immigration on health from a global perspective. A cross-cultural pilot study examining the effects of immigration on physical and mental health status was conducted using a non-probability sample of Chinese immigrants age 60 and older living in Los Angeles and Orange counties and a comparison sample of non-immigrant Chinese living in Nanchang, China. A total of 231 interviews was conducted, 130 in Los Angeles and Orange counties and 101 in Nanchang. The two comparison samples were matched according to age, gender, and socio-economic status. Health status was measured using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Interviews were conducted in Mandarin and Cantonese and four dialects at various community sites, including residential facilities, health clinics, service organizations, special interest groups, and social clubs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques in which immigrant and non-immigrant groups were compared on eight scales measuring physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitation due to emotional problems, and mental health. The extent to which immigration may account for differences in health status between the comparison groups is discussed in relation to alternative measures of health status, the validity of the MOS SF-36 instrument, and the limitations of the study.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this presentation, session participants will be able to 1) compare the physical and mental health status of immigrant and non-immigrant Chinese elderly, 2) explain the effects of immigration on health status, and 3) assess the validity of the MOS SF-36 instrument as a measure of health status in cross-cultural comparison studies.
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.