Self-Care in Korean Immigrants with Chronic Diseases: A Concept Analysis

• Published in: Western Journal of Nursing Research Vol. 45; no. 8; pp. 745 - 753
• Main Authors: Kim, Eun Jo, Choi, Sarah E.
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Chronic Disease; Emigrants and Immigrants; Humans; Quality of Life; Republic of Korea; Self Care; United States; United States; Republic of Korea; concept analysis; Koreans; chronic disease; self-care; Asians
• ISSN: 0193-9459; 1552-8456
• DOI: 10.1177/01939459231174071

Chronic illnesses among Korean immigrants (KIs) in the United States have been rapidly increasing, yet the concept of chronic disease self-care in this group has not been delineated. The aim of this study was to review previous research on self-care among KIs with chronic diseases and describe the concept in cultural context. Using Rodgers’ Evolutionary Method, a total of 24 articles were analyzed. The definition and conceptual model of self-care in KIs with chronic diseases were proposed. The antecedents included knowledge and health literacy; social and family support; resources; patient-health care provider partnership; and elimination of cultural misbeliefs and disclosure of the disease. The attributes of the concept were aging well with diseases; treatment adherence; control and restriction; the acculturation process; care built on traditional Korean gender roles; and maintenance of mental health. The consequences involved positive physiological outcomes; self-efficacy; quality of life; and reducing worry about becoming a burden to the family. While the studied concept encompassed universal characteristics of chronic disease self-care, distinctive cultural features emerged. The findings contribute to a better understanding of chronic illness self-care in this population and the development of culturally sensitive and practical self-care interventions for KIs with chronic diseases.