How Does Social Integration Shape Healthcare Use Among Older Adults Immigrants?
2024
How Social Integration Affects Healthcare Use Among Older Immigrant Adults
Sample size: 22
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Aditi Patel, Sungjae Hong, Shannon Mejia
Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Hypothesis
How does social integration shape healthcare use among older adults immigrants?
Conclusion
Social networks and integration significantly influence healthcare decisions and access among older immigrant adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Strong affiliations in Korean communities led to better access to healthcare information.
- Telehealth services were not linked to social integration as they were adopted based on provider recommendations during the pandemic.
- Affiliations with adult children supported continued use of telehealth after the pandemic.
Takeaway
This study shows that being part of a community helps older immigrants get better healthcare, especially during tough times like the pandemic.
Methodology
Interviews were conducted with 22 Korean immigrant older adults, focusing on their life experiences and healthcare interactions.
Participant Demographics
Korean immigrant older adults living in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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