Search

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use text-mining methods to examine the dominant sources of online information and content about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Because the internet is the most popular source for health information, it is important to understand what is being said about CGMs in online sources of information. Methods A text miner, algorithmic-driven statistical program was used to identify the main sources of online information and topics on CGMs. Content was limited to English and was posted from August 1, 2020, to August 4, 2022. Using Brandwatch software, 17 940 messages were identified. After cleaning, there were 10 677 messages in final analyses conducted using SAS Text Miner V.12.1 software. Results The analysis identified 20 topics that formed 7 themes. Results show that most online information comes from news sources and focuses on the general benefits of CGM use. Beneficial aspects ranged from improvements in self-management behaviors, cost, and glucose levels. None of the themes mentioned changes to practice, research, or policies related to CGM. Conclusions To improve diffusion of information and innovations going forward, novel ways of information sharing should be explored, such as diabetes specialist, provider, and researcher engagement in social media and digital storytelling.

Objectives: The objective is to examine how older Korean Americans’ perceived burdensomeness to their healthcare partners is associated with the characteristics of older adult participants ( egos) and their healthcare partners ( alters). Methods:Surveys of 2150 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans provided ego data. Participants were also asked to list up to three individuals whom they usually asked for help on health-related matters or healthcare use, which generated 3402 alters. Multilevel modeling was conducted to examine the role of the characteristics of egos and alters, as well as their cross-level interactions. Results: Perceived burdensomeness was negatively associated with English-speaking ability and residence in a low Korean density area. Perceived burden was also lowered when emotional support was received from the alters, and this pattern was pronounced among those with multi-comorbidity. Discussion: By identifying older immigrants prone to the sense of burdensomeness, the study suggests strategies to promote their health and healthcare use.

Objectives To examine the cross-sectional association of linguistic adaptation with cognitive function, as well as its interactions with sociodemographic and health profiles in older Chinese and Korean immigrants in the U.S. Methods Using harmonized data ( N = 5063) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) and the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), we examined between- and within-group differences in the role of linguistic adaptation (English use in older Chinese Americans and English proficiency in older Korean Americans) in cognitive function. Results The positive association between linguistic adaptation and cognitive function was common in both groups. We also found that the relationship was pronounced among subgroups with the underlying linguistic and cognitive vulnerabilities (i.e., the very old, women, those with low education, and newly immigrated individuals). Discussion Findings show the importance of linguistic adaptation in older immigrants’ cognitive health and suggest a need for targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

In South Korea, rapid economic growth and modernization have led to changes in lifestyle factors that may affect age at natural menopause. Data from 4,793 women aged ≥55 years, who had a natural menopause, were analyzed from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2017). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and age at natural menopause after adjusting for birth cohort (Model 1) and sociodemographic and reproductive factors (Model 2). Overall, 3.1% of women experienced premature menopause (40 years), 7.6% early menopause (40-44 years), and 12.8% late menopause (≥55 years). Women born in the 1940s or earlier among the birth cohorts had the highest prevalence of premature (70.0%), early (58.5%), and late (43.1%) menopause. In Model 2, current smoking (odds ratio = 3.99 and 95% confidence interval = 1.35-11.81) was associated with premature menopause. Low (18.5 kg/m

Given the importance of healthy eating in the later years of life, the present study examined factors associated with dietary risks in older Korean Americans. We hypothesized that dietary risks would be associated with sociodemographic disadvantages, adverse health conditions, and limited sociocultural resources. Dietary risks were assessed with a scale covering five behavioral and situational risk factors (eating alone, skipping meals, functional challenges, oral health problems, and financial difficulties). Analyses of the data from the Study of Older Korean Americans ( N = 2,150) showed that the sample on average had 1.13 risks ( SD = 1.31), eating alone having the highest frequency (35.6%). Supporting the hypothesis, higher levels of dietary risks were found in individuals with sociodemographic disadvantages, poorer physical and mental health status, smaller social networks, and lower acculturation. Findings suggest concerted efforts to promote dietary behaviors and call attention to older immigrants who are socially and culturally isolated.

With the accelerated spread of COVID-19 and current shelter-in-place orders from many local governments, African American (AA) communities see to be more vulnerable as emerging data show disproportionate rates of infection and mortality among AAs across the nation.In a sample of AA church members, to conduct a rapid community assessment during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.Our community-based participatory research team, partnering with the local AA church community and including trained lay health workers, conducted the assessment via telephone and online.Although most participants reported high confidence regarding recommendations for physical distancing, more than 60% reported elevated anxiety and stress, and 10% indicated that they needed more information about staying healthy and safe during the pandemic.Community-based participatory research with lay health workers is an effective method to implement a community needs assessment, problem-solve with community members, and build community health infrastructure during a public health crisis.

BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization among older adults in the United States. There are substantial racial and geographic disparities in HF outcomes, with patients living in southern US states having a mortality rate 69% higher than the national average. Self-management behaviors, particularly daily weight monitoring and physical activity, are extremely important in improving HF outcomes; however, patients typically have particularly low adherence to these behaviors. With the rise of digital technologies to improve health outcomes and motivate health behaviors, sensor-controlled digital games (SCDGs) have become a promising approach. SCDGs, which leverage sensor-connected technologies, offer the benefits of being portable and scalable and allowing for continuous observation and motivation of health behaviors in their real-world contexts. They are also becoming increasingly popular among older adults and offer an immersive and accessible way to measure self-management behaviors and improve adherence. No SCDGs have been designed for older adults or evaluated to test their outcomes. OBJECTIVE This randomized clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy of a SCDG in integrating the behavioral data of participants with HF from weight scale and activity tracker sensors to activate game progress, rewards, and feedback and, ultimately, to improve adherence to important self-management behaviors. METHODS A total of 200 participants with HF, aged ≥45 years, will be recruited and randomized into 2 groups: the SCDG playing group (intervention group) and sensor-only group (control group). Both groups will receive a weight scale, physical activity tracker, and accompanying app, whereas only the intervention group will play the SCDG. This design, thereby, assesses the contributions of the game. All participants will complete a baseline survey as well as posttests at 6 and 12 weeks to assess the immediate effect of the intervention. They will also complete a third posttest at 24 weeks to assess the maintenance of behavioral changes. Efficacy and benefits will be assessed by measuring improvements in HF-related proximal outcomes (self-management behaviors of daily weight monitoring and physical activity) and distal outcomes (HF hospitalization, quality of life, and functional status) between baseline and weeks 6, 12, and 24. The primary outcome measured will be days with weight monitoring, for which this design provides at least 80% power to detect differences between the 2 groups. RESULTS Recruitment began in the fall of 2022, and the first patient was enrolled in the study on November 7, 2022. Recruitment of the last participant is expected in quarter 1 of 2025. Publication of complete results and data from this study is expected in 2026. CONCLUSIONS This project will generate insight and guidance for scalable and easy-to-use digital gaming solutions to motivate persistent adherence to HF self-management behaviors and improve health outcomes among individuals with HF. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05056129; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05056129 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/45801

To examine associations among perceived racial discrimination, ethnic resources, and mental distress in older Korean Americans. Ethnic resources included ethnic identity (how closely individuals identify themselves with other members of the same ethnic background) and sense of community (individuals' feelings of belonging to their ethnic group). We examined the direct effect of perceived racial discrimination and these ethnic resources, as well as their interactions, hypothesizing that mental distress associated with perceived racial discrimination would be reduced by ethnic resources.Using survey data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (Mental distress was directly associated with perceived racial discrimination (Ethnic resources are a benefit in coping with experiences of discrimination. The moderating role of sense of community suggests the value of fostering social capital in ethnic communities to protect and promote older immigrants' mental health.

OBJECTIVES: Inspired by the notion of double jeopardy positing the dual disadvantage in the coexistence of different sources of vulnerability, the present study examined health risks posed by social and linguistic isolation in older Korean Americans. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study, using a four-cell classification to compare isolation types (no isolation, social isolation only, linguistic isolation only, and dual isolation) and to examine their impacts on physical (self-rated health), mental (mental distress), and cognitive (cognitive performance) health. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Data are from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA) survey of Korean immigrants aged 60 or older (n = 2,032), conducted in five states in the U.S. (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida). MEASUREMENT: Social isolation was indexed by the Lubben Social Network Scale−6; linguistic isolation, by a question on English-speaking ability. Physical, mental, and cognitive health were indicated by a single-item self-rating of health, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 6, and the Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. RESULTS: The dual-isolation group exhibited notable sociodemographic and health disadvantages. The odds of having fair/poor health, mental distress, and cognitive impairment were 2.21−3.17 times higher in the dual-isolation group than in the no-isolation group. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that both social relationships and language proficiency are key elements for older immigrants’ social connectedness and integration, the deprivation of which puts them at heightened risk in multiple dimensions of health.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health status and needs of the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) population with diabetes in Texas. Methods: This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data collected from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System in Texas from 2015 to 2019 for non-Hispanic White (NHW) and AAPI adults. Results: Although the overall crude diabetes prevalence was lower in AAPI adults, age-adjusted diabetes prevalence was higher than in NHWs. Significant risk factors associated with diabetes in the AAPI group included being male, marital status, lower education levels, lower income, being overweight/obese, and having a sedentary lifestyle. Engagement in self-management activities (checking blood glucose, checking feet, attending a diabetes management course) was lower in AAPIs than in NHWs. Conclusions: Given stiff barriers to adequate screening and self-management support in diabetes care among ethnic populations such as AAPIs, targeted efforts to improve diabetes screening and effective care are warranted. Because today’s AAPI populations are predominantly first-generation immigrant groups who suffer from language barriers, efforts should be made to develop health surveys in multiple languages for wider inclusion of understudied groups like AAPIs in diabetes-related research.

Objectives: To examine predictors of membership in discordant groups identified by subjective and objective measures of cognitive function. Methods: Participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans ( N = 2046) were classified according to their subjective cognitive ratings ( excellent/ very good/ good vs. fair/ poor) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (normal cognition vs. cognitive impairment), yielding two discordant groups: (1) positive ratings but cognitive impairment and (2) negative ratings but normal cognition. Logistic regression models examined how the discordant group membership was associated with personal resources. Results: Among those with positive cognitive ratings, the odds of belonging to the discordant group were associated with low personal resources (advanced age and lower levels of education, acculturation, and knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease). However, an opposite pattern was observed among those with negative ratings. Discussion: The pattern of discordance suggests ways to promote early detection of cognitive impairment and close the gap in cognitive health care.

Digital phenotyping consists of moment-by-moment quantification of behavioral data from individual people, typically collected passively from smartphones and other sensors. Within the evolving context of precision health, digital phenotyping can advance the use of mobile health -based self-management tools and interventions by enabling more accurate prediction for prevention and treatment, facilitating supportive strategies, and informing the development of features to motivate self-management behaviors within real-world conditions. This represents an advancement in self-management science: with digital phenotyping, nurse scientists have opportunities to tailor interventions with increased precision. In this paper, we discuss the emergence of digital phenotyping, the historical background of ecological momentary assessment, and the current state of the science of digital phenotyping, with implications for research design, computational requirements, and ethical considerations in self-management science, as well as limitations.

Older adults are in triple jeopardy during COVID-19: compared with younger people, older adults are (1) more likely to develop serious conditions and experience higher mortality; (2) less likely to obtain high quality information or services online; and (3) more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness. Hybrid solutions, coupling online and offline strategies, are invaluable in ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations. Most of these solutions require no new inventions. Finding the financial resources for a rapid, well-coordinated implementation is the biggest challenge. Setting up the requisite support systems and digital infrastructure is important for the present and future pandemics.

Background Although scientific reports increasingly document the negative impact of inadequate health literacy on health-seeking behaviors, health literacy's effect on health outcomes in patients with diabetes is not entirely clear, owing to insufficient empirical studies, mixed findings, and insufficient longitudinal research. Objective The aim of this study was to empirically examine underlying mechanisms of health literacy's role in diabetes management among a group of Korean Americans with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Data from a randomized clinical trial of a health literacy-focused Type 2 diabetes self-management intervention conducted during 2012-2016 in the Korean American community were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. A total of 250 Korean Americans with Type 2 diabetes participated (intervention, 120; control, 130). Participants were first-generation Korean American immigrants. Health literacy knowledge was measured with the original Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and the diabetes mellitus-specific Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine. Functional health literacy was measured with the numeracy subscale of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and the Newest Vital Sign screening instrument, which also uses numeracy. Primary outcomes included glucose control and diabetes quality of life. Multivariate analyses included latent variable modeling. Results A series of path analyses identified self-efficacy and self-care skills as significant mediators between health literacy and glucose control and quality of life. Education and acculturation were the most significant correlates of health literacy. Discussion Despite inconsistent findings in the literature, this study indicates that health literacy may indirectly influence health outcomes through mediators such as self-care skills and self-efficacy. The study highlights the importance of health literacy, as well as underlying mechanisms with which health literacy influences processes and outcomes of diabetes self-management.

Nurse scientists have significantly contributed to health equity and ensuring cultural tailoring of interventions to meet unique needs of individuals. Methodologies for cultural tailoring of self-mangament interventions among marginalized populations have limitedly accommodated intersectionality and group heterogeneity when addressing health needs.Identify methodological limitations in cultural tailoring of interventions among priority populations and issue recommendations on cultural elements that researchers can target to ensure valid cultural tailoring approaches.Synthesis of literature on health equity, self-management, and implementation and dissemination research.Among priority populations, intersectionality and group heterogeneity has made group-based cultural tailoring approaches less effective in eliciting desirable health outcomes. Precision health methodology could be useful for cultural tailoring of interventions due to the methodology's focus on individual-level tailoring approaches.We offer ways to advance health equity research using precision health approaches in cultural tailoring through targeting unique elements of culture and relevant psychosocial phenotypes.

Objectives We identified types of family relationships of older Korean Americans and examined how the mental health benefit of friend networks might be conditioned by family type. Methods Data were from 2,070 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multistate survey of Korean immigrants aged 60 and older (Mage = 73.3, standard deviation [SD] = 8.01). To identify family types, latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed with marital status, living arrangement, family network, positive and negative interactions with family members, and family mistreatment. Linear regression models examined how mental distress was associated with friend networks and family types, as well as their interactions. Results LPA identified 5 family types: close-knit, intimate but distant, detached, connected but dysfunctional, and dysfunctional. Greater distress was associated with smaller friend networks and belonging to the detached, connected but dysfunctional, and dysfunctional family types in comparison to the close-knit type. The interaction model showed that people in the connected but dysfunctional and dysfunctional groups had a stronger association between friend networks and mental distress than the counterparts in the close-knit group. Discussion We not only confirmed the health-promoting role of friend networks and the value of a close-knit family but also found that the benefit of friend networks was pronounced when quality of the family relationship was impaired. Our findings called renewed attention to older immigrants’ social convoys of family and friends, suggesting that the enhancement of friend networks could be particularly advantageous for older immigrants with dysfunctional family relationships.

There is a long tradition of incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into nursing research and practice. Classical Test Theory (CTT) has been the traditional approach used to develop and refine PROs. Item response theory (IRT) offers promise for addressing measurement problems that have been difficult to solve using CTT. This paper presents foundational concepts in IRT to illustrate how it can be used to improve the development and refinement of PRO measures, with emphasis on interpreting key IRT parameters.

Background Poor self-management of heart failure (HF) contributes to devastating health consequences. Our innovative sensor-controlled digital game (SCDG) integrates data from sensors to trigger game rewards, progress, and feedback based on the real-time behaviors of individuals with HF. Objective The aim of this study is to compare daily weight monitoring and physical activity behavior adherence by older adults using an SCDG intervention versus a sensors-only intervention in a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Methods English-speaking adults with HF aged 55 years or older who owned a smartphone and could walk unassisted were recruited from Texas and Oklahoma from November 2019 to August 2020. Both groups were given activity trackers and smart weighing scales to track behaviors for 12 weeks. The feasibility outcomes of recruitment, retention, intervention engagement, and satisfaction were assessed. In addition to daily weight monitoring and physical activity adherence, the participants’ knowledge, functional status, quality of life, self-reported HF behaviors, motivation to engage in behaviors, and HF-related hospitalization were also compared between the groups at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Results A total of 38 participants with HF—intervention group (IG; 19/38, 50%) and control group (CG; 19/38, 50%)—were enrolled in the study. Of the 38 participants, 18 (47%) were women, 18 (47%) were aged 65 years or older, 21 (55%) had been hospitalized with HF in the past 6 months, and 29 (76%) were White. Furthermore, of these 38 participants, 31 (82%)—IG (15/19, 79%) and CG (16/19, 84%)—had both weight monitoring and physical activity data at the end of 12 weeks, and 27 (71%)—IG (14/19, 74%) and CG (13/19, 68%)—participated in follow-up assessments at 24 weeks. For the IG participants who installed the SCDG app (15/19, 79%), the number of days each player opened the game app was strongly associated with the number of days the player engaged in weight monitoring (r=0.72; P=.04) and the number of days with physical activity step data (r=0.9; P Conclusions Playing an SCDG on smartphones was feasible and acceptable for older adults with HF for motivating daily weight monitoring and physical activity. A larger efficacy trial of the SCDG intervention will be needed to validate trends of improvement in daily weight monitoring and physical activity behaviors. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03947983; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03947983

Background and Objectives In response to the dearth of information on cognitive health in older ethnic minorities, in the present study, we examined factors associated with self-rated cognitive health (SRCH) in older Korean Americans. Drawing from the World Health Organization’s framework of social determinants of health, we examined how a broad spectrum of factors might influence the way in which older Korean Americans perceive and evaluate their own cognitive health. Research Design and Methods Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,061, mean age = 73.2), a series of hierarchical linear regression models of SRCH was tested with sequential entry of predictors: (1) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of cognitive status, (2) demographic variables, (3) physical and mental health status, (4) health behaviors, and (5) socio-cultural and community factors. Results In addition to cognitive screening outcomes, each set of variables made a significant contribution to the predictive model of SRCH. Positive ratings of cognitive health were observed among older individuals with greater education, good physical and mental health, involvement in regular exercise, and socio-cultural resources (social networks, acculturation, and family solidarity). Discussion and Implications The SRCH of older adults goes beyond cognitive screening outcomes, suggesting a need to incorporate the various sources of social determinants when seeking to promote the cognitive health of older populations.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to (1) understand types and amounts of Ebola-related information that health organization employees wanted and obtained through formal, informal, internal, and external organizational communication channels; (2) determine potential discrepancies between information wanted and obtained; and (3) investigate how organizational structure might affect information wanted and obtained through these communication channels.Methods:Primary data were collected from 526 health workers in 9 hospitals and 13 public health departments in Texas from June to November 2015. Survey data were collected for 7 types of Ebola-related information health organization employees wanted and obtained through various types of organizational communication channels. Descriptive statistical analyses, mixed design analysis of variance, regression analyses, and multilevel analyses were used to analyze the data.Results:Hospital employees (mostly nurses in our sample) received more self-care information than they wanted from every communication channel. However, they received less about all other types of information than they wanted from every communication channel separately and combined. Public health department employees wanted more information than they received from every communication channel separately and combined for all 7 types of information.Conclusions:Discrepancies existed between the types of Ebola-related information wanted and obtained by employees of hospitals and public health departments.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain in people aged >45 years, and the knee is the most commonly affected joint. There is a growing interest in understanding the biological factors that influence pain among older adults, but few studies have examined the relationship between β-endorphin and experimental pain sensitivity in older adults with knee OA pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resting plasma levels of β-endorphin and experimental pain sensitivity. This study was a secondary analysis of data for 40 adults with knee OA pain in whom quantitative sensory testing was used to measure experimental sensitivity to heat- and mechanically induced pain. The mean age of the sample was 60 years ( SD = 9 years), and approximately half were female (53%). Regression analyses indicated that β-endorphin level was negatively related to pressure pain threshold (β = −17.18, p = .02) and positively related to punctate mechanical pain (β = 17.13, p = .04), after controlling for age, gender, and OA severity. We did not find a significant relationship between β-endorphin and heat pain tolerance. The results suggest that higher circulating levels of β-endorphin at rest are associated with increased sensitivity to mechanical pain in older adults with knee OA. These findings add to the literature regarding biological factors associated with pain sensitivity in older adults with chronic pain. Additional studies are needed to identify mediators of the relationship between β-endorphin and pain sensitivity in OA and other musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Health literacy consists of multiple dimensions such as print and oral literacy or numeracy. Different dimensions of health literacy may have more salient impact on certain health behaviors and outcomes. Yet, evidence is limited regarding which dimensions particularly affect cervical cancer screening. The objective of this study was to examine the role of different dimensions of health literacy in cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. We used baseline data obtained from 560 Korean American women in a community-based health literacy-focused intervention study. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that familiarity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.31) and navigational health literacy (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.16) were associated with lifetime Pap test use and comprehension (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02-1.14) with triennial Pap test screening. Prior exposure to healthcare settings and knowing how to navigate the healthcare system were more important than other health literacy dimensions for lifetime Pap test use. Understanding cancer screening-related words was most relevant to triennial Pap test use. In addition to addressing system factors such as insurance and physicians' recommendations, interventions to increase Pap test screening targeted at Korean American women are needed to address certain dimensions of health literacy such as familiarity, navigation, and comprehension.

Using data from surveys with Korean Americans aged 60 years or above ( n = 2,150), the level of healthcare navigation self-sufficiency was assessed, and its related factors were explored. The overall status of self-sufficiency was low; for example, over half of the sample needed assistance with reading and filling out medical documents, and nearly half needed someone to interpret during medical visits. Diminished self-sufficiency in healthcare navigation was associated with disadvantaged social status (e.g., advanced age, female gender, and low education), early stages of immigration (short length of stay in the U.S. and low English proficiency), and lack of personal health resources (e.g., poor health condition and lack of health insurance). The findings shed light on older immigrants’ challenges in the use of health services in a broad sense and help identify areas of patient burden and avenues for interventions.

Objective To test the efficacy of a hybrid model of the self-help intervention program (hSHIP), which combines a mobile version of SHIP (mSHIP) and personal coaching, to address unique cultural and motivational factors for optimal self-management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among Korean Americans (KAs). Methods A single-group feasibility study design was used. The hSHIP utilizes texts and motivational counseling based on well-tested intervention content for KAs. To facilitate the dissemination of hSHIP, we developed a web application adopting the principles of persuasive technology to motivate behavior changes. Results Feasibility assessment found that hSHIP was well accepted by both participants and community health workers who delivered the intervention. An average of 1.3% A1C reduction (from 7.8% to 6.5%) was achieved by KAs with diabetes (n = 165), 51.5% of whom lowered their A1C below 6.5% in 6-months. No one with prediabetes (n = 50) progressed to diabetes. Other clinical outcomes (e.g., weight, depression, and blood pressure) also improved significantly; 41.2% were able to reduce or discontinue antidiabetic drugs. Conclusion The feasibility and initial efficacy of hSHIP were demonstrated. Practice implication This hybrid diabetes self-management model is a viable tool for traditionally underserved groups with diabetes or prediabetes.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as well as poor glycemic control among T2DM patients, yet comparative studies of its association among ethnic minority populations are scarce. Using baseline data from a behavioral intervention study of Korean Americans (KAs) with T2DM (N = 250 KAs) and the NHANES data set, we explored differential roles of vitamin D on HbA1C level or T2DM control in several racial groups. Significantly more KAs (55.2%) were vitamin D-deficient (U.S. average, 37.8%). Both common and unique correlates of vitamin D deficiency in minority populations were identified, including significant associations between Vitamin D and HbA1C in both non-diabetic and diabetic populations. Future studies are warranted to explain the causal mechanism of the effect of vitamin D and glycemic control as well as to examine contextual factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in certain minority groups. Clinical Trials Registry: Identifier NCT01264796

To investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States and to explore within-group variations by examining interactions between cognitive performance and background and health variables.The sample (The regression model for the entire sample showed direct effects of cognitive performance and race/ethnicity on cognitive health appraisals, as well as a significant interaction between cognitive performance and being non-Hispanic Black. Cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals were positively associated in non-Hispanic Whites but not significantly associated in non-Hispanic Blacks. Our subsequent analysis within each racial/ethnic group showed that the effect of cognitive performance in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics became either reversed or nonsignificant when background and health variables were considered. Modification by age or chronic medical conditions in each racial and ethnic group was also observed.Overall, these findings suggest that perceptions and appraisals of cognitive health vary by race and ethnicity and hold implications for how these differences should be considered in research and practice with diverse groups of older adults.

Background This study examines associations among social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive health risks in older Korean Americans, focusing on the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between social isolation and objective and subjective measures of cognitive impairment. Methods Data are from 2061 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multi-state survey of Korean immigrants age 60 and older (Mage = 73.2, SD = 7.93). Social isolation was indexed with the Lubben Social Network Scale− 6; loneliness, with the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. Objective and subjective measures of cognitive impairment included the Mini-Mental State Examination and a single-item self-rating of cognitive health. Results In the logistic regression model for objective cognitive impairment, social isolation was significantly associated, but loneliness was not. In the model for subjective cognitive impairment, both social isolation and loneliness were significant factors. However, the effect of social isolation became non-significant when loneliness was considered, suggesting a potential mediating role of loneliness. The subsequent mediation analysis confirmed that the indirect effect of social isolation on subjective cognitive impairment through loneliness was significant (B = .20, SE = .03, 95% CI = .12, .28). Conclusion Our analyses provide evidence for the proposed mediating effect of loneliness in the relationship between social isolation and subjective cognitive impairment. Intervention efforts should focus on reducing feelings of loneliness experienced by older immigrants, possibly by engaging them in socially meaningful and cognitively stimulating activities.

Introduction: Poor self-management of heart failure (HF) has contributed to poor health outcomes with an annual loss of $32 billion. Our innovative sensor controlled digital game (SCDG) integrates data from weight scale and physical activity sensors to trigger rewards, progress, changes in avatar’s health status and feedback based on HF individuals’ real-time behaviors (Fig1). Hypothesis: Weight monitoring and physical activity by participants receiving both the SCDG app and sensors will be higher than participants receiving only the sensors (CG). Methods: English-speaking HF adults aged >55 years, own a smartphone, and walk unassisted were recruited from cardiac settings in Texas. Both SCDG and CG participants were given ‘Withings’ activity tracker and smart weight scale sensors to track behaviors for 12 weeks. Physical activity goal was tailored to the participant’s ability. Results: In early results over six weeks on 12 participants (58% women, white, and 65+ years age), the mean days with weight monitoring in the SCDG group was 34 and 27 in the CG. Daily average steps were 2195 (53% of goal) in SCDG group and 3187 in CG (75% of goal). 100% of participants found the SCDG easy and enjoyable to play. Study adaptations in response to the COVID19 crisis will allow us to present results on 30 participants at conference time. Conclusion: SCDG had trends of higher weight monitoring but lower physical activity among older adults with HF. Participants in the study continue to engage in weight-monitoring and physical activity even during the COVID19 crisis. This presents opportunities to tailor digital health interventions to remotely motivate self-management behaviors.

Background: A diabetes mellitus (DM)-specific health literacy (HL) measure that focuses on both oral and print HL is needed in clinical and research settings. Objective: The present study developed a psychometrically sound DM-specific HL instrument that measures oral and print HL. Methods: We developed the measure in three steps. First, we reviewed clinical guidelines and conducted focus groups with experts to generate items. Next, we conducted a psychometric evaluation of the scale in three language versions (English, Spanish, and Korean). Lastly, we identified and removed items with potential cultural bias and duplicate functions to produce shorter versions of the scale, using item response theory (IRT). Key Results: We initially developed an 82-item DM-specific oral HL scale using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (DM-REALM) model. To improve the clinical utility of the DM-REALM, we created shorter forms, a 40-item and 20-item version, and evaluated them by using IRT. All DM-REALM versions had high Cronbach alphas (.985, .974, and .945, respectively) and yielded sufficient convergent validity by positive correlations with existing functional HL scale ( r = .49, p < .001), education ( r = .14, p = .14 to r = .54, p < .001), and DM knowledge ( r = .04, p = .70 to r = .36, p < .001). DM-REALM also demonstrated adequate sensitivity as an intervention evaluation tool that captures the changes induced by an intervention. Conclusions: All forms of the DM-REALM tool were reliable, valid, and clinically useful measures of HL in the context of DM care. Both researchers and clinicians can use this tool to assess DM-specific HL across multiple racial and ethnic populations. [ HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice . 2020;4(4):e237–e249.] Plain Language Summary: This article reported the process and findings of a newly developed health literacy scale for people with diabetes mellitus using three different language versions. Both long and short versions of the scale demonstrated adequate validity and reliability.

In the present study, we examined self-rated health as a mediator between physical health conditions (chronic diseases and functional disability) and depressive symptoms in older Chinese and Korean Americans. Using harmonized data (N = 5,063) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) and the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), we tested direct and indirect effect models. In both groups, chronic diseases and functional disability were closely associated with negative ratings of health and symptoms of depression. Analyses with the PROCESS macro showed that the effect of chronic diseases and functional disability on depressive symptoms was mediated by self-rated health in both groups; the indirect effect was greater in the Korean American sample than in the Chinese American sample. These findings contribute to the understanding of the psychological mechanisms that underlie the mind–body connection and highlight the potential importance of subjective health assessment as a useful tool for health promotion.

Guided by the models of health assessment and social determinants of health, we examined predictors of self-rated physical, mental, oral, and cognitive health of older Korean immigrants. Data came from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,061, Mean age = 73.2). Multivariate regression models of self-ratings of health were tested with health indicators (both domain-specific and other health indicators including chronic disease, functional disability, mental distress, problems with teeth or gums, and cognitive function) and sociocultural factors (acculturation, social network, and ethnic community social cohesion). For self-rated physical, mental, and oral health, indicators specific to the targeted domain played a primary role, with those of other health domains playing a secondary role. Acculturation and social network were significant predictors of all four measures. Findings highlight the importance of holistic health assessment that considers a wide range of health domains as well as sociocultural contexts.

OBJECTIVES: The gap between mental health needs and service use in racial/ethnic minorities continues to be a major public health concern. Focusing on older Korean immigrants, the present study examined linkages among mental distress, self-rated mental health (SRMH), and the use of professional mental health services. We hypothesized that SRMH would play a mediating role in the relationship between mental distress and the use of professional mental health services. METHOD: Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,150, Mean age = 73.4), the direct and indirect effect models were tested. RESULTS: Nearly 30% of the sample fell within the category of experiencing mental distress, but only a small proportion (5.7%) had used professional mental health services. Supporting our hypothesis, the pathway from mental distress to the use of professional mental health services was influenced by an individual’s subjective perception of mental health status: the indirect effect of mental distress on service use through SRMH (.04 [.01]) was significant (bias-corrected 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect = .02, .06). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study not only contribute to our understanding of help-seeking processes in a group at high mental health risk but also suggest avenues to promote their use of mental health services.

Objectives: In older persons with heart failure (HF), an inability to self-manage their disease condition can result in poor health outcomes and quality of life. With the rise in smartphone use and digital game playing among older adults, digital tools such as sensor-controlled digital games (SCDGs) can offer accessible health-promoting tools that are enjoyable and easy to use. However, designing SCDGs that are compelling and aligned with their life values and self-management needs can be challenging. This article describes a qualitative study with older adults with HF who were recruited from a cardiac rehabilitation laboratory in central Texas to identify their perceptions and expectations regarding a SCDG for HF self-management. Materials and Methods: A low-fidelity prototype that demonstrated the features of a SCDG was used to obtain the participants' perceptions about the value of SCDGs for HF self-management with respect to content, customization, flexibility, and usability through qualitative interviews. Results: We interviewed 15 patients with HF (53% women; age range, 53-90 years; 60% white). The concept of SCDGs for HF self-management was highly acceptable (80%). Participants provided suggestions for game characters, progress in the game, and game notifications and incentives. Perceived benefits included helping users track their behaviors and establish routines, become informed on strategies to manage HF, and empower themselves to take charge of their health. Conclusions: The study's findings will guide personalization of SCDG development to motivate patient engagement in HF self-management behaviors.

BACKGROUND The incidence of breast cancer among South Korean women, a historically low-risk population, has increased over the past 3 decades, with marked changes in socioeconomic environment by birth cohort. OBJECTIVES We investigated associations between breast cancer risk and reproductive factors as well as the impact of birth cohort in those associations. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2013-2016. Data from 10 012 parous women 30 years or older were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cox multivariate regression after adjusting for socioeconomic status, educational level, occupation, and birth cohort. RESULTS Of the reproductive factors considered-age at menarche, number of pregnancies, age at first birth, age at last birth, breastfeeding duration, and use of oral contraceptives-only age at menarche was associated with breast cancer risk. Higher educational level, not having an occupation, and younger birth cohort were also associated with increased risk of breast cancer, with birth cohort the strongest of these impact factors. CONCLUSION Whereas the relationship between reproductive factors and breast cancer risk was relatively weak, birth cohort was the most important risk factor for breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The results provide a basis and a rationale for developing birth cohort-based clinical guidelines for breast cancer prevention and early detection, treatment, and survivorship. These findings should also be useful to researchers in other countries experiencing rapid changes in breast cancer incidence.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES. This study explores factors associated with willingness to use a nursing home in Asian Americans. Focus is given to demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and education), health-related variables (chronic medical condition and self-rated health), immigration-related variables (time in the U.S. and acculturation), and family-related variables (family network and family solidarity). DESIGN. Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS. Data were drawn from 2,553 participants in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Survey (aged 18−98). MEASURES. Participants were asked to indicate whether they would be willing to use a nursing home in the future. An affirmative response indicated a personal willingness to use a nursing home. RESULTS. Approximately 38% of the sample demonstrated willingness to use a nursing home. Higher odds for willingness were observed among those with advanced age, female gender, Korean ethnicity (compared with Chinese), better education, presence of a chronic medical condition, longer years of residence in the U.S., and lower levels of family solidarity. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS. Reflecting the current trend of an increase in racial/ethnic minorities in nursing homes, a substantial proportion of the present sample of Asian Americans demonstrated willingness to use a nursing home. Findings on the factors associated with willingness provide implications for policies and services to respond to the long-term care needs of this emerging population.

BACKGROUND: The present study examined the extent to which limited English proficiency (LEP) poses a risk to health service use in Asian Americans. METHODS: With data drawn from the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life Survey (N = 2,594), logistic regression was used to model the odds for four outcomes (no usual place for care, no regular check-up, unmet needs for medical care, and communication problems in healthcare settings). RESULTS: More than 62% of the sample had LEP. In the group with LEP, the odds of not having usual place for care increased by 2.09 times, of not having regular check-up by 1.69 times, of having unmet needs for medical care by 1.89 times, and of having communication problems in healthcare settings by 4.95 times. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the vulnerabilities of Asian Americans with LEP in health service use and provide implications for health planning and interventions.

PURPOSE Biomarkers as common data elements (CDEs) are important for the characterization of biobehavioral symptoms given that once a biologic moderator or mediator is identified, biologically based strategies can be investigated for treatment efforts. Just as a symptom inventory reflects a symptom experience, a biomarker is an indicator of the symptom, though not the symptom per se. The purposes of this position paper are to (a) identify a "minimum set" of biomarkers for consideration as CDEs in symptom and self-management science, specifically biochemical biomarkers; (b) evaluate the benefits and limitations of such a limited array of biomarkers with implications for symptom science; (c) propose a strategy for the collection of the endorsed minimum set of biologic samples to be employed as CDEs for symptom science; and (d) conceptualize this minimum set of biomarkers consistent with National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) symptoms of fatigue, depression, cognition, pain, and sleep disturbance. DESIGN AND METHODS From May 2016 through January 2017, a working group consisting of a subset of the Directors of the NINR Centers of Excellence funded by P20 or P30 mechanisms and NINR staff met bimonthly via telephone to develop this position paper suggesting the addition of biomarkers as CDEs. The full group of Directors reviewed drafts, provided critiques and suggestions, recommended the minimum set of biomarkers, and approved the completed document. Best practices for selecting, identifying, and using biological CDEs as well as challenges to the use of biological CDEs for symptom and self-management science are described. Current platforms for sample outcome sharing are presented. Finally, biological CDEs for symptom and self-management science are proposed along with implications for future research and use of CDEs in these areas. FINDINGS The recommended minimum set of biomarker CDEs include pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis marker, cortisol, the neuropeptide brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and DNA polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS It is anticipated that this minimum set of biomarker CDEs will be refined as knowledge regarding biologic mechanisms underlying symptom and self-management science further develop. The incorporation of biological CDEs may provide insights into mechanisms of symptoms, effectiveness of proposed interventions, and applicability of chosen theoretical frameworks. Similarly, as for the previously suggested NINR CDEs for behavioral symptoms and self-management of chronic conditions, biological CDEs offer the potential for collaborative efforts that will strengthen symptom and self-management science. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The use of biomarker CDEs in biobehavioral symptoms research will facilitate the reproducibility and generalizability of research findings and benefit symptom and self-management science.

The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States and (2) to explore within-group variations by examining interactions between cognitive performance and background and health variables. The sample (N = 3,099) included 2,260 non-Hispanic White, 498 non-Hispanic Black, and 341 Hispanic adults aged 65 or older, from the 2016–2017 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Regression models of cognitive health appraisals, indicated by self-rated cognitive health, were examined in the entire sample and in racial and ethnic subgroups to test direct and interactive effects of cognitive performance, indicated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The regression model for the entire sample showed direct effects of cognitive performance and race/ethnicity on cognitive health appraisals, as well as a significant interaction between cognitive performance and being non-Hispanic Black. Cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals were positively associated in non-Hispanic Whites but not significantly associated in non-Hispanic Blacks. Our subsequent analysis within each racial/ethnic group showed that the effect of cognitive performance in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics became either reversed or nonsignificant when background and health variables were considered. Modification by age or chronic medical conditions in each racial and ethnic group was also observed. Overall, these findings suggest that perceptions and appraisals of cognitive health vary by race and ethnicity and hold implications for how these differences should be considered in research and practice with diverse groups of older adults.

The present study identified profiles of acculturation in Asian Americans and explored their implications for health. Pointing out the upward selection bias of Asian Americans in English-only surveys, the study calls attention to the importance of obtaining Asian American samples that reflect the group's cultural and linguistic diversities. Data were drawn from 2,602 participants (age range = 18-98) in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Survey, conducted in central Texas. To reach out to diverse groups of Asian Americans, culturally and linguistically sensitive approaches (e.g., survey questionnaire in Asian languages, bilingual/bicultural recruiters and survey assistants, and partnerships with key individuals and organizations within ethnic communities) were employed, resulting in a sample almost half of which were surveyed in their native languages. Latent profile analysis based on acculturation-related variables (nativity, proportion of life lived in the United States, English speaking ability, familiarity with host culture, familiarity with heritage culture, identity toward ethnic origin, and sense of belonging to the community of ethnic origin) identified a 4-cluster solution: fully bicultural, moderately bicultural, alienated from host culture, and alienated from heritage culture. The fully bicultural group was most advantaged in terms of self-ratings of physical, oral, and mental health. The alienated from heritage culture group demonstrated a particular risk for physical and mental health, whereas the alienated from host culture group was at risk for oral health. Findings not only help understand the heterogeneity of acculturation in Asian Americans but also provide implications for health interventions.