Identifying the Causes of Nutrition Inadequacy in Vietnamese Married Immigrant Women and Korean Spouses through Qualitative Research

This study examined the possible causes of nutritional inadequacy in Vietnamese immigrant women married to Korean husbands. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 34 Vietnamese marriage immigrant women and 17 Korean spouses participating in or having experienced Nutrition Plus from four Community Health Centers in Seoul, Korea. The study results showed that the nutritional staus of the Vietnamese marriage immigrant women was affected by the unfamiliar Korean food (cultural factor), low household income (economical factor), difficulty in purchasing Vietnamese food (environmental factor), and low accessibility to nutrition support systems (social factor). The Korean husbands' nutritional status was affected by the unfamiliar Vietnamese food (cultural factor), low household income (economic factor), and irregular working conditions (social factors). Nutritional interventions as a public service to the community needs to be developed and applied. Suggestions are presented regarding the future efforts to better understand and meet the nutrition needs of intermarried couples to respond to their heterogeneous needs and deliver adequate nutrition service to ever increasing intermarried families.

The Effect of Parenting Stress and Acculturative Stress on Parenting Efficacy in Vietnamese Married Immigrant Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of parenting stress and acculturative stress on the parenting efficacy of Vietnamese married migrant women. METHODS: A total of 130 Vietnamese married immigrant women were recruited from the Multicultural Family Support Center in U-city. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics of a t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS 21.0 program. RESULTS: The scores of parenting and acculturative stress level were 2.62 and 2.87, parenting efficacy level was 2.98. The Aculturative stress experience was positively correlated with parenting stress (r=0.547, p < 0.001), Parenting stress experience was negatively correlated with parenting efficacy (r=-0.486, p < 0.001), and, acculturative stress experience was negatively correlated with parenting efficacy (r=-0.460, p < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis of acculturative (t=-2.891, p=0.005) and parenting stress (t=-3.818, p < 0.001) showed a significant number of factors that explain parenting efficacy. The model included the two independent variables of acculturation stress and parenting stress which were statistically significant (F=24.966, p < 0.001), and had a descriptive result of 28.5%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the need for development and implementation of mediation measures such as substantial, cooperative, and systematic parenting programs for women in Vietnam to promote regional community support.

Consumption of Han-sik and its Association with Socioeconomic Status among Filipino Immigrant Women: the Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL) / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the consumption of Han-sik and its association with the years of residence in Korea and the socioeconomic status among Filipino immigrant women of the Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL). METHODS: A total of 474 Filipino women married to Korean men were included in the analysis. Their dietary intake was assessed using a single-day 24-hour recall. The participants provided information on the demographics, socioeconomic, and health-related factors through face-to-face interviews. The generalized linear model and logistic regression model were used to examine the association between the socioeconomic status and consumption of Han-sik. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 34.3 years old, and the average duration of residence in Korea was 8.2 years. Among 474 Filipino women, a total of 467 consumed Han-sik, with an average of 6.8 food items per day. The Han-sik foods that the participants consumed most frequently were rice, cabbage kimchi, mixed-grain rice, and fried eggs. The average ratio of Han-sik was 58.57%. The ratio of Han-sik showed no significant associations with the years of residence, years of living together with their husband, education levels, total annual family income, or linguistic competence of Korean. However, the ratio of Han-sik use was associated with cohabitation with parents-in-law; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.41 (1.18–4.92, p-trend = 0.002) comparing the fourth quartile with the first quartile of the Han-sik ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Filipino immigrant women in the FiLWHEL study consumed a larger number of Han-sik than Philippine foods. In addition, cohabitation with their parents-in-law was associated with the consumption of Han-sik. Further epidemiologic studies will be needed to determine how the diet affects the health and wellbeing of immigrant women in Korea.

Consumption of Han-sik and its Association with Socioeconomic Status among Filipino Immigrant Women: the Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL) / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the consumption of Han-sik and its association with the years of residence in Korea and the socioeconomic status among Filipino immigrant women of the Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL). METHODS: A total of 474 Filipino women married to Korean men were included in the analysis. Their dietary intake was assessed using a single-day 24-hour recall. The participants provided information on the demographics, socioeconomic, and health-related factors through face-to-face interviews. The generalized linear model and logistic regression model were used to examine the association between the socioeconomic status and consumption of Han-sik. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 34.3 years old, and the average duration of residence in Korea was 8.2 years. Among 474 Filipino women, a total of 467 consumed Han-sik, with an average of 6.8 food items per day. The Han-sik foods that the participants consumed most frequently were rice, cabbage kimchi, mixed-grain rice, and fried eggs. The average ratio of Han-sik was 58.57%. The ratio of Han-sik showed no significant associations with the years of residence, years of living together with their husband, education levels, total annual family income, or linguistic competence of Korean. However, the ratio of Han-sik use was associated with cohabitation with parents-in-law; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.41 (1.18–4.92, p-trend = 0.002) comparing the fourth quartile with the first quartile of the Han-sik ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Filipino immigrant women in the FiLWHEL study consumed a larger number of Han-sik than Philippine foods. In addition, cohabitation with their parents-in-law was associated with the consumption of Han-sik. Further epidemiologic studies will be needed to determine how the diet affects the health and wellbeing of immigrant women in Korea.

Violencia en la pareja: el rol de la red social / Intimate partner violence: the role of social support / Violência de gênero no casal: o papel da rede social

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo valorar la perspectiva de mujeres inmigrantes sobre las características del trato que ellas reciben desde su red social, explorando el rol que sus redes han tenido en relación al cese o reducción de la violencia de género en la pareja. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo exploratorio en el cual participaron 14 mujeres inmigrantes latinoamericanas que habían sufrido violencia de género en la pareja en Barcelona, España. A través del análisis de los datos obtenidos por medio de entrevistas, se pudo identificar que la red social cobra importancia a la hora de ofrecer soporte emocional y facilitar recursos materiales. Por otro lado, la atención ofrecida por la red social puede reeditar la victimización. Los resultados evidenciaron la necesidad de intervenciones para instrumentalizar a la red sobre su rol en la recuperación de las mujeres que padecen violencia

This paper presents the perspective of Latin America immigrant women about the role that social support had concerning the cessation or reduction of intimate partner violence. Qualitative methodology was chosen to analyze the experience of fourteen battered Latin American women in Barcelona, Spain. According to the data analysis through interviews, emotional support and economical resources are important functional aspects given by the social network. On the other hand, the social network's answer can produce victimization risks. Results showed the importance of interventions to use the social network to help battered women recover from violence

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo conhecer a perspectiva de mulheres imigrantes sobre a ajuda que recebem da sua rede social, ao investigar o papel que essas redes exerceram em relação ao término ou à redução da violência no relacionamento íntimo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória da qual participaram 14 mulheres imigrantes latino-americanas que sofreram violência na relação de casal em Barcelona, Espanha. A análise dos dados coletados através de entrevistas aponta a importância da rede social ao oferecer apoio emocional e favorecer recursos materiais. Por outro lado, a atenção oferecida pela rede social pode ser fonte de vitimização. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de intervenções que orientem a rede sobre o seu papel na recuperação de mulheres que sofrem violência

Assistência ao parto de mulheres imigrantes: a vivência do enfermeiro obstetra/obstetriz / Labor and delivery care for immigrant women: the experience of obstetrics nurse/midwifes

Este estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, teve como objetivo compreender como se dá a assistência do enfermeiro obstetra/obstetriz à mulher imigrante, durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Para obtenção dos dados, foram realizadas entrevistas com 11 enfermeiras obstetras/obstetrizes que tiveram a experiência de assistir mulheres imigrantes, durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Para o tratamento dos dados, foi utilizado o método de análise temática proposto por Bardin, utilizando o referencial da Teoria da Transculturalidade de Leininger, e foi possível obter três temas principais: o primeiro abordou a experiência ao realizar a assistência às mulheres imigrantes, trazendo os sentimentos vivenciados pelas enfermeiras obstetras/obstetrizes nessa experiência; o segundo, as dificuldades encontradas, com categorias relacionadas à linguagem e à cultura e o terceiro sobre os meios encontrados para facilitar a assistência às mulheres imigrantes. Neste estudo, os profissionais que atenderam a mulheres imigrantes relataram dificuldades principalmente relacionadas às barreiras linguísticas e culturais. Indicaram que perceber que a assistência às mulheres imigrantes é diferente é o primeiro passo para o cuidado transcultural. Apontaram que admitir a existência de dificuldades e considerá-las como um obstáculo que necessita ser enfrentado, fazendo com que essa experiência se torne positiva tanto para o profissional quanto para a mulher que está sendo atendida, é importante para que a assistência se torne cada vez melhor. É necessário um maior conhecimento sobre essa população para a adaptação da assistência às especificidades culturais, e o enfermeiro obstetra/obstetriz deve ser sensível a essas diferenças e adaptar seu cuidado. Os dados obtidos neste estudo podem oferecer subsídios para a implementação de ações no âmbito do atendimento às mulheres imigrantes, envolvendo os profissionais de saúde, as instituições de saúde e a população imigrante

This descriptive study, which takes a qualitative approach, sought to understand the workings of assistance given by obstetrics nurse/midwifes to immigrant women during labor and delivery. To obtain this data, interviews were carried out with 11 obstetrics nurses/obstetricians with experience assisting immigrant women during labor and delivery. Interpretation of this data was done via the thematic analysis method proposed by Bardin and by utilizing Leininger's Transcultural Theory, which allowed us to find three main themes: the first touches on the experience of carrying out assistance to immigrant women and concerns the sentiments felt by the obstetrics nurses/midwifes during this experience; the second, the challenges faced, with categories related to language and culture; and third, the ways that were found to facilitate assistance to immigrant women. In this study, the professionals that served immigrant women noted difficulties related primarily to language and cultural barriers. They noted that the perception that there is a difference when assisting immigrant women is the first step in transcultural care. They noted that admitting the existence of difficulties and considering these as obstacles that need to be overcome - turning the experience into something positive for both the professionals and the women being cared for - are important for continuously improving care. It is necessary to have a better understanding of this population to adapt assistance to specific cultures, and the obstetrics nurse/midwifes should be sensitive to these differences and adapt care accordingly. The data obtained in this study can offer support for the implementation of activities to serve immigrant women, involving health professionals, health institutions, and the immigrant population

Maternal and Child Health in Multi-Cultural Family in Korea and Policy Suggestion

In Korea, international marriage and inflow of foreigners have increased, as globalization leads to increase of human and resource movement, unbalanced sex ratios in marriage markets, and aging phenomenon, and decrease of fertility rate. The number of marriage-based immigrant women and their children is expected to be growing continuously. Because the majority of immigrant women are between 18 and 49 years old and permanently reside in Korea, there is a high possibility for them to give birth in the country. Many immigrant women get pregnant before acquiring nationality in Korea or without having enough time to adapt themselves to new circumstances. Thus, it is critical for them to have basic reproductive health care and health protection services. Also, there is a great need of maternal and child health services for multi-cultural family. marriage-based immigrant women are more likely to be vulnerable to injuries and diseases due to the relatively low level of income, education, and language skill, as well as cultural and environmental differences from their home country. Despite of the great health care needs for women and children in multi-cultural family, it lacks decent health care services for them and also there is no integrated national survey on their health. Therefore, it is necessary to establish integrated research system to understand the current health conditions and problems of women and children in multi-cultural family. Additionally, we need to set up the long-term life-support policies concerning different situations in multi-cultural families.

Meta-analysis about the Effectiveness of Intervention Programs for Married Immigrant Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effect size of intervention programs for married immigrant women as well as to suggest the basic data for health care practices for married migrant women. METHODS: Meta-analysis was conducted with 27 articles from domestic Korea master's and doctorate degree dissertations and Korea academic journals from 2007 to 2014. RESULTS: Overall average effect size was 1.17 and 'parental education' of Intervention Variables was the biggest effect size. Intervention Variables were also identified to be the most desirable in cases when total sessions were applied with 10-18 sessions, 1 session per week, 90-120 minutes per session activity time and with less than 10 subjects in group size. Regarding effect variables, psychological variable group was identified to show the biggest effect size and in sub-variables, self-efficacy was identified to show the biggest effect size. CONCLUSION: If intervention programs for married immigrant women is expanded and conducted based on the results of this study, the program would have significant affect psychological, social and physical health of the married migrant women who currently occupy the important status in our society.

Dietary changes in Vietnamese marriage immigrant women: The KoGES follow-up study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The immigrant population has grown considerably in South Korea since the early 1990s due to international marriages. Dietary changes in immigrants are an important issue, because they are related to health and disease patterns. This study was conducted to compare changes in dietary intake between baseline and follow-up periods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two hundreds thirty three Vietnamese female married immigrants. Baseline data were collected during 2006-2009, and the follow-up data were collected during 2008 and 2010. Food consumption was assessed using a 1-day 24-hour recall. RESULTS: The amount of the total food consumed (P < 0.001) including that of cereals (P = 0.004), vegetables (P = 0.003), and fruits (P = 0.002) decreased at follow-up compared to that at baseline, whereas consumption of milk and dairy products increased (P = 0.004). Accordingly, the overall energy and nutrient intake decreased at follow-up, including carbohydrates (P = 0.012), protein (P = 0.021), fiber (P = 0.008), iron (P = 0.009), zinc (P = 0.006), and folate (P = 0.002). Among various anthropometric and biochemical variables, mean skeletal muscle mass decreased (P = 0.012), plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased, (P = 0.020) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased at follow-up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A long-term follow-up study is needed to investigate the association between changes in food and nutrient intake and anthropometric and biochemical variables in these Vietnamese female marriage immigrants.

Imigração e saúde: a (in)acessibilidade das mulheres imigrantes aos cuidados de saúde / Immigration and health: women immigrants' (in)ability to access health care

A utilização dos serviços de saúde pelas populações imigrantes tem vindo a ser considerado um dos mais importantes indicadores da sua integração nas sociedades receptoras (Dias e col., 2009). No entanto, o conhecimento em torno da qualidade e da eficácia do acesso dos/as imigrantes aos cuidados de saúde, especialmente no que respeita às mulheres imigrantes, é ainda escasso em Portugal (Fonseca e col., 2005). Embora os estudos nacionais tenham vindo, nas últimas décadas, a procurar traçar os diferentes perfis sociais das mulheres imigrantes em Portugal, sobretudo no que concerne às suas relações familiares ou laborais (Wall e col., 2005), a investigação no domínio da saúde é ainda parca e exclusora de uma análise centrada no género ou interseccional. Neste texto apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre os determinantes que condicionam a (in)acessibilidade das mulheres imigrantes aos cuidados de saúde, enfatizando-se os fatores que poderão estar a agir no sentido contrário à sua integração neste setor.

"Situación de inmigración" de mujeres sudamericanas en chile: hacia un modelo comprensivo / "Estado de imigração" de mulheres da américa do sul no Chile: rumo a um modelo abrangente / "Immigration situation" of south american women in Chile: toward a comprehensive model

El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la situación de inmigración de mujeres sudamericanas en la región de Antofagasta (Chile) y construir un modelo teórico para su análisis. Las participantes de este estudio fueron 19 mujeres de entre 18 y 50 años, residentes en la ciudad de Antofagasta y provenientes de Perú, Bolivia y Colombia. Los principales hallazgos sugirieron un modelo dinámico, en el que se tensiona la identidad social y de género de las mujeres inmigrantes ante la búsqueda de coherencia dentro de sus espacios vitales. Advertimos en la interacción con la sociedad receptora, la imposición de nuevas categorías sociales a cambio de integración basada en la asimilación. No obstante, también se observan formas de resistencia frente a dicho proceso.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar o estado de imigração de mulheres sul-americanas na região de Antofagasta (Chile) e construir um modelo teórico para a análise. Os participantes do estudo foram 19 mulheres entre 18 e 50 anos residentes na cidade de Antofagasta e provenientes do Peru, Bolívia e Colômbia. Os resultados sugerem um modelo dinâmico, que enfatiza a identidade social e de gênero das mulheres imigrantes à procura de coerência em seus hábitats. Notamos, na interação com a sociedade de acolhimento, a imposição de novas categorias sociais em troca de integração baseada na assimilação. No entanto, também existem formas de resistência a este processo.

The objective of this research was to know the immigration situation of South American women in the region of Antofagasta (Chile) and build a theoretical model for analysis. The study participants were 19 women between 18 and 50 years old, living in the Antofagasta city and from Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. The main findings suggested a dynamic model, which stresses the social and gender identity of women immigrants to the search for coherence in their life spaces. Furthermore, we noted in the interaction with the host society, the imposition of new social categories in exchange for assimilation and integration supported by uprooting. However, we also perceived in different dimensions, spaces of resistance to the rules of the host.

Study of Dietary Attitudes and Diet Management of Married Immigrant Women in Korea according to Residence Period

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary attitudes and meal management of married immigrant women according to residence period in Korea. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire survey to 220 married immigrant women in Korea. More than one third of the immigrant women who stayed in Korea less than 3 years tended to eat a limited variety of foods. Irregularity of meal time decreased as residence time period increased (P<0.05). As immigrant women stayed longer in Korea, they became more responsible for the diet of their family (P<0.001) and had more time to share breakfast and dinner with all family members (P<0.05). Nearly half of immigrant women in all residence periods indicated their husband's family as the most influential factor in acquiring Korean foods (P<0.05). Immigrant women became more familiar with Korean cooking and recognition of nutritious foods (P<0.001) the longer they lived in Korea and more enjoyable meal times with family (P<0.05). In summary, as the period of residence in Korea increased, the dietary attitudes of immigrant women became more positive towards Korean food and diet culture. Further, immigrant women became more responsible for guiding children's dietary habits and offering healthy foods to their family as residence period increased. Therefore, the government and social programs should conduct constant and organized lessons on Korean culture and cooking according to residence period for immigrant women to build up stable and positive dietary attitudes.

Nutrition Knowledge and Need for a Dietary Education Program among Marriage Immigrant Women in Gyeongbuk Region

The purpose of this study was to provide basic materials and assistance for developing a nutritional education program targeting marriage immigrant women, and it was carried out on 86 female marriage immigrants living in the Gyeongbuk region. An average age of the female marriage immigrants who participated in this survey were 28.6 years, and their home countries were the Philippines (32.6%), Vietnam (29.1%), and so on. Exactly 59.3% of subjects had been married for 1~5 years, and 40.7% of the subjects had an education status of less than middle school graduation. The majority of them (65.1%) had one more children, and 51.2% of subjects were a part of a nuclear-family, with the husband's age between 40~49 years old (58.1%). Concern for nutrition label was significantly different according to number of children (P10 years than <1 year (P<0.01), and education level of college & university graduation than less than middle school (P<0.05). Sixty percent of the women surveyed participated in the education program of 'Korean language' as they were in their country, and the most preferred education program was 'Korean dietary life and culture' (39.5%). Regarding participation and educational method, the majority of subjects responded that they wanted to learn nutritional education in a cooking academy or school (52.9%) and public health center (34.1%).

Relationship between strain subtypes and transmission of HIV infection within marriage-based immigrant women in rural area of Zhejiang province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the relationship between strain subtypes and transmission of HIV infection on marriage-based immigrant women,their spouses and children in rural area of Zhejiang province.Methods Marriage-based immigrant women with HIV infection,their HIV infected spouses and children in rural area in Zhejiang province,were selected as study objects.Analysis on genetic sequence and epidemiologic information was carried out.Subgenomic gag was amplified by nest-PCR analysis on the whole blood samples.Genetic subtype characterization and the source of HIV strains were analyzed.Relationships on sequences were also examined by phylogenetic tree analysis.Results Genetic sequences of 72 samples from HIV infected marriage-based immigrant women were obtained.The genetic subtypes comprised 21 CRF01_AE (29.2％),12CRF07 BC (16.7％),31 CRF08 BC (43.1％),6 B (8.3％),2 C (2.8％).HIV strains from 45 cases (62.5％) were similar to the prevalent HIV strains in the province where former census of marriagebased immigrant women were registered.In total,there were 26 (70.3％) cases from Yunnan province.84.7％ of the infected women had heterosexual behaviors before settling down in Zhejiang province.Genetic sequences of 17 pairs showed the same subtype between the couples and data from phylogenetic tree analysis supported the assumption of transmission linkage in the family.Conclusion The HIV subtype strains detected in those HIV infected marriage-based immigrant women in the rural area of Zhejiang province characterized with diversity,showing CRF08_BC and CRF01_AE were the main HIV strain subtypes.HIV infection originated mainly fiom Yunnan province and nearby regions.Heterosexual behaviors of the marriage-based immigrant women in the original region where they had their residence registration,seemed to be the primary high risk factors for these women.Surveillance and intervention programs on these marriage-based immigrant women and their family members should be improved.

A Comparative Study on the Postpartum Depression of Vietnamese Marriage Immigrant Women and Korean Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine postpartum depression of Vietnamese married immigrant women and Korean women, and to identify factors that affect postpartum depression. METHODS: Subjects of one hundred and thirty-five women who had delivered a baby within 3 years were part of the study. Of these women, sixty were Vietnamese married immigrant women and sixty -seven were Korean women living in Gangwon Province. Kim's (2005) Korean version of Cox's (1987) EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) was used to evaluate postpartum depression. The reliability of the entire subjects was Cronbach's alpha=.677, Vietnamese women .743, and Korean women .654. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in demographic data and obstetric history. There were significant differences in EPDS (t=-0.236, p=.814) of the type of household between the two groups. Korean women experienced more depression in the items of EPDS 1,2,5, and Vietnamese women experienced more depression in the items of EPDS 7, 8, and 10 when comparing item by item. The influencing factors of EPDS in entire subjects were marriage type, satisfaction of relationship with the husband and other household extended family members, and emotional experience during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Postpartum depression has occurred regardless of ethnicity, therefore prevention programs targeted at depression, and family support programs should be developed for all childbearing women.

The Experience of Transition in Pregnancy and Childbirth among the Married Immigrant Women in Korea / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to provide understanding of the meaning of the transition experiences in pregnancy and childbirth among the married immigrant women. METHODS: Data was collected through a face-to-face interview from 11 married immigrant women. Their conjugal lives were followed using the hermeneutics phenomenological method developed by van Manen: focusing on the meaning of lived experience. RESULTS: The essential themes that were associated with the transition experiences of the participants' lives during pregnancy and childbirth were as follows: "entering a strange world filled with chaos and tension where they feel like outsiders", "being pregnant and giving birth in increasingly difficult times", "giving birth to a child, which strengthens them to persevere through painful life experiences", "receiving greater support from their families". CONCLUSION: It contributes a deeper understanding of the essence of the transition experiences of married immigrant women who undergo pregnancy and childbirth after immigration. On the basis of this understanding, this study would be likely to highlight the importance of establishing an appropriate health and medicare systems and the expert network of nursing care for immigrant wom.

Estudo das representações sociais sobre gestação em mulheres bolivianas no contexto da atenção básica em saúde na área central da cidade de São Paulo / Study on social representations of pregnancy in bolivian women in the context of primary health care in the central area of the city of São Paulo

O processo imigratório dos bolivianos para o Brasil vem trazendo muitos questionamentos e necessidades de intervenção pelos serviços de saúde na cidade de São Paulo. As barreiras impostas pela cultura boliviana (como a linguagem) e o receio que os bolivianos têm pela situação de ilegalidade no país colocam aos serviços obstáculos no acesso à população. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é a compreensão das concepções das mulheres imigrantes bolivianas - que frequentam o Centro de Saúde Escola Barra Funda "Dr. Alexandre Vranjac" (CSEBF), na região central de São Paulo - sobre gestação, nos contextos: familiar, de adaptação como imigrantes e de espaço de construção da vida pessoal. Realizou-se uma análise qualitativa de entrevistas que incluíram mulheres bolivianas gestantes maiores de 18 anos, matriculadas no CSEBF. Foram realizadas algumas visitas domiciliares junto às agentes comunitárias. Como resultado, obteve-se que as bolivianas praticam endogamia e seus parceiros são fixos. Na Bolívia, não procuravam o serviço de saúde. Notou-se um paradoxo no que diz respeito à gravidez e ao trabalho, pois dizem ter planejado a primeira gestação, embora concordem que o trabalho - principal motivo da imigração - seja prejudicado pela gestação, parto e maternidade. Quanto à prática de parto, as bolivianas desejam e acreditam que o parto normal seja melhor que a cesárea, o que diverge do posicionamento comum das mulheres brasileiras. Este estudo poderá contribuir com conhecimentos sobre as concepções de saúde, particularmente sobre a gravidez, e acredita-se que as práticas dos serviços possam ser melhoradas, ampliando-se a capacidade de organização para receber imigrantes bolivianos.

A Study on Health Promotion Behavior and Contraception in Married Immigrant Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify health promotion behavior and contraception in married immigrant women. METHOD: Seventy-three immigrant women who were married with Korean men were recruited in October 2008. Data was collected by using questionnaires through a personal interview. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. RESULT: The lowest scoring part among health promotion behaviors was exercise. Stress management, eating habits and personal relationships followed. Health promotion behaviors were influenced by the age at marriage, frequency of going out, and health education experiences. Only 35.6% of subjects used contraception. The popular contraceptive methods were IUD, condom, and coitus interruptus. Most subjects got information about contraception from family and friends. 18.1% of subjects had no source of information. The women's education level had a significant influence on their contraceptive knowledge. CONCLUSION: Programs for exercise and contraception are needed to improve health promotion behaviors in married immigrant women. Nurses are an important part in health promotion. The role of nurses must be expanded in all communities through various intervention programs.

Korean Immigrant Women's Meanings of Breast, Breast Cancer, and Breast Cancer Screenings / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: Koreans are one of the fastest growing Asian populations in the U.S. since 1960s. In Korean immigrant women (KIW), breast cancer was reported as the most frequently diagnosed cancer. However, their screening rates for breast cancer are lower than national guidelines; it is assumed that underlying cultural schemas of breast, breast cancer, and its screening modalities exist and need to be studied. This study was aimed to investigate cultural meanings of breast, breast cancer, and breast cancer screenings in KIW. METHODS: Using cultural models theory from cognitive anthropology, naturalistic qualitative methodology was utilized. Three focus group interviews with fifteen KIW were conducted. Thematic analysis with constant comparison technique was performed eliciting units of meaning, categories, and themes. RESULTS: The cultural schema of the meaning of breast is "mother who is breast-feeding her baby," with two themes of "balance in size," and "shyness." Regarding breast cancer, three themes, i.e., "indifference," "fear," and "uncertainty" are emerged. "Lack of information about screening modalities" is the overarching schema with reference to breast cancer screenings. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate unique cultural models of KIW related to breast cancer and its screenings, which are critical to understand and penetrate their barriers to breast cancer screening.

A study of Stress Reaction, Symptoms of Stress, Health Promoting Behavior, and Quality of Life in Korean Immigrant Middle Aged Women / 간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to identify the level of Symptoms of Stress, Stress Reaction, Health Promoting Behavior, and Quality of Life in Korean Immigrant Middle Aged Women. The subjects of this study were 33 middle aged women who live in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. Data collection was performed at the U.W from Oct. 1998 to May. 1999. Data collection time was one hour and data was collected through 4 types of questionnaires : SOS, Health Promoting Behaviors, Quality of Life and Demographic data form, and the Physiologic Stress Profile was collected by J&J I-410 biofeedback equipment. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and the pearson correlation coefficient using the SAS program. The results of this study are as follows: 1. The level of physiological stress reaction and stress symptoms showed high level and quality of life showed low in general. 2. The Stress Reaction and Symptoms of Stress showed significant negative correlation with health promoting behavior, quality of life in the middle aged women. 3. The health promoting behavior showed significant positive correlation with quality of life in the middle aged women. In conclusion, the physiological stress reaction, symptoms of stress, and health promoting behavior were major influencing factor to quality of life in Korean Immigrant Women. From the results of the study, the following recommendations are presented as follow: 1. It is suggested that the study for developing the health promotion program focused on stress self-regulation for Korean immigrant women. 2. It is suggested that the comparative study for Korean immigrant women and Women in Korea. 3. It is necessary to broaden the scope of nursing practice for middle aged healthy women, so nurses can include a health promotion program focused on stress self-regulating as part of nursing care.