Culturally Adaptive Walking Intervention for Korean-Chinese Female Migrant Workers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the literature has commonly cited that development of culturally adaptive interventions is key to improving the health outcomes of culturally and linguistically diverse populations, there have been limited culturally adaptive walking interventions specific to Korean-Chinese (KC) migrants. The objective of this study is to describe the process in development of culturally adaptive walking interventions for KC female migrant workers, using the intervention mapping (IM) method. METHODS: The culturally adaptive walking intervention was developed using the IM method, which is a stepwise theory and evidence-based approach for planning interventions. The IM method process has six steps, including needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, selection of theory-based methods and practical strategies, development of an intervention program, development of an adoption and implementation plan, and development of an evaluation design. RESULTS: The determinants of walking behavior, including knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, and acculturation, were identified through an extensive literature review, community leader interviews, and a survey of female KC migrant workers. Appropriate intervention methods and strategies were identified based on relevant theories. Acculturation was a determinant of exercise behavior, and various methods to improve cultural adaptation were identified in the context of the lifestyles and working environments of the target population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The IM method provided a foundation for creating a health intervention for KC female migrant workers. This method could easily be useful for health care providers working with other groups.

Barriers to performing stretching exercises among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to performing stretching exercise experienced by Korean-Chinese female migrant workers during a community-based 12-week stretching exercise intervention trial. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Qualitative secondary data analysis was conducted using telephone counseling interview transcripts from 27 middle-aged, Korean-Chinese migrant women workers. MEASURES: A semistructured interview question asking barriers to performing stretching exercise was given to women who did not adhere to recommended stretching exercise. During the 12-week home-based stretching exercise intervention trial, six telephone calls were made to participants biweekly to elicit barriers to performing stretching exercise. Directed content analysis approach was utilized using three barrier categories: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and work-related environmental factors based on the ecological model. RESULTS: Participants experienced an average of 2.5 barriers during the study period. Intrapersonal barriers included lack of time and lack of motivation, and interpersonal barriers included no family to provide support and also a feeling resistance from coworkers. Work-related environmental barriers included frequent job changes, long working hours, lack of rest time, and unpredictable job demands. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight that migrant workers in Korea face unique work-related difficulties which present barriers to exercise.

Application of community-based participatory research principles: preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers in Korea.

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the intervention development process using the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) research framework. The intervention was then implemented to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers living in Korea. The secondary purpose was to determine how community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles could be applied to the intervention development process. A literature review, a focus group of the target population, key informant interviews, and community committee meetings with the researchers were conducted. Several CBPR principles, including developing community resources and promoting an equitable partnership between the researchers and the migrant community, ensured the appropriateness of the stretching intervention program for the ethnic migrant group, promoting program participation. It is suggested that occupational health nurses consider the CBPR approach in program development for underserved migrant workers.