Kyoung Hag Lee

Wichita State University | WSU · School of Social Work

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of grief, social support, as well as spirituality on the depressive symptoms of older adults in assisted living in Kansas. This study tested three hypotheses: a high level of grief will be related to a high level of depressive symptoms; high levels of social support (family, friends, and si...

Older adults are more vulnerable to falling due to normal changes due to aging, and their falls are a serious medical risk with high healthcare and societal costs. However, there is a lack of automatic fall detection systems for older adults. This paper reports (1) a wireless, flexible, skin-wearable electronic device for both accurate motion sensi...

In this study the authors explored how depressive symptoms and social support were related to the resilience of older caregivers (N = 117) caring children affected by HIV/AIDS in rural Northern Namibia, Africa. Our findings showed that lower levels of depressive symptoms and high levels of social support from significant others and family were stat...

Namibia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Older relatives in Namibia are taking the lead role in caring for children living with HIV, or orphaned as their parents had HIV. There has been a growing attention to the well-being and mental health of these older adult caregivers in sub-Saharan Africa; however, there is a lack of...

Previous studies examined factors influencing an increase in good health and quality of life among American Indian Elders (AIEs). However, there is a lack of research regarding the role of technology utilization on the quality of life of AIEs. This study explored the role of technology acceptance on social support and life satisfaction among unders...

The study of older caregiving is emerging as an important area of research in HIV endemic communities. This study explored the role of social support/network and religiosity in predicting depressive symptoms among older caregivers (N = 100) from the Omusati region in rural Namibia, Africa. Hierarchical multivariate regression results showed that hi...

Background: More than 60% of older adults living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Namibia has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. This study examined the association between social support, spirituality and depressive symptoms. Method and results: The sample consisted of 147 Oshiwambo-speaking older adults (mean age = 61 years, SD =...

This study recruited 150 community dwelling Korean immigrant elders to understand the role of information and communication technology (ICT) use on social support and life satisfaction by utilizing purposive sampling methods. Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated that a high level of smartphone use was significantly related to a high l...

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-positive older adults aged 50 years and older experience complex psychosocial issues in addition to dealing with their HIV status and the ageing process. This study focused on the association between HIV stigma, resilience, and depressive symptoms among 147 older adults from the Oshana and Ohangwena health facilities in r...

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been associated with many negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This study sought to explore the relationship between protective factors (social support, self-esteem, income, and employment) and risk factors (alcohol consumption and diagnosis of HIV) on depressive symptoms among survivors of GBV in r...

This study examined predictive models of utilization of mammograms among Indigenous women adapting Andersen’s behavioral model. Using a sample of 285 Indigenous women residing in South Dakota, nested logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess predisposing (age and marital status), need (personal and family cancer history), and enabling f...

Cervical cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally; yet cancer burden is unevenly distributed among racial/ethnic groups. With 12,820 new cases in 2017 in the U.S., cervical cancer is the top cause of death among Indigenous women. Indeed, cervical cancer mortality rates among AI women in South Dakota are fiv...

This cross-sectional study examined the mediating effect of PTSD on suicide ideation and suicide attempt through two mediators, self-efficacy and depression, among homeless adults. We recruited a non-random, purposive sample of 156 homeless adults from seven homeless people shelters in Kansas. SEM results suggest that self-efficacy and depression w...

Purpose: This present study explored factors associated with technology acceptance in AI older adults. Specifically, we examined whether health and social factors, such as perceived health, social engagement, and social support, are associated with the adoption of technology. Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered survey completed b...

Background: Namibia has one of the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rates and one of the highest rates of orphanhood in the world, and older caregivers provide much of the care to Namibians living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (UNAIDS, 2014). In this study, the authors explore how financial status, so...

The purpose of this article is to examine the health beliefs and literacy about breast cancer and their relationship with breast cancer screening among American Indian (AI) women. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and hierarchical logistic regression with data from a sample of 286 AI female adults residing in the Northern Plains, we found that gr...

The study of depressive symptoms among caregivers raising HIV/AIDS-orphans is emerging as an important area of research. However, it has not been explored at length in generational and cultural contexts. In this study, the authors explore the role of financial strain, raising a HIV-infected and/or impacted child, and caregiver knowledge on the depr...

This study explored the role of mental health and substance abuse problems on the suicidal ideation and suicide attempts of 156 homeless adults. The logistic regression results indicated that homeless adults with anxiety were significantly more likely than those without anxiety to have both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Also, homeless adu...

A large and growing elderly Koreans with chronic conditions necessitates an increase in long-term care. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of occupational stress, work-centrality, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction on intent to leave among long-term care workers in Korea. We tested hypothesized structural equation model predicting th...

Despite efforts to reduce health disparities, many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, including older adults, experience elevated levels of depression and associated suicide. Although adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social support are well-documented risk and protective factors for depression in the general population,...

Research on depression and intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by Indigenous older adults is virtually non-existent. Given the associations between IPV and depression in the general population, along with disproportionately higher rates for each problem among Indigenous peoples due to historical oppression, understanding their interconnecti...

Research has consistently documented lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates for racial and ethnic minority populations, with the lowest screening rates among American Indians (AIs). Given the low CRC screening rates among AIs residing in the Northern Plains region, the objective of this research was to identify CRC screening correlates for N...

This study examined the associations among religion, social support, and life satisfaction with 233 older American Indians in the Northern Plains region. Hierarchical regression indicated that those with higher religiousness and greater social support were found to have greater life satisfaction. Findings suggest that religion and social support pr...

In this study the authors explore the effects of stress and spirituality on the depressive symptoms of 92 older adult men and 224 older adult women who reside in assisted living facilities. Hierarchical regression reveals that stress was related to increases in depressive symptoms. The stress of women was more strongly associated with depressive sy...

Older American Indians experience high rates of depression and other psychological disorders, yet little research exist on the depression literacy of this group. Depression literacy is fundamental for individuals seeking help for depression in a timely and appropriate manner. In the present study the authors examine levels and predictors of knowled...

This study examined determinants of attitudes toward mental health services with a sample of American Indian younger-old-adults (aged 50-64, n = 158) and American Indian older-old adults (aged 65 and older, n = 69). Adapting Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare utilization, predisposing factors, mental health needs, and enabling factors were c...

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of physical health stressors and coping resources with depressive symptoms among American Indian older adults age 50 years or older. The study used a convenience sample of 227 rural American Indian older adults. A hierarchical multiple regression tested three sets of predictors on depressive...

Objectives: Despite efforts to promote health equity, many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, including older adults, experience elevated levels of depression. Although adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and social support are well-documented risk and protective factors for depression in the general population, little is known...

This study explored the role of spiritual factors and social support on the health status of 246 older Korean adult immigrants age 65 years or older. Ordinary least squares regression results revealed that private religious practice, spiritual coping, and social support were significantly associated with improved health status. However, stressors s...

This study explored 346 Korean immigrants living in California to examine: a) differences in stressors, coping resources, and general well-being (anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, vitality, and general health) between younger (18–64 years old) and older (65–96 years old) Korean immigrants; and b) differences in associations of...

This study examined the interactive effects of social network support and depressive symptoms on life satisfaction among older Korean Americans (KAs). Using data from a sample of 200 elders in a large metropolitan area (M age = 72.50, SD = 5.15), hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the interaction between social network support and...

This study explored the racial disparity of substance dependency and psychological health among White, African American, and Hispanic Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients as well as the relationship between substance dependency and psychological health. It analyzed 1,286 TANF recipients from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use...

This study explored the differential impacts of stressors and coping resources on the functioning and roles of 246 older Korean immigrant men and women. Older Korean immigrant women were significantly more likely than men to have acculturation and socioeconomic stressors, physical/social functioning problems, and role limitations. English-language...

American Indian (AI) older adults are vulnerable to mental health disparities, yet very little is known about the factors associated with help-seeking for mental health services among them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of Andersen’s Behavioral Model in explaining AI older adults’ help-seeking attitudes toward professiona...

Through this cross-sectional study the authors explore how stressors, social support, and religious practice are associated with the general well-being of 147 Korean adult immigrants through interviews. Hierarchical regression analysis reveals that low English proficiency and financial hardship are significantly related to low general well-being. H...

Purpose: To meet the growing need of older adults for assisted living, the number of Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) in the United States has increased 15 to 20 percent annually. Older adults living in ALFs have often experienced stressful life events such as losing a loved one, losing social status, relocation from their homes, health problems,...

This study explored the role of stress and coping on the psychological well-being of 316 older adults in assisted living. Hierarchical regression revealed that high stress was significantly associated with high depression and low life satisfaction, while high levels of social support and spiritual coping mechanisms were significantly related to low...

In this study the authors explore racial disparities in the uses of sanctions and the different impact of sanctions on the economic well-being of African American and White TANF leavers. The study analyzed 907 African American and 1,336 White welfare leavers from the 1999 and 2002 data of the NSAF. Chi-square results show that sanctions are more si...

This study explored the relationship between orientation to research and attitudes toward research among social work students. Orientation included the students' beliefs regarding the importance of research, the usefulness of research, and its validity. Attitude included the student's research anxiety and interest. Surveys were administered to 283...

Socio-demographic and medical information about internally displaced persons in all parts of the world is lacking. One area where many of these persons reside is the Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross-sectional survey was used to assess the differences, if any, between elderly and non-elderly internally displaced parents in Cibombo Cimuangi, a r...

Purpose: Older adults experience stressful life events. Moreover, many older adults live in a high-risk living environments facing issues such as sadness, anger, guilt, hopelessness, or helplessness, thus creating additional psychological and physical problems (Fitzpatrick & Tran, 2002). Many researchers have revealed that highly stressed older adu...

This study examined how religiousness/spirituality (values/beliefs, private religious practice, religious/spiritual coping, and religious support) and social support are related to the general well-being (positive well-being, general health, vitality, self-control, anxiety, and depression) of 177 Korean immigrant elders (KIEs). Regression analysis...

This study explored the role of spiritual experience, forgiveness, and religious support on the general well-being of older adults by interviewing 143 persons 65 years old or older in Kansas. Hierarchical regression results show that higher spiritual experience is significantly associated with lower anxiety, higher positive well-being, and higher v...

This study explores factors that influence the general well-being (anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, vitality, and general health) of low-income Korean immigrant elders by interviewing 206 older adults living in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California. Ordinary least squares regression results reveal that lack of Engl...

This study explored different sociodemographic characteristics and differences of employment and income between TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program) leavers who reached their lifetime limits and those who leave voluntarily. The study analyzed 656 TANF leavers from the 1999 and 2002 data of the National Survey of America’s Family...

Background and Purpose: Research content fulfills an important role in expanding the practice knowledge of social work students (Rubin & Babbie, 2008). A number of studies have reported a negative research perception in social work students (Green, Bretzin, Leininger, & Stauffer, 2001; Maschi, Bradley, Youdin, Killian, Cleaveland, & Barbera, 2007...

Background and Purpose: Approximately 95 percent of Korean immigrant elders are foreign born. Many Korean immigrant elders have experienced acculturation and socioeconomic stresses. Some studies have identified acculturation and socioeconomic factors influencing the psychological well-being (depression or depressive symptoms) of the Asian, Korean...

This study explored how work-performance bonuses and caseload reduction credits of the federal government influenced state work attachment provision choices such as mandatory work requirements, sanctions, and lifetime limits using administrative data. The study found a unique result—that a high-performance bonus from the federal government was sign...

A cross-sectional survey design is used to explore the determinants of unemployment and economic hardship among former welfare recipients who have reached their 5-year lifetime limits in a sample of 276 former WV WORKS recipients in West Virginia. The findings of the study indicate that respondents with mental problems; physical disabilities; or wi...

Background and Purpose: Spirituality is an important resource for older adults in terms of an intra-psychic means of coping and adaptation with issues of daily life, loss, and death (McComick, Holder, Wetsel & Cawthon, 2001). Many studies focused on explaining importance of spirituality or religion on late life of older adults (Moberg, 2005; Rich...

This study explores how state work attachment strategies and individual factors are related to employment and family income of welfare leavers. Using the 2002 National Survey of America's Families, this study finds that strict sanctions for noncompliance with work requirements were less likely than weak sanctions to increase employment and family i...

This study explores how work incentive policies influence the socioeconomic status of welfare leavers. Logistic and ordinal regression methods were used to analyze 1999 statewide survey data on West Virginia WORKS leavers. This study found that people who had more months of eligibility remaining for TANF were more likely to have jobs than those wit...