• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.382-395
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to compare clothing values and clothing purchasing behaviors between Korean and American college students, especially men. Also this study was to analyze the clothing values effect on the clothing purchasing behavior. For the practical study, 200 questionaries were surveyed, 110 from Korea and 105 from American. The average and frequency, t-test, $\chi^2$, multi-variate analysis of variance and factor analysis were used for this study. The result showed, first, there were little differences in the clothing value aspect. Both Korean college men and American college men considered the theoretical value to be most important, however, the American college men were higher than the Korean college men for theoretical, economic and political values. Compared to the Americans, the Koreans considered social clothing value to be more important but theoretical, economic and political values were less important. Second, there were some differences in most of all the clothing purchasing behaviors. There were slight differences in the reasons for the purchases between Korean and American college men. Both of them said that they purchase clothes to satisfy their needs. Regarding the information sources for the purchase, The Korean college men were slightly higher than the American college men for the media information sources and lower than them for the human information sources. Regarding the place where the clothes were purchased, the Korean college men preferred to make purchases at department stores, and the American college men preferred shopping malls. Regarding the monthly expenses for clothing, less than 50,000 won($50) was the average for most of the Korean women, but most of the American college women spent 100,000~150,000 won($150) per month. Third, the clothing value was different in the reason for purchasing, the purchasing information source, the purchasing place, and the monthly expenses for the clothing.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.902-912
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• 2010

This study compares and contrasts the consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) of South Korean and American Generation Y females. A total of 117 American female and 206 Korean female consumers completed self-report survey questionnaires to assess their consumer decision making styles. Exploratory principal components factor analysis using varimax rotation was used to categorize the items into an underlying set of American and Korean decision-making characteristics. Two-tailed independent t-tests were conducted to examine the differences between the two groups when items appeared to have common factors. Factor analysis identified five common factors between the two samples (i.e., enjoyment, shopping aversion, price consciousness, brand consciousness, and quality consciousness). The t-test results report significant differences in the items reported in each factor between American and Korean females. Some of the factors are more indicative of American female Generation Y consumers than Korean female Generation Y consumers. For example, the American female sample seemed to enjoy shopping and prefer brand names more than the female Korean sample. Koreans females seem to have a higher aversion to shopping than Americans; in addition, Koreans females seem to be more accepting of discount and outlet stores, will wait until the price is low before buying a product, and prefer sales when shopping. Based on the findings, the instrument identified varying CDMS between the two samples used. Previous studies using the Sproles and Kendall (1986) instrument experienced the same issue (Bakewell & Mitchell, 2004, 2006; Bauer et al., 2006; Durvasula et al., 1996; Fan & Xiao, 1998; Hanzaee & Aghasibeig, 2008; Mitchell & Walsh, 2004; Siu et al., 2001; Walsh et al., 2001). The results support the idea that no single instrument can be used to examine CDMS in different cultures. This suggests that each country has a CDMS with internal characteristics. Limitations and research for future studies are also discusse.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in Health Locus of Control (HLOC), depression, wellbeing, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP) between middle aged Korean and Korean-American women. Methods: Data from 80 Korean-American women living in Los Angeles, USA and 82 Korean women living in W-city, Korea, were collected using a self administered questionnaire including items on HLOC, HPLP, a Wellbeing Index and Major Depression Inventory. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the middle aged Koreans and Korean-Americans on mean age, education, religion, and current health insurance. Significant differences were found on HLOC (F= 2.504, p=.033) and Wellbeing (F=2.451, p=.036). The results also showed significant differences on HPLP (total HPLP, F=4.655, p=.001; physical activity, F=2.967, p=.014; nutrition, F=4.250, p=.001; spiritual growth, F=4.398, p=.001; interpersonal relations, F=2.648, p=.025; and stress management, F=5.201, p<.001) using ANCOVA. However, there were no significant differences on depression, or health responsibility in HPLP between the groups. Conclusion: Understanding middle aged women's health adjustments based on their culture will enhance the ability of health professionals to provide culturally congruent care and enable middle aged women to develop healthy lifestyles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.801-807
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• 2007

The objectives of this study were to develop Korean dishes acceptable for quick-service Korean food restaurant franchising operations in the U.S. and to test consumer preferences of 6 Korean dishes developed. One hundred American consumers evaluated beef(Bulgogi), pork(Jeyuk-bokkeum), chicken(Dagkalbi), noodles with seasoned vegetables(Japchae), braised tofu(Dubujorim), and stir-fried kimchi (Kimchi-bokkeum). Consumer preferences for color and aroma of the three dishes(Bulgogi, Jeyuk-bokkeum and Dagkalbi) were not different with most indicating they liked these attributes. Bulgogi was preferred over Dagkalbi and Jeyuk-bokkeum was least acceptable. Consumers rated the flavor of the Bulgogi from a little too mild to just right while both the Dagkalbi and Jeyuk-bokkeum were rated from just right to too strong. Overall acceptance was inversely related to spiciness. Bulgogi and Dagkalbi were ranked significantly higher than Jeyuk-bokkeum with Bulgogi receiving a slightly higher score. Overall acceptance was higher for the Japchae than the Kimchi-bokkeum. Dubujorim was intermediate and not preferred or disliked more than either of the others. Consumers rated the flavor of the Japchae and the Dubujorim higher than the Kimchi-bokkeum, indicating that the flavor of the Kimchi-bokkeum was too strong. Almost half indicated both the Dubujorim and Kimchi-bokkeum were slightly or much too hot. The Japchae and the Dubujorim were ranked equally high and significantly higher than the Kimchi-bokkeum. We suggest that control of spiciness is a main factor to develop Korean dishes acceptable for quick-service Korean food restaurant franchising operations in the U.S.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 1999

Diet quality index DQI) offers a new way of comparing eating habits across populations and across countries. Nutrients and food consumption data from 100 elderly Korean women aged 65 and older were collected in Seoul or Kyunggi-do, Korea by the 24 hour recall method. Diet quality index (DQI) was computed for 1049 elderly women (65 and older) from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) in the US according to US dietary guidelines, and applied to the diet of elderly Korean women for purposes of comparison. A modified 16-point DQI awarded 2 points each for moderate consumption of fat ($\leq$ 30% energy), saturated fat ($\leq$ 10%), cholesterol ($\leq$ 300 mg/day), sodium ($\leq$ 2400 mg/day), and protein ($\leq$ 100% RDA), adequate intakes of carbohydrate ($\qeq$50% energy) and calcium ($\qeq$ 100% RDA), and plenty of fruits and vegetables ($\qeq$ 5 servings). Criteria were based on US dietary guidelines. Partial scores were given if subjects were close to meeting these cutoff points. Diets with $\leq$ 300 mg cholesterol/day were reported by 97% or the Korean sample and 82% of the American sample, while 90% of the Koreans and 42% of the Americans met the goal of $\leq$ 30% of energy from fat, and 98% of the Koreans and 47% of American met the recommendation of $\leq$ 10% of energy from saturated fat. In contrast, only 8% of the Korean sample met the sodium recommendation of $\leq$ 2400 mg sodium per day, whereas 54% of the American subjects met this goal. The mean DQI scores were 10.1 for the elderly American women and 11.3 for the elderly Korean women. Overall, the elderly Korean diet was more consistent with the US dietary guidelines than the elderly American diet.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.104-110
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine dietary frequencies among Korean American adolescents in California, including the correlation of acculturation and parental dietary Consumption. This study was drawn from cross-sectional telephone surveys based on data from a larger study of Korean Americans in California using random sampling of residential phone listings. A total of 494 Korean American adolescents, ages 12 through 17, in California were collected with dietary frequencies and acculturation and one parents' demographic and dietary consumption information. Three-quarters of adolescents were classified as 'more acculturated group' into the U.S. society with a lower preference to Korean foods, frequent snacking, and lower consumptions of rice and kimchi. Other quarter of adolescents was classified as 'less acculturated group'. However, the most frequent food items by both groups were rice and kimchi. Fruit and vegetable consumption was associated between adolescents and parents in both groups, but rice and kimchi were associated only among the more-acculturated group. In conclusion, dietary frequencies of Korean American adolescents were influenced by acculturation and parental dietary consumption. These findings should inform future epidemiological researches as well as efforts to enhance the diet of Koreans and other immigrants.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was to examine the impact of acculturation and social support on the mental health among Korean-American registered nurses. Methods: Data were collected with a convenience sample of 203 Korean-American registered nurses living in New York state and New Jersey state from 8th May to 25th August in 2012. The structured questionnaires measured the degree of acculturation, social support, and mental health. Data analysis was conducted using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation efficient, and Stepwise multiple regression. Results: Lower level of integration and higher level of marginalization were associated with the lower mental health. Social support was also positively related to mental health and had mediating effect on the relationship between acculturation and mental health. The five variables, including participants' educational background, work shift, integration, marginalization, and social support were significant to predict the level of mental health among Korean-American registered nurses, accounting for 41% of the variability. Conclusion: The results imply that higher level of social support and strong identity of both home and host culture will enable Korean-American registered nurses to maintain sound mental health.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.161-171
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare Preventive Health Behaviors (PHBs) in adults in Korea and the United States and identify factors influencing PHBs. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis study using data from the 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the 2008 USA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The PHBs were predicted using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: 1) The total score of PHBs was significantly higher in American males (5.11) than in Korean males (4.78). There was also a significant difference between Korean females' total score (6.57) and American females'(6.75). 2) Age, marriage, monthly income, subjective health status, and cardiovascular disease were significant factors of PHBs in Korean males (p<.001). However, age, marriage, education, monthly income, health insurance, subjective health status, and cardiovascular disease were significant factors in American males (p<.001). In Korean females, only age and education were significant predictors (p<.001). However, six variables(age, marriage, education, monthly income, health insurance, and subjective health status) were significant predictors in American females (p<.001). Conclusion: There were different variables in predicting PHBs between Koreans and Americans. Each country should focus on those significant predictors to promote the PHBs for adults.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.175-185
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• 2012

Purpose: This micro-ethnographic study aimed to understand coping experiences of Korean-American (K-A) women after diagnosis with breast cancer due to a hereditary gene mutation. Methods: Participatory observation and in-depth interviews were performed at one breast cancer screening center in Southern California, in 2005 with eleven first generation K-A immigrant women. All transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed using ethnographic methodology. Results: K-A women's experience varied based on acculturation risk factors including: limited English speaking ability; disrupted family relationships, individualistic family values, or intergenerational communication barriers; lack of Korean speaking nurses; and Korean physicians' who lacked knowledge about hereditary breast cancer risk. These risk factors led to isolation, loneliness, lack of emotional and social support. In comparison to Korean homeland women in a similar medical situation, these K-A immigrants felt disconnected from the healthcare system, family support and social resources which increased their struggling and impeded coping during their survivorship journey. These women were not able to access self-support groups, nor the valuable resources of nurse navigator programs. Conclusion: Professional oncology associations for nurses and physicians have a moral obligation to support and promote knowledge of hereditary cancer risk and self-help groups for non-native speaking immigrants.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2923-2930
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• 2012

Background: Little is known about interest in faith-based health promotion programs among Asian American populations. Among the Christian denominations, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church is known to place a strong doctrinal emphasis on health. Objectives: To understand appropriate ways to develop and implement health promotion programs and to conduct research among Korean American SDAs. Methods: We collaborated with the North American Division of Korean SDA Churches which sponsors annual week-long religious retreats for their church members. We developed and administered a 10-page questionnaire at their 2009 retreat in order to assess socio-demographic and church characteristics, religiosity, perceived relationship between health and religion, and interest and preferences for church-based health promotion programs. Results: Overall, 223 participants completed our survey (123 in Korean and 100 in English). The sample consisted of regular churchgoers who were involved in a variety of helping activities, and many holding leadership positions in their home churches. The vast majority was interested in receiving health information at church (80%) in the form of seminars, cooking classes and workshops (50-60%). Fewer respondents were interested in support groups (27%). Some interests and preferences differed between English and Korean language groups. Conclusion: Korean American SDA church retreat participants from a large geographic area are very interested in receiving health information and promoting health at their churches and can potentially serve as "agents of influence" in their respective communities.