Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 78-07(E), Section: B.

Adviser: Robin Whittemore.

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Obesity is a growing epidemic among Korean immigrants, the fifth largest Asian subgroup and one of the fastest growing subgroup in the U.S. Since most Korean immigrants are first-generation, understanding their cultural beliefs and immigration-related challenges is important for assessing their behaviors and preventing obesity. Therefore, in this dissertation, we identified the unique cultural beliefs and immigration-related challenges of Korean immigrants and examined how these cultural factors influence Korean immigrants' obesity-risk behaviors and body mass index (BMI).

In the first paper, we reviewed qualitative research to identify East Asian immigrants' cultural beliefs about diabetes self-management and immigration-related challenges which had the potential to affect diabetes self-management. Based on the findings, we explored cultural strategies included in diabetes self-management interventions for East Asian immigrants and identified that many cultural beliefs were not adequately addressed. Next, we identified the process of church-based recruitment to reach Korean immigrants and suggested additional strategies to effectively recruit Korean immigrants. Lastly, we examined the relationships between acculturation, obesity-risk behaviors, and BMI through cultural mediators, specifically acculturative stress and body image discrepancy. The collective results presented in this dissertation helps to expand the literature on the relationships among acculturation, immigration-related challenges, and obesity in Korea immigrants.