Protective and Risk Factors and Gastric Cancer Knowledge Among Korean Immigrant Adults in Midlife and Older in the U.S

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between risk factors (limited health literacy and limited English proficiency), protective factors (social support from family and friends, and smartphone and Internet use), and gastric cancer knowledge among Korean immigrant adults in midlife and older in the U.S.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 Korean immigrants aged 55 and older. Data were collected on participants' health literacy, English proficiency, social support, technology use, gastric cancer knowledge, and several socio-demographic characteristics. Hierarchical multivariate regression analyses were employed to examine associations between predictive factors and gastric cancer knowledge.

Results: Findings indicated that higher levels of limited health literacy were significantly associated with lower gastric cancer knowledge. Conversely, greater social support from friends was significantly related to increased gastric cancer knowledge. Limited English proficiency and technology use showed no significant associations with cancer knowledge in the multivariate models.

Discussion: The study highlights the critical role of health literacy and friends-based social support in enhancing gastric cancer knowledge among older Korean immigrants. While limited health literacy poses a barrier, supportive relationships with friends may facilitate access to health information, potentially improving cancer awareness and preventive behaviors.

Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of targeted interventions addressing health literacy limitations and leveraging social support systems to improve gastric cancer knowledge in this high-risk population. Social service and healthcare providers should consider culturally sensitive strategies that enhance social connectivity and education to reduce cancer-related health disparities for the high-risk population.

Keywords: Limited health literacy; gastric cancer knowledge; internet and smart phone use; limited english proficiency; older Korean immigrants; risk and protective factors; social support.