Korean-Chinese Women Research Articles

HPV Vaccination Stages and Associated Factors Among Children of Immigrant Women.

This study aimed to identify key determinants by stage of implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among children of immigrant women in South Korea. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample comprised 262 Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean-Chinese women with children living in South Korea. The survey was conducted using self-report questionnaires. The HPV vaccination levels in children were classified into four transition stages. Sequential logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors affecting the transition of HPV vaccination status. Social norms had the greatest influence on the intention to vaccinate. Perceived barriers were a significant factor associated with intention or initiation of vaccination, whereas perceived severity and susceptibility were associated with the intention and initiation stages, respectively. Upon the initiation of HPV vaccination, low perception of discrimination in healthcare was associated with continued vaccination. Given the importance of completing multiple doses of the HPV vaccine within a given timeframe, it is important to provide culturally appropriate interventions in stages to prevent dropouts.

Predictive Factors of the Regular Mammography Screening among Korean Chinese Women in Korea

Predictive Factors of the Regular Mammography Screening among Korean Chinese Women in Korea

Network Support Using Social Networking Services to Increase Exercise Adherence Among Korean-Chinese Middle-Aged Migrant Women: Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundSocial networking services (SNSs) are recognized to be a promising approach to easily deliver health interventions and to enhance social support for exercise adherence. However, the patterns and aspects of social support through SNSs have not been reported and their influence on other social-cognitive factors remains inconclusive.ObjectiveOur objective is to explore how social support delivered through SNSs impacts interactions among Korean-Chinese (KC) middle-aged women and to identify how this approach influences social-cognitive factors for exercise (eg, sense of community, self-efficacy for exercise, and social support for exercise).MethodsA mixed methods design was used. Text analysis of SNS messages and text mining using the Korean Natural Language Application (KoALA) were conducted. Social-cognitive factors (eg, sense of community, self-efficacy for exercise, and social support for exercise) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks using a structured questionnaire. A comparison of social-cognitive factors at baseline and at 12 weeks was conducted to identify any potential significant changes, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsA total of 259 SNS messages were collected from 24 KC women, distributed among four chat groups, who participated in a 12-week walking intervention program between August and October 2018. The individual average frequency of chatting via the SNS was 10.79 (range 0-34) and the most frequent type of social support through the SNS was network support (172/259, 66.4%). The most common words extracted from the SNS were Health, Exercise, Participation, and We. Overall, the perceived levels of sense of community (P<.001) and social support for exercise (P=.002) were significantly increased at 12 weeks compared with baseline. Group 1 (P=.03) and Group 4 (P=.03), whose members demonstrated the highest frequency of network support, experienced a significant increase only in the level of sense of community.ConclusionsBy integrating these data and conducting a mixed methods analysis, we observed that among the types of social support, network support was a key point for the promotion of social-cognitive factors in increasing exercise adherence. Therefore, network support through SNS-based interventions should be considered as a useful strategy to help vulnerable migrant populations make changes to exercise behaviors.

A Study of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Specificity and the Vaccines Introducing System for Korean-Chinese Women in the Yanbian Autonomous Region.

Objectives:Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer in women. The characteristics of HPV infection vary; therefore, it is necessary to identify the most common HPV genotypes among a group of subjects when introducing a vaccine program. Currently, in the Yanbian Autonomous Region, no HPV vaccinations are not provided, and no data has been reported regarding HPV rates or genotype prevalence. We aimed to find the most suitable HPV vaccine for this region and reasons why no vaccine has been introduced. Methods:HPV genotyping of 200 Korean-Chinese women living in the Yanbian Autonomous Region who visited the hospital for annual health examination was done. We also checked main factors necessary for HPV vaccine administrative system; (1) vaccine manufacturers in China, (2) vaccine importers, (3) vaccine suppliers, (4) applicable vaccine laws, (5) the HPV vaccine permit system in Jilin Province, and (6) vaccination hospital facilities-were assessed by direct inquiry and search. Results:The results showed that HPV genotypes 52, 58, 16, 53, and 33 were the most common among Korean-Chinese women. These results differed from those previously reported for Korean or Chinese women. All elements necessary for introduction of HPV vaccine were prepared, but there is no HPV vaccination plan based on epidemiological investigation. Conclusions:Gardasil® 9 should be the most suitable vaccine for Korean-Chinese women with HPV infection and cervical cancer in this region considering the prevalence of certain genotypes. Governments and medical institutions should take an active stance on HPV vaccination to lower the incidence of cervical cancer here. Our study may serve as an important reference for introducing a Chinese government program designed to prevent cervical cancer.

중국 사회주의 노동자 · 농민, 이주가사노동자 되다: 프랑스, 남한, 중국 대도시의 조선족 여성 연구

본 논문은 ‘하찮은 일’로서 온전한 노동으로 간주되지 않는 (이주)가사노동에 대한 이주사회의 호명에 문제제기하며, 이주자들의 시각에서 이를 재검토한다. 이를 위해 프랑스, 남한, 중국 대도시의 중장년 조선족 가사노동자들의 노동 생애 연구를 통해 이들의 집합적 노동의식을 살펴보고 이주가사노동 선택 및 수행의 의미를 분석한다. 연구 결과, 중국 조선족 가사노동자들의 노동 생애는 생산양식에 따라, 소농에서 집체생산의 노동자 · 농민, 가족생산책임제 아래의 농민 및 서비스업 고용주 · 고용인, 그리고 이주노동자로 변화해왔다. 노동생애를 관통하는 특징은 생산양식의 차이에도 불구하고, 이들이 전산업화 · 산업화시기 서유럽 여성처럼 ‘가족경제전략’(틸리 · 스콧, 2002)으로써 복잡하고 긴 노동시간 속에서의 생산 · 재생산 노동을 수행했다는 것이다. 다른 한편으로 이들은 사회주의 체제의 생산활동에 적극 참여함으로써 불가역적 노동 · 경제권력을 획득했고, 공적 영역에서의 여성 노동 주체로서의 집합적 기억으로 대표되는 노동 아비투스를 형성했다는 것이다. 이러한 노동 아비투스에 비춰보면, 조선족 여성에게 이주가사노동은 생계부양자로서의 노동 · 경제권력을 지속시켜주는 이주여건에 ‘합당한’ 선택이었다. 이들은 이주사회에서의 노동계급의 지위 하락과 ‘노예’ 신분으로 상징되는 일로부터 고통스런 계급적 경험을 인식한다. 그러나 이들은 그 고통의 원인에 대한 외연화 · 구조화, 노동자로서 정체화하기를 통해 이주가사노동자에게 공식화된 ‘하층 노동자’의 위치를 내면화하지 않는다.

Effect of a Pedometer-Based, 24-Week Walking Intervention on Depression and Acculturative Stress among Migrant Women Workers.

Little research has examined exercise-based interventions meant to alleviate depressive symptoms among Korean-Chinese migrant women workers living in Korea. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program on reducing depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels in this population. This quasi-experimental sequential walking program was conducted with 132 Korean-Chinese women over a period of 24 weeks. Participants were divided into either a standard treatment group (n = 69) or enhanced treatment group (n = 63). All participants were instructed to walk using a pedometer. The enhanced treatment group also received mobile text messages designed to encourage walking adherence and improve acculturation. Participants were asked to complete two structured questionnaires, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Acculturative Stress Scale, to evaluate the intervention programs. At the end of the program, both groups exhibited decreased depression scores, but the decrease in the enhanced treatment group was more significant both at weeks 12 and 24. Acculturative stress was also found to have decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Our findings show the walking program reduced the depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels among the Korean-Chinese women in this study. Further studies will be needed to analyze the relationship between walking step count and mental health considering exercise intensity.

In the name of immigrant mothers: Gendered mobilization of Korean-Chinese women in South Korea

ABSTRACTDrawing on ethnographic data from the anti-deportation protest of the Seoul Korean-Chinese Church (SKCC) in 2013, I examine the impact of gender on the mobilization of Korean-Chinese immigrant women in South Korea. Despite legal, economic, and religious differences, these protesters have bonded greatly among themselves, largely because of their immigrant mother identity. As the leaders of their family migration projects, both Christians and non-believers have grown to feel a strong sense of kinship and acknowledge the efficacy of collective action. Emotional protest rituals and the political impact of the activist-clergy have prompted the mobilization and consequent politicization of these largely women demonstrators. Early social movement literature has overlooked the impact of gender identity on women’s collective action, while my study shows how gender intersects with diasporic identities, to enable the mobilization of immigrant women for the collective goal of justice.

Study of Stress-Coping Ability of Korean-Chinese Women and Korean Women According to Their “Person-in-the-Rain”(PITR) Reaction Characteristics

Study of Stress-Coping Ability of Korean-Chinese Women and Korean Women According to Their “Person-in-the-Rain”(PITR) Reaction Characteristics

Gendered Migration in a Changing Care Regime: A Case of Korean Chinese Migrants in South Korea

The feminisation of international migration for care labour has gained prominence in the last three decades. It has been theorised mainly in the context of the changing care regime in the Global North; the changes in other parts of the world have been largely neglected. This article explores the dynamics between changing care regimes, labour markets and international migration in the East Asian context through the case of Korean Chinese migrants to South Korea. Korean Chinese came to South Korea through various legal channels beginning in the late 1980s and occupy the largest share of both male and female migrants in South Korea. Korean Chinese women have engaged in service sector jobs, including domestic work and caregiving, since their influx, yet such work was only legalised during the 2000s in response to demographic changes and the care deficit. This article sheds light on the female Korean Chinese migrants’ engagement in care work in the ambiguous legal space of migration and the care labour market, and their changing roles in the process of development of the care labour market. Based on interviews with Korean Chinese migrants in South Korea, immigration statistics, and the Foreign Employment Survey in 2013, this study explores how the care regime intersects with migration in the process of the care regimes development.

Effects of culturally adaptive walking intervention on cardiovascular disease risks for middle-aged Korean-Chinese female migrant workers

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a standard treatment (ST) walking program compared to an ST walking program enhanced (enhanced treatment, ET) on cardiovascular health outcomes among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in Korea. A quasi-experimental sequential design was used. A total of 132 Korean-Chinese women without contraindications to physical activity participated in the study. Both ST and ET groups had monthly goal settings; the ET group received text messages to encourage walking adherence and acculturation. A significant decrease was found in 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), blood pressure, fasting glucose, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio at weeks 12 and 24 in both groups, but there were no significant group differences. This indicates that culturally adaptive walking intervention is a promising way to reduce CVD risk factors for underserved Korean-Chinese migrant women.

Influence of a community-based stretching intervention on the health outcomes among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in South Korea: A randomized prospective trial.

To investigate the long-term effectiveness of stretching exercises on the health outcomes of Korean-Chinese female migrant workers. This study was a randomized prospective trial. The study's participants (n = 80) were middle-aged, Korean-Chinese women who had worked full-time during the previous 6 months. They were assigned randomly to an enhanced stretching intervention group or a standard stretching intervention group. Both groups were instructed to carry out a structured 6 min stretching exercise program for at least three times per day and 5 days per week. The enhanced intervention group received additional interventions to increase exercise adherence through individual phone counseling and short message service during the 12 weeks, followed by three sets of acculturation workshops during the period of weeks 13-24. Musculoskeletal fitness, symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Linear mixed-models were used to test the interventions' effects. The amount of stretching that was carried out, as a percentage of the recommended amount, was not significantly different between groups. There were significant improvements in flexibility of the back and work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms after completing the 24 week intervention but no significant difference existed between the groups. Acculturative stress decreased at week 12 but there was no significant change at week 24. The 24 week, community-based stretching program for the Korean-Chinese female migrant workers was effective in increasing their flexibility and decreasing work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Culturally adaptive augmented interventions to increase social support are suggested in order to reduce acculturative stress.

Factors Related to Positive Changes in Perceived Health Status of Married Han Chinese and Korean-Chinese Women After Immigration to Korea.

This study aimed to compare factors related to changes in perceived health status of Han Chinese (traditional Chinese) and Korean-Chinese (Chinese nationals of Korean descent) women after immigration to Korea. During summer 2013, a survey was conducted with 151 Han and 158 Korean-Chinese women married to Korean men. Most of the respondents reported either no changes (82%) or positive changes (18%) in their perceived health status after immigration. The results of the multiple logistic regression analyses indicated healthy dietary behavior was related to positive changes in the perceived health status of both groups (odds ratio [OR] = 7.4 for Han Chinese; OR = 14.6 for Korean-Chinese). Among Han Chinese women, the length of residence in Korea and the change in perceived health status showed a negative relation (OR = 0.2). In contrast, their level of acculturation and health perception were positive (OR = 7.5). However, these results did not apply to the Korean-Chinese women. In conclusion, factors related to changes in perceived health status differed between the 2 groups although they shared healthy dietary behaviors as a common factor. Therefore, policies and programs aimed at promoting immigrant women's health should consider the differences between Han Chinese and Korean-Chinese.

중국 연변지역 조선족, 한족 여성의 체형 및 사회 환경적 요인의 비교 연구 - 60대를 중심으로 -

The purpose of this paper is to compare the body types of Korean-Chinese and Han-Chinese women in their 60's dwelling in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. In addition, a survey was conducted to analyze the social and environmental factors that would decide the body types of these two groups of individuals. 1) The comparison of 74 items in physical measurements between the Korean-chinese and Han-chinese showed differences in 36 items. 2) As for the body measurements of women, difference was found between the Han-Chinese and Korean-Chinese in all height items except bust height, circumference, depth, length, and weight. The values of Korean-Chinese were lower than those of Han-Chinese. 3) Cluster analysis shows that Korean- Chinese women appear thinner in regards to common weight, while Han-Chinese women appear to be thicker in regards to with common thinness. 4) Korean-Chinese women dwelling in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture maintained unique traditional customs and eating habits of Korea and were in constant contact with Korean cultures, which seems to make them care more about body management for health and beauty.

Health Habit, Perceived Health Status and Physical Health Status of Young Korean and Korean-Chinese Women: A Comparative Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare health habit, physical health status, and perceived health status between young Korean and Korean-Chinese women. Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional comparative survey. For this study, 114 Korean women were recruited in Seoul, South Korea and 64 Korean-Chinese women in Jilin Province, China through convenience sampling. Results: A positive correlation was found between health habit and perceived health status. Perceived health status, WHR, body density, flexibility, and muscle endurance were significantly lower in Korean women than in Korean-Chinese ones. Knee flexion and ankle dorsal flexion was significantly higher in Korean women than in Korean-Chinese ones. Conclusion: Further investigation is required to compare the two different groups that share the same ethnicity and similar culture but were born into different countries. A study such as this may provide answers regarding the influence of migrated transition on health.

조선족과 다른 출신국 여성결혼이민자의 건강문해력과 영향 요인 비교

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare health literacy levels of Asian immigrant women and factors associated with health literacy focusing on Korean-Chinese and other Asian immigrants in Korea. Methods: Data were drawn from 258 immigrant women, comprising 56 Korean-Chinese and 202 other immigrants from the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, and Han-Chinese. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine - Short Form (REALM-SF) was used to assess health literacy, which consisted of seven medical words in Korean (behavior, exercise, menopause, rectal, antibiotics, anemia, and jaundice). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA with <TEX>$Sch{\acute{e}}ffe$</TEX> post hoc test, and hierarchical regression. Results: Korean-Chinese women showed significantly higher levels of health literacy (<TEX>$M=6.41{\pm}1.07$</TEX>), compared to their other immigrant counterparts (<TEX>$M=4.55{\pm}2.15$</TEX>). While Korean-Chinese women with longer time since immigration (p=.048) reported higher health literacy, for other immigrants, those living with children (p<.001), longer time since immigration (p=.011), and greater Korean language proficiency (p=.004) showed an association with higher health literacy. Conclusion: When providing health care services and health education, health care professionals should consider differences in levels of health literacy and factors associated with health literacy among Korean Chinese and other immigrants.

중국국적 결혼이주여성들의 취업준비 경험에 대한 과정분석

This study is aimed at examining the employment preparation of Chinese migrant women and exploring measures to support their employment in a practical manner. To accomplish the objectives, in-depth interviews with 15 Han Chinese and Korean Chinese women, who represent the highest proportion in Korea, were conducted. Each interview lasted for about an hour and a half on average, and there were additional questionnaires and observations on vocational courses. Collected data was analyzed in 4 steps by utilizing the analysis methods suggested by Lichtman (the three C's of data analysis: codes, categories, concepts), which were transformed to fit the final data. The research findings are as follows. First, the fundamental reasons that Chinese migrant women seek employment in Korea are as follows: role model as a mother based on motherhood and the desire to be recognized as a member of society. Second, as for employment strategies, although all the respondents were only dependent on the referral of their acquaintances and national institutions, Han Chinese and Korean Chinese women had ambivalent attitudes toward each other. Third, they attributed the causes of unemployment to personal aspects such as the amount of effort made and luck, and social structural aspects, including employment instability and low acceptance of multi- cultural individuals. Fourth, the migrant women hoping for 'complete integration' in the future, suggested some practical employment support measures. Such measures should be established by comprehensively reflecting their reasons for getting a job, employment strategies, attributions of unemployment, and employment outlook, rather than as response measures to the low birth rate and aging issues in Korea.

Factors Associated with Mammography Adherence among Married Chinese Women in Yanbian, China

Despite the efficacy of regular mammograms, the incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer have been increasing in China. Insufficient studies on the factors affecting mammography adherence in Chinese married women have been conducted. The purpose of the present study was to explore the factors associated with adherence to guidelines for regular mammography among Chinese married women. The participants were recruited conveniently and included Chinese and Korean Chinese women who were married, living at Yanbian City in China. Demographic information, status regarding eight risk factors of breast cancer, health responsibility, and perceived benefits/barriers of mammography were obtained. Descriptive analyses, t-test, and multivariate analysis were performed. Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with regular mammography adherence in Chinese and Korean Chinese subgroups. About 24% of the sample population was adherent in going for regular mammography. The adherent group was significantly more educated, had more children, and had a lower proportion experiencing early menarche and a greater menopausal proportion than the non-adherent group. The final model using logistic regression analysis showed that being Chinese [OR=2.199 (1.224-3.951)], having no or one child [OR=4.879 (1.835-12.976)], early menarche [OR=3.515 (1.057-11.694)], being menopausal [OR=3.120 (0.965-10.088)], aged 40-49 [OR=2.374 (1.099-5.124)], having low education [OR=0.400 (0.211-0.765)], and perceiving greater benefits in doing mammography [OR=1.080 (1.014-1.151)] were significantly associated with mammography adherence, after controlling for covariates. Sociocultural sensitive intervention for minorities should be emphasized when improving the adherence of regular mammography. Intervention tailored for women with lower education should be delivered and the benefits of mammography should be propagated to women in rural areas of China.

Comparisons of Health Conditions of Immigrant and Domestic Women in Korea and China Using Propensity Score Matching

We identified how the health of the growing Korean–Chinese (KC) female immigrant population differed from comparable domestic women. Using propensity score matching, we selected 227 women recruited from Korea and China; perceived health status, female cancer screening behaviors, and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II were investigated. The KC women in Korea had the lowest levels of physical and mental health as well as health promoting lifestyles, but performed female cancer screenings better than other women. Considering their vulnerability, the hosting country should provide accessible health services at reasonable fees for KC women in Korea to enhance their health.

Korean, Chinese, or what? Identity transformations of Chosŏnjok (Korean Chinese) migrant brides in South Korea

Chosŏnjok migrant brides are Korean Chinese women who married South Korean men (hereafter Korean men). The number of Chosŏnjok migrant brides increased rapidly until recently due to the attempts of the central and local governments of Korea to resolve bride shortages in rural areas in the early 1990s and the Koreans' preference for ethnic Korean brides over non-Korean foreign brides. Currently there are more than 26,000 Chosŏnjok migrant brides in Korea. Due to the drastic changes to their post-migration lives in their ethnic homeland of Korea, most Chosŏnjok migrant brides experience changes in their ethno-national identity(ies). This paper investigates this process and the underlying reasons for these post-ethnic return migration identity changes. It also looks at the types of identity changes that occur through in-depth interviews with 22 Chosŏnjok migrant brides in Korea.

International marriage and the state in South Korea: focusing on governmental policy

With globalization, the number of individuals traveling, working or studying abroad is rising globally, and so is the number of international marriages. However, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of ‘mail-order brides’ through matchmaking since the 1970s in the Western world and since the 1990s in several Asian countries. The so-called ‘mail-order bride’ phenomenon has become an important route for international migration, especially for gendered migration. Since official relations with China began in August 1992, the number of Korean Chinese women who came into Korea for marriage with native Korean men is about 100,000 between 1990 and 2005. The number of Japanese women who married Korean men is approximately 17,000, while the numbers of Filipino women who married Korean men is about 6000. Recently, the nationalities of these foreign wives of Korean men have expanded to include women from Vietnam, Russia, and Uzbekistan. In 2005, among a total of 250,000 foreign spouses in Korea, 160,000 of them were women. The Korean state had contributed to initiate these international marriages by importing Korean Chinese women for their unmarried rural citizens. As international marriages have become a social issue, the state tries to cope with these new issues through changing the laws and policies. Utilizing several government statistics, a nationwide questionnaire survey of nearly 1000 foreign brides with various nationalities, which was conducted in May and June 2005, and some interviewed data of foreign wives and government personnel, this paper analyzes (1) patterns and trends of marriage migration to Korea; (2) the issues and problems of foreign brides, such as their status and citizenship, economic situation, access to social security and ‘fake marriages’ issues; and (3) recent changes in governmental policies towards them. Special focus will be on what factors influenced the recent governmental action and how the ideology that ‘A married daughter is no longer a daughter ()’ is still reflected in recent policies even in today's more progressive society.