Knowledge and use of preventive health practices among Korean women in Los Angeles county

Background The aims of this study are to determine (1) knowledge and use of preventive health practices, and (2) the relationship between acculturation and preventive health practices, in Korean women. Methods The data came from the 2000 Korean American Health Survey (KAHS), which includes 656 women. The dependent variables included use of pap smears, physical examinations and mammograms, and use and knowledge of self-breast examinations. Independent variables included demographic and acculturation variables. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess the role of acculturation on dependent variables. Results Some of the acculturation variables significantly predicted preventive practices. Being married (P < 0.0001) and insured (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with receipt of preventive services. A married Korean woman was more likely than an unmarried Korean woman to have a pap smear within 2 years (P < 0.0001), physical exam within 1 year (P < 0.0001), and perform self-breast examinations (P < 0.05). Conclusions Factors related to acculturation influence use of preventive health practices by Korean American women, highlighting the need to consider cultural background in developing systems of care.