Study Examines Depression Symptoms in Midlife Racial, Ethnic Minorities

The National Institute of Nursing Research has awarded a $2.7 million grant to professor Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, and research professor Wonshik Chee, PhD, to test the effectiveness of a technology-based, physical activity promotion program to reduce symptoms of depression among midlife racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Korean American women.

With an increasing multicultural aging population in the U.S., depression among midlife racial/ethnic minorities is becoming increasingly significant. The prevalence of depression among Asian Americans is about 4.5 times higher than that of Americans in general. Within the Asian-American demographic, Korean Americans have the highest rate of depression, with midlife Korean American women experiencing even higher rates. Korean Americans also have a cultural preference for natural lifestyle management strategies to treat depression and embrace a cultural emphasis on one’s ability to handle stress without outside assistance.

Im and Chee will examine the use of a web app to promote physical activity and improve depressive symptoms in ways that appeal to cultural preferences. Goals for their study include accelerating the translation of technology-based programs into primary care settings and contributing to the reduction of racial and ethnic disparities in health and diseases.