Self-rated Physical, Mental, Oral, and Cognitive Health in Older Korean Immigrants: The Role of Health Indicators and Sociocultural Factors

Guided by the models of health assessment and social determinants of health, we examined predictors of self-rated physical, mental, oral, and cognitive health of older Korean immigrants. Data came from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,061, Mean age = 73.2). Multivariate regression models of self-ratings of health were tested with health indicators (both domain-specific and other health indicators including chronic disease, functional disability, mental distress, problems with teeth or gums, and cognitive function) and sociocultural factors (acculturation, social network, and ethnic community social cohesion). For self-rated physical, mental, and oral health, indicators specific to the targeted domain played a primary role, with those of other health domains playing a secondary role. Acculturation and social network were significant predictors of all four measures. Findings highlight the importance of holistic health assessment that considers a wide range of health domains as well as sociocultural contexts.