2025 - current

Background: Korean immigrants in Hawai`i represent an important yet often underserved segment of the population, comprising approximately 52,696 individuals (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). While they contribute significantly to the state's economy and society, they face a range of healthcare challenges that remain unaddressed (Cha & Chun, 2021). The lack of a systematic health needs assessment has resulted in a limited understanding of the specific barriers to healthcare access within this community. This study seeks to bridge this gap by identifying key health concerns and providing data-driven recommendations to inform future policy and intervention efforts.

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We are conduct a two-phase health needs assessment of Korean immigrants in Hawai`i.

1. The first phase is a qualitative Delphi study to gather expert insights from Korean community leaders and healthcare providers in Hawai`i, which will guide the development of a comprehensive survey instrument (Status: Data analysis).

2. The second phase is the administration of the survey to the Korean immigrant population in Hawai`i to document their health program needs as well as unfilled service gaps (Status: IRB submitted).

The primary goal of this study is to assess the health care needs and service gaps of Korean immigrants in Hawai‘i through a two-phase approach, providing foundational data to inform future health program development and funding proposals.

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Contact:

• Phase I Delphi study: Dr. Kyuong Eun Lee (Profile)

• Phase II Survey: Dr. Hye-ryeon Lee (Profile)