University of Hawaiʻi
Comprehensive Health Needs assessment of Koreans in Hawaiʻi
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.
We are conducting a two-phase health needs assessment of Korean immigrants in Hawai`i.
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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).
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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.
Contact:
PHASE I: DELPHI STUDY
14 Community Leaders & Health Professoionals
In 2025, with funding from the Center for Korean Studies, the Korean Health Hui conducted a qualitative Delphi study to gather expert insights on health needs among Koreans living in Hawaiʻi.
In-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen local Korean community leaders and healthcare providers, including heads of major Korean organizations in Hawaii, educators, physicians and other health professionals, religious leaders, and specialists. The following is a summary of key themes that emerged from the study.
Drs. Kyoung Eun Lee, Youjeong Kim, Ji-Yeon Kim
KEY FINDINGS: HEALTH NEEDS IN GENERAL
Language & Workforce Gaps
A shortage of Korean-speaking clinicians, counselors, and navigators creates communication barriers that reduce trust and care follow-through.
Need: Bilingual navigation and culturally concordant services.
Mental Health Need & Stigma
Reported issues with depression, anxiety, and loneliness are common, but mental health stigma delays help-seeking behavior.
Need: Low-barrier entry points and normalization of mental health care.
Social Isolation
Isolation drives poorer physical and mental outcomes.
Need: Safe, consistent Korean-language social connection spaces and recurring community activities.
Health Literacy & Misinformation
Relying on informal channels like chat groups, YouTube, and word-of-mouth causes anxiety and delays proper care.
Need: Trusted Korean-language health education materials.
Transportation & Mobility
Non-driving individuals miss appointments, particularly when dealing with complex scheduling.
Need: Coordinated rides and step-by-step navigation support.
System & Benefits Navigation
Navigating insurance, benefits (Med-QUEST/Medicare), and community resources is confusing.
Need: Direct navigation assistance for paperwork and referrals.
SPECIAL POPULATION GROUPS
Older
Adults (65+)
Vulnerable to loneliness, dementia, late diagnoses due to stigma, caregiver burden, fall/medication safety risks, and mobility barriers.
Women
Face perinatal access barriers, postpartum depression risks, sexual health/STI stigma, and a need for culturally tailored education on menopause and cancer screening.
Teenagers
Face stress from family conflicts, peer issues, screen time impacts, and gaps in youth programs. Taboo areas requiring support include sexual health education, substance exposure, and behavioral service needs.
FROM FINDINGS TO ACTION: PRIORITY AREAS
Build a more health care workforce with bilingual Korean language capability
Destigmatize mental health via trusted community champions and leaders
Establish gathering spaces to combat isolation and loneliness
Provide reliable Korean-language educational resources
Taylor care solutions for elderly, women, and youth groups.