Cultural Influences in the Physical and Mental Health Status of Chinese Aging Adults in the Canadian Context

Shirley B. Y. Chau*, Daniel Wing Leung Lai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

This presentation examines the effects of cultural values and cultural health beliefs on physical and mental health of older Chinese immigrants in Canada. Data were collected from a random sample of 1,537 Chinese immigrants aged 65 and over in seven Canadian cities. Physical health and mental health were represented by the PCS and MCS scores of the SF-36. Chinese cultural values were measured by a list of 11 statements related to the level of identification with Chinese cultural values. Health beliefs were measured by a list of 12 statements related to areas such as eating, health maintenance, and the use of traditional Chinese medicine. Hierarchical multiple regression was used with physical health and mental health as the dependent variables, respectively. Lower scores for physical health status were associated with individuals with higher scores for affiliation to Chinese culture and Chinese health beliefs. However, none of the cultural variables was significantly associated with mental health status. Ethno-cultural beliefs do not offer a protective function to the health of older Chinese- Canadian. The findings suggest there are incompatibilities between their Chinese cultural values and cultural-based health beliefs with the western cultural values and health beliefs imposed in the broader Canadian context. (SSHRC Funded)
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 4 Dec 2010
Event39th Annual Scientific and Educational Meetings of the Canadian Association on Gerontology - Centre Shearton, Montreal, Canada
Duration: 2 Dec 20104 Dec 2010
https://cagacg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ASEM2010_en.pdf (Conference program)
https://cagacg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ASEM2010_abs_en.pdf (Conference abstract)

Conference

Conference39th Annual Scientific and Educational Meetings of the Canadian Association on Gerontology
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period2/12/104/12/10
Internet address

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