Abstract
Healthcare access is a critical determinant of health and quality of life in later adulthood, yet older immigrant women may face compounded barriers related to immigration, language, gendered caregiving roles and limited familiarity with healthcare systems. In the United States (U.S.) Midwest, Korean immigrants may experience geographic dispersion and limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. However, little is known about healthcare access among older Korean immigrant women in this regional context. Guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this qualitative study explored perceived barriers, facilitators and coping strategies related to healthcare access among older Korean immigrant women in the U.S. Midwest. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight Korean immigrant women aged 65 years and older. Interviews were conducted in Korean, transcribed, translated into English and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: immigration and acculturation influence on healthcare access capacity; major barriers in the Midwest, especially transportation and language barriers; support from family and the Korean community; and efforts to maintain independence through health self-management, information seeking and communication strategies. The findings suggest that healthcare access in later life is shaped by immigration history, gendered roles, regional conditions and available social support. This study highlights the need for culturally and regionally responsive strategies to improve healthcare access for older immigrant women in under-resourced settings.
Keywords: Coping Strategies, Healthcare Access, Older Korean Immigrant Women, Qualitative Study, Social Support, U.S. Midwest.