Acculturation, Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms Among Korean Immigrants in New York City

This paper examines Korean-Latino relations based on the results of my own research in New York City and review of other empirical studies conducted in New York and Los Angeles. Korean-Latino relations have been established mainly through the employment of Latino immigrants in Korean-owned stores. Since Korean immigrants' heavy dependence on very disadvantaged Latino workers involves labor exploitation, it has been a source of Korean-Latino conflicts. There have been many cases of picketing against Korean stores by Latino employees in both New York City and Los Angeles. But Korean-Latino business-related conflicts have been much less serious than Korean-Black business-related conflicts. Moreover, the relationships between Koreans and Latinos have some positive aspects. First, due to cultural similarities and mutual benefits derived from the employer-employee relationship, many Korean merchants maintain strong personal ties with Latino employees, informally helping them and often sponsoring their applications for green cards. Second, Korean ethnic organizations staffed by 1.5- and second-generation Koreans in Korean enclaves in Los Angeles and New York City have recently expanded their services to Latino immigrant workers and Latino children. In particular, the efforts of the Korean Immigrant Workers Advocates in Los Angeles to protect Latino workers from exploitation by Korean merchants have greatly contributed to establishing cultural, social, and organizational linkages between the two communities.

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The Association between Shelter Rules and Psychosocial Outcomes among Homeless Youth Residing in Family Shelters

Families in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services ◽

10.1606/1044-3894.2017.98.16 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 98 (2) ◽

pp. 113-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nisha Beharie ◽

Lauren Jessell ◽

Hadiza Osuji ◽

Mary M. McKay

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

New York City ◽

Substance Use ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

York City ◽

Homeless Youth ◽

Psychosocial Outcomes ◽

Well Being ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Despite growing numbers of homeless youth living in shelters with caregivers, little research has explored the impact of the shelter environment on emotional well-being. As such, this study assesses the relationship between shelter rules and two psychosocial outcomes among youth in New York City family shelters. Additionally, the direct effect of trauma and the moderating effect of difficulty following shelter rules on psychosocial outcomes was assessed. Youth with difficulty following shelter rules reported significantly more depressive symptoms, but less substance use. Trauma was found to be associated with increased depression and substance use. Difficulty following shelter rules was found to moderate the association between trauma and substance use. Recommendations for future interventions and the creation of shelter policies are discussed.

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Depressive Symptoms and Sexually Transmitted Disease: Evidence from a Low-Income Neighborhood of New York City

Community Mental Health Journal ◽

10.1007/s10597-019-00405-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (7) ◽

pp. 1147-1151

Author(s):

Boshen Jiao ◽

Zafar Zafari ◽

Kai Ruggeri ◽

Sharifa Z. Williams

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

New York City ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Low Income ◽

York City ◽

Sexually Transmitted Disease ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Income Neighborhood

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Power Up for Health: Pilot Study Outcomes of a Diabetes Prevention Program for Men from Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988318758787 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 989-997 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Elizabeth A. Walker ◽

Linda Weiss ◽

Tiffany L. Gary-Webb ◽

Lindsey Realmuto ◽

Alexandra Kamler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Weight Loss ◽

New York City ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Status ◽

Pilot Study ◽

York City ◽

Prevention Program ◽

Diabetes Prevention ◽

Diabetes Prevention Program

There is a significant evidence base for the Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle intervention to prevent onset of type 2 diabetes among high-risk individuals; however, translation of this intervention for men has been challenging. This report presents outcomes of the pilot study of an adapted 16-week diabetes prevention program entitled “ Power Up for Health.” The study goal was to better engage men of color with prediabetes from disadvantaged neighborhoods of New York City. It was implemented at five different recreation centers located in predominantly low-income neighborhoods across New York City. The curriculum was facilitated by male lifestyle coaches only; one group was conducted in Spanish. Primary outcome was weight loss from baseline to 16 weeks. Other measures included lifestyle activities, depressive symptoms, and self-reported health status. Men ( N = 47) were screened by telephone. Of the 29 eligible men who began the program, 25 attended at least 4 sessions (52% non-Latino Black, 32% Latino, mean age 51.7 ± SD 9.9 years, mean body mass index 35 ± SD 6.9 kg/m2). End of program outcomes ( n = 23) varied by site and included a mean weight loss of 3.8% (9.7 lbs); 3 of the 5 sites had a mean weight loss of 5.6%, meeting the national goal of 5%–7%. Men ( n = 23) attended a mean of 11.6 of 16 sessions. Improvement in depressive symptoms, healthy eating and exercise, and health status were also seen. While recruitment was challenging with many lessons learned, the adapted men’s diabetes prevention program shows promise of success for participants and their coaches.

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