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Evaluating roots of happiness at the South East Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC)
Thesis

Evaluating roots of happiness at the South East Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC)

Sophia Kwon
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
May 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3098
pdf
Kwon_Sophia_2009305.37 kB
PDF Access upon request, Email title, URL, or DOI to archives@drexel.edu

Abstract

Happiness Depression, Mental Socialization Vietnamese Laotians Pennsylvania--Philadelphia Public Health
This project sought to evaluate the impact, if any, the South East Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) had on depression and socializing behaviors in the elderly Vietnamese and Laotian community in Philadelphia that SEAMAAC serves. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), two highly validated scales, were used to screen for depression and score the socializing behavior of the elders. Results of the study found that the Vietnamese exhibited much more social connectedness than the Laotian population. Vietnamese also had generally low risk of depression, but risk increased with age. The more time the Vietnamese spent with SEAMAAC and received its services, the less likely they were to socialize. However, this could be confounded due to age. The most revealing statistic was found that the frequency of services received mattered most in determining social behaviors and depression risk. The more frequently the services were received, the Vietnamese were more social and less depressed. This shows the positive impact of SEAMAAC on the South East Asian community. Based on the findings of the project, further interviews are needed to improve the power of the study and probe further into interesting trends. Outreach must be conducted toward elders who have been with SEAMAAC for at least three (3) years, but exhibit decreased social behaviors. It is important to understand the reasons behind their decreased socializing behaviors, such as the onset of disease being potentially hindering factors. Another recommendation for future similar studies would be to investigate potential problems in translations, especially with non-fluent translators. Although the GDS and Lubben Scale were designed to be simple language with basic concepts of "yes" and "no," different languages may have more difficulty than others in capturing the original spirit and subtle nuances of the English language.

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