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Journal article
The Role of Social Ties and Social Support in Maintaining Physical and Mental Well-Being Among Korean Americans Living with Chronic Hepatitis B
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, Forthcoming
02 Feb 2026
PMID: 41629735
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Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), a serious disease requiring lifelong management, disproportionately affects Asian Americans, including Korean Americans. Many Korean Americans experience linguistic and sociocultural barriers, potentially worsening health challenges. While social ties and social support are well-recognized determinants of health, their role within unique populations merits exploration. Using longitudinal survey data, we identified patterns of social ties and social support among Korean Americans living with CHB, and how these related to self-assessed physical and mental health over time. Patients in Los Angeles and Philadelphia (n = 309) completed surveys at two timepoints between 2021 and 2024. We measured social ties with the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), social support with the eight-item Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (mMOS-SS), and self-assessed health using SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary Scores (PCS, MCS). Greater baseline social ties were higher among married, college-educated, and bicultural- or Western-identifying participants. Social support scores were higher among married, English-fluent, and currently working participants. Greater social ties were associated with better baseline physical health (β = 0.134, p = 0.009), and greater social support with better mental well-being (β = 0.206, p < 0.001). Controlling on baseline health, social ties predicted better follow-up PCS (β = 0.108, p = 0.012), and social support predicted better follow-up MCS (β = 0.136, p = 0.007), suggesting that social ties and social support independently and differentially influence physical and mental health over time. Strengthening both structural connections through social ties and perceived social support may delay health decline among immigrant populations managing chronic conditions.
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Details
- Title
- The Role of Social Ties and Social Support in Maintaining Physical and Mental Well-Being Among Korean Americans Living with Chronic Hepatitis B
- Creators
- Eunji Kim - Drexel UniversityHee-Soon Juon - Thomas Jefferson UniversityGiyoung Lee - Drexel UniversityKatherine C. Smith - Johns Hopkins UniversityMimi Chang - Asian Health CoalitionAnn Carroll Klassen (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Community Health and Prevention
- Publication Details
- Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, Forthcoming
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: 1R01DK125541
We appreciate the Korean American patients who participated in the study and research team members for their contributions and dedication throughout the study.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Community Health and Prevention
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001677772500001
- Other Identifier
- 991022157704004721