Factors influencing cardiovascular health behaviors among Korean-Chinese migrant workers with metabolic syndrome using mixed methods

Abstract

This study examined factors influencing health behaviors for cardiovascular disease prevention among Korean-Chinese migrant workers with metabolic syndrome in South Korea, using an ecological model-based mixed-methods approach. An explanatory sequential design was applied. Data were collected from 204 participants in the Seoul metropolitan area, assessing intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and community-level variables. Participants had a mean age of 51.4 +/- 6.3 years; 55.4% were female, and their average length of stay in Korea was 10.8 +/- 4.8 years. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that being female (beta = 0.25, p < .001), having lower depression levels (beta = -0.09, p = .037), higher internal health locus of control (beta = 0.26, p < .001), and occupation type (beta = -0.11, p = .006) were significant predictors at the intrapersonal level, while social support (beta = 0.43, p < .001) was significant at the interpersonal level (Adj. R-2 = 0.747, p < .001). Content analysis of qualitative data from 12 in-depth interviews identified barriers such as lacks of MetS risk awareness and motivation for lifestyle changes, while highlighting social support and culturally appropriate health education as facilitators. Korean-Chinese workers face multiple challenges in adopting healthy behaviors due to demanding work conditions and limited resources. Interventions to improve mental health, enhance personal motivation, and provide culturally tailored, occupation-specific education and support are essential to promote cardiovascular health in this vulnerable population.