The Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Acculturation on Quality of Life in Older Chinese American Adults with Chronic Pain: A Quantitative Study

Despite a rapid increase in the older Chinese American adult population, there are very few research studies examining the impact of social determinants of health and acculturation on the quality of life in older Chinese American adults. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of social determinants of health and acculturation on quality of life in older Chinese American adults with chronic pain. This quantitative, descriptive correlational study utilized Madeleine Leininger’s Transcultural Theory as its theoretical framework. Two research questions guided this study: (1) Was there a difference in the quality of life in older Chinese American adults with chronic pain by acculturation and social determinants of health? (2) Was there a relationship between acculturation, social determinants of health, and quality of life in older Chinese American adults with chronic pain? The three instruments that were used to collect data were the PRAPARE Screening Tool, Asian American Multidimensional Acculturation Scale, and the SF-12 Questionnaire. The study included 110 older Chinese American adults with chronic pain who lives in New York City. The findings of the study concluded social determinants of health statistically predicted quality of life, with a negative correlation meaning that as SDOH scores increased, the quality of life decreased, and vice versa. Acculturation was not found to be a major predictor of life satisfaction. By incorporating culturally appropriate approaches in healthcare delivery, it is possible to enhance patient satisfaction and improve the overall quality of life