The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a translated instrument to screen for depressive disorders among Korean Americans (KAs). The Patient Health Questionnaire-(PHQ-9) was selected and translated into Korean (PHQ-9K). Two research questions were formulated: What is the prevalence of depression as determined by using the PHQ-9K among KAs attending a communitybased health fair? Is this Korean-translated version of the PHQ-9K tool useful in screening for depression in KAs? Data were collected at an annual KA Community Medical Health Fair and analyzed following the guidelines for interpreting the PHQ-9. The results demonstrated that 15.4% of sample participants might need treatment for depression depending on the duration of symptoms, severity, and functional impairment, and 7.5% of participants definitely required treatment for depressive symptoms. The usefulness of the PHQ-9K to screen for depressive disorders in KAs at a primary care setting was confirmed.

This article examines how cultural misunderstandings and language differences generate ethical dilemmas in cross-cultural nursing. It explores the consequences of actions that result when health care providers lack an awareness of the value systems of patients that differ from their own. Described are the principles arising from ethical theory, their application to nursing, and incorporation into professional codes of ethics. Two case studies illustrate the close relationship between culture, health, and communication, with language barriers a significant factor in predicting the outcomes of care. Recommendations are offered for cultural competency training for health care institutions, nursing administrators, and nursing educators.

The purpose of this cross-cultural qualitative study is to describe and interpret the Korean American families' (KAFs') caregiving experiences for their mentally ill grown children. Seven KAF caregivers were purposefully sampled. In-depth audiotaped interviews were conducted in Korean, and Korean metaphors, images, and dreams were translated into English. This allowed for a rich explication of this study's complex caregiving phenomena. Five major themes were identified: (a) realization of children's illness, (b) battling the disease of incompetence, (c) poignant processes of caregiving, (d) suffering as a way of life, and (e) journey toward spirituality. In conclusion, incorporating transcultural nursing into core nursing curricula, recognizing the spiritual dimensions of care in nursing, and establishing culturally congruent community-based day treatment modalities and programs integrating other cultures are recommended.

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