| Learning Objective #1: Interact and do research on a more global level | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Understand the way in which nurses can contribute to promote health and prevent illnesses of their people in the light of health care in other countries |
Objective: To compare health care delivery systems and the health status of the people between Korea and Thailand.
Design: A descriptive design was used to collect cross-sectional community survey data in one district of each country. The sample consisted of 553 households (2,237 individuals) from Mapo district, Seoul, Korea and 556 households (2,286 individuals) from Thonburi district, Bangkok, Thailand. Existing data of health care delivery systems and vital statistics of each country were retrieved from institutional data and web sites.
Methods: A structured questionnaire developed by the Korean research team was used to measure perceived health status, health behaviors, and health problems. The questionnaire was administered through an interview in the family’s home.
Findings: The Korean health care system, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has universal health insurance and is primarily in the private sector. In Thailand, the majority of health care is under the Ministry of Public Health and is primarily in the public health oriented care. Vital statistics showed the main cause of death in both countries was cardiovascular disease. Thai used exercise as a health promotion practice while Koreans used tonics and special foods. In Korea high rates of smoking and drinking as well as injuries from traffic accidents indicate a need for health professional to develop strategies to reduce these problems. A high death rate from treatable cancers indicates a need to strengthen access to screening. Respiratory problems and air pollution are problems that need to be addressed in both countries.
Conclusion: International collaborative study is not easy but it provides an opportunity for nurses to become proficient in cross-cultural collaborative research.
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