Haeok Lee

Faculty

Haeok Lee headshot

Haeok Lee

PhD RN FAAN

Professor

1 212 998 5714

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Haeok Lee's additional information

Haeok Lee, FAAN, PhD, RN, is a Professor at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is an experienced nurse behavioral scientist with extensive clinical and research experience focusing on populations affected by health disparities. Her primary research addresses health inequity issues among immigrant populations through theory and community-based participatory research. Prof. Lee is a pioneer in developing cultural and social context specific storytelling videos for encouraging health behavior changes, specifically in immigrant and African populations. 

Lee initiated cancer research and research capacity building based on her Fulbright Scholarship for Africa from 2017-2000 and recently completed an R21 (1R21NR018734) grant, a pilot RCT, and an mHealth delivered storytelling intervention to promote cervical cancer screening among Malawian women living with HIV. Currently, she serves as a site PI of the Asian Cohort Alzheimer’s disease project (ACAD: U19-AG079774) to recruit 5,081 older Asian adults across the U.S. and Canada. The NYU site focuses on working with the Korean American subpopulation. The study collects DNA, plasma biomarkers, and genotypes, as well as social factors and clinical diagnostic information. For more information read the article NYU Meyers joins NIH-funded multisite study of Alzheimer’s disease in Asian Americans.  

Lee mentors faculty, postdoctoral scholars, PhD students, and undergraduate students from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and from various disciplines. She has sponsored overseas visiting scholars.

Post Doctoral fellowship, University of California San Francisco
PhD, University of California San Francisco
MA, Yonsei University School of Education
BSN, Chosun University

American Academy of Nursing
American Association of Public Health
American Alzheimer’s Association
The Greater New York Korean Nurses Association

Faculty Honors Awards

Distinguished Editorial Board Award, Asian Pacific Journal of Oncology (2024)
American Nurses Association, Massachusetts Excellence in Nursing Research Awards (2022)
The 27th Annual Scientific Conference of Eastern Nursing Research Society (2015)
Fellow of American Academy of Nursing (2013)
The 24th Annual Scientific Conference of Eastern Nursing Research Society (2012)
Excellent Chosun Alumni for Contribution in Education and Social Justice (2012)

Publications

Awareness, knowledge, social norms, and vaccination intentions among Khmer mother–daughter pairs

Lee, H., Kim, D., Kiang, P. N., Cooley, M. E., Shi, L., Thiem, L., Kan, P. S., Chea, P., Allison, J., & Kim, M. (2021). (Vols. 26, Issues 3, pp. 379-391). 10.1080/13557858.2018.1514455
Abstract
Abstract
Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be prevented by vaccination. Mothers play an important role in promoting vaccination and health education. However, Cambodian American mothers reported to have challenges to play a role as primary health educators due to lack of health knowledge and language and cultural gaps. Therefore, this study aims to understand the Cambodian American daughters’ and mothers’ awareness, knowledge and social norms of HPV vaccination and their health communication and vaccination decision-making. We conducted a pilot randomized clinical trial to promote HPV vaccination. In this study, we have only reported findings from baseline data examining individual, interpersonal and social determinants of HPV vaccination behavior among 19 dyads of Cambodian American mothers and daughters. Both mothers and daughters demonstrated low levels of awareness and knowledge. A significant relationship was found between the daughters’ HPV vaccine decisions and their perception of their mothers’ intention on HPV vaccination for them. Culturally and linguistically appropriate communication strategies such as storytelling or visual presentation approaches may be more effective than the current practice of using information-based written materials to promote HPV vaccination and health education among Cambodian Americans.

Development of a situation-specific theory of cervical cancer prevention behaviors of Malawian women

Lee, H., Mtengezo, J. T., Kim, D., & Fawcett, J. (2021). In Situation Specific Theories: Development, Utilization, and Evaluation in Nursing (pp. 281-290). Springer International Publishing. 10.1007/978-3-030-63223-6_19
Abstract
Abstract
In this chapter, the revised Network Episode Model (NEM) as the basis for a situation-specific theory that provides an explanation of how Malawian women come to make a decision about and act to obtain cervical cancer screening. The situation-specific theory takes into account the uniqueness of Malawian women's individual factors, interpersonal relationships factors, and sociocultural factors. The theory emphasizes the need to attend to the unique factors that influence cervical cancer screening behaviors of women in their unique situations.

Overview of human papillomavirus vaccination policy changes and its impact in the United States : Lessons learned and challenges for the future

Kim, D., Lee, H., & Kim, M. (2021). (Vols. 38, Issues 3, pp. 396-405). 10.1111/phn.12873
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The HPV vaccination is effective and safe for preventing HPV infection and HPV attributable cancers. Despite this fact, the uptake rate of the vaccination in the United States has remained below the national target of 80%. Health policy focused on allocating resources and creating vaccine-promoting environments can influence HPV vaccination coverage rates. There is a scarcity of information about the HPV vaccination-related health policy and its impact on the outcome of vaccine uptake. Method: We conducted a comprehensive review of HPV vaccination-related health policies at the federal, state, and professional organization levels and examined their impact on population health by reviewing national data on HPV vaccination uptake rates. Results: The review revealed that (a) HPV vaccination recommendations, which serve as the federal-level HPV vaccination policy, have changed frequently in terms of gender, age criteria, and dosing schedule, and (b) the frequent changes of the policy have resulted in low uptake rates among male and young adult populations. Discussion: The uptake rate should be continuously followed to evaluate the impact of recent changes to the federal-level HPV vaccination policy. State-level policies and healthcare professionals, including nurses, are important to the promotion of HPV vaccinations and decreasing HPV vaccination disparities.

Psychometric testing of the korean version of the caring behaviors inventory-24 in clinical nurses

Kang, Y., Kang, S. J., Yang, I. S., Lee, H., & Fitzpatrick, J. (2021). (Vols. 28, Issue 1, pp. 96-104). 10.7739/JKAFN.2021.28.1.96
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To determine psychometric properties of the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24) among Korean clinical nurses. Methods: A methodological design was used. Data were collected from 408 clinical nurses. Construct validity analysis was performed, including factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was tested by Cronbach's α coefficients, inter-item correlation, and corrected item-total correlation. Results: Exploratory factor analysis produced three factors: 'empathy and supporting', 'knowledge and skills', and 'providing comfort'. In confirmatory factor analysis results, model fit indices were acceptable (x2/df=3.50, RMR=.05, RMSEA=.08, CFI=.90). The values obtained for the AVE ranged from .53 to .68, and for the CR ranged from .53 to .68. Convergent validity coefficients were noticeably greater in magnitude than discriminant validity coefficients: .53 (AVE1 value) and .68 (AVE2 value)≥.45 (r12 2 value) and .68 (AVE2 value) and .63 (AVE3 value)≥.61 (r23 2 value). Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) of CBI-K was .95. Conclusion: The CBI-K was shown to have acceptable construct validity and good internal consistency. Study findings imply that CBI-K could be a useful instrument for clinical administrators and nursing researchers to assess caring behaviors among Korean clinical nurses. Utilization of CBI-K might contribute to the building of empirical knowledge and the understanding of caring behaviors from nurses' perspectives.

Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in south Korean childbearing women : a cross-sectional study

Pang, Y., Kim, O., Choi, J. A., Jung, H., Kim, J., & Lee, H. (2021). (Vols. 20, Issue 1). 10.1186/s12912-021-00737-6
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Adequate levels of vitamin D are important for women of childbearing age as vitamin D helps maintain the pregnancy and ensures proper maternal and fetal bone metabolism and fetal skeletal development. However, vitamin D deficiency is a health problem prevalent in women of all ages, worldwide. This study aimed to determine the current status of serum vitamin D levels and the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among South Korean nurses of childbearing age. Methods: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) were measured in 1594 registered nurses aged 20 to 45 years who are participants in an ongoing prospective cohort study of the Korean Nurses’ Health Study initiated in 2013. The participants completed surveys about demographic and occupational characteristics and physical and psychological health. We examined associations with vitamin D deficiency through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The average blood 25(OH) D concentration of the participants was 12.92 ng/mL (4.0–63.4 ng/mL), while the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 89% (1419/1594). Multivariable logistic regression showed that significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency included month of sampling (there was a lower level of vitamin D deficiency in winter than in spring, summer, or fall), age (women in their 20s had a lower vitamin D level than those in their 30s and 40s), and stress symptoms. Vitamin D levels were not associated with body mass index, physical activity, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean female nurses. Serum levels of vitamin D were associated with age and season. Vitamin D deficiency should be recognized as one of the primary health concerns among young women. More proactive actions, such as vitamin D supplements and food fortification, are needed to improve vitamin D deficiency in high-risk groups.

Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in south Korean childbearing women: a cross-sectional study

Lee, H., Pang, Y., Kim, O., Choi, J.-A. A., Jung, H., Kim, J., Lee, H., & Lee, H. (2021). (Vols. 20, Issue 1, p. 218).
Abstract
Abstract
Adequate levels of vitamin D are important for women of childbearing age as vitamin D helps maintain the pregnancy and ensures proper maternal and fetal bone metabolism and fetal skeletal development. However, vitamin D deficiency is a health problem prevalent in women of all ages, worldwide. This study aimed to determine the current status of serum vitamin D levels and the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among South Korean nurses of childbearing age.

Challenges and lessons learned from a mobile health, web-based human papillomavirus intervention for female korean american college students : feasibility experimental study

Kim, M., Lee, H., & Allison, J. (2020). (Vols. 4, Issue 1). 10.2196/14111
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Mobile health (mHealth) and Web-based research methods are becoming more commonplace for researchers. However, there is a lack of mHealth and Web-based human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention experimental studies that discuss potential issues that may arise. Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of research procedures and discuss the challenges and lessons learned from an mHealth and Web-based HPV prevention experimental study targeting female Korean American college students in the United States. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in an mHealth and Web-based platform with 104 female Korean American college students aged 18-26 years between September 2016 and December 2016. Participants were randomized to either the experimental group (a storytelling video intervention) or the comparison group (a nonnarrative, information-based intervention). Outcomes included the feasibility of research procedures (recruitment, eligibility, randomization, and retention). Results: From September 2016 to October 2016, we recorded 225 entries in our initial eligibility survey. The eligibility rate was 54.2% (122/225). This study demonstrated a high recruitment rate (95.6%, 111/122) and retention rate (83.7%, 87/104) at the 2-month follow-up. Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrated sufficient feasibility in terms of research procedures to justify a full-scale RCT. Given the increased possibility of invalid or misrepresentative entries in mHealth and Web-based studies, strategies for detection and prevention are critical.

Challenges and Lessons Learned From a Mobile Health, Web-Based Human Papillomavirus Intervention for Female Korean American College Students: Feasibility Experimental Study

Lee, H., Kim, M., Lee, H., & Allison, J. (2020). (Vols. 4, Issue 1, p. e14111).
Abstract
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) and Web-based research methods are becoming more commonplace for researchers. However, there is a lack of mHealth and Web-based human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention experimental studies that discuss potential issues that may arise.

The concepts of health inequality, disparities and equity in the era of population health

Lee, H., Kim, D., Lee, S. A., & Fawcett, J. (2020). (Vols. 56). 10.1016/j.apnr.2020.151367
Abstract
Abstract
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The concepts of health inequality, disparities and equity in the era of population health

Lee, H., Lee, H., Kim, D., Lee, S., & Fawcett, J. (2020). (Vols. 56, p. 151367).
Abstract
Abstract
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