Haeok Lee

Faculty

Haeok Lee headshot

Haeok Lee

FAAN PhD RN

Professor

1 212 998 5714

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Haeok Lee, FAAN, PhD, RN, is a professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is an experienced nurse behavioral scientist with extensive clinical and research experience with populations affected by health disparities. Her research has played a critical role in the national and global recognition of health disparities, especially related to cervical and liver cancers among Asians and Africans. Prof. Lee is currently the site PI on an NIH/NIA-funded grant (R56 AG069130) for the Asian Ancestry Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease Study. Lee is particularly interested in culturally linguistically responsive and theory-based storytelling narrative interventions tailored to targeted racial/ethnic minority populations. Her research, which is noteworthy for its theoretical base, holds considerable promise for the development of practice guidelines and interventions for improving health communication and changing health behaviors to move toward global health equity. She has conducted her studies globally with colleges in several countries.

Before joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, she was a nursing professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston from 2008–2022. She was also on faculty at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Case Western Reserve University. She mentors faculty, postdoctoral scholars, PhD students, and undergraduate students from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds from diverse disciplines. She has sponsored overseas visiting scholars.

Among her many honors, Lee received the 2022 American Nurses Association, Massachusetts Excellence in Nursing Research Awards. She was honored by Choson University, South Korea as the 2012 Excellent Chosun Alumni for Contributions in Education and Social Justice. She has provided advice to the Korean Nurses Association as a Senior Advisor in Global Health as well as has served on several NIH review panels in the areas of vaccination behavior, HIV/AIDs, and global health.

Lee earned her PhD from the University of California San Francisco, a Master in Nursing Education from Yonsei University, and a BSN from Chosun University. She received a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of California San Francisco, Clinical Cardiology.

Qualitative research investigating patterns of health care behavior among Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B

Yang, J. H., Cho, M. O., & Lee, H. O. (2009). Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 39(6), 805-817. 10.4040/jkan.2009.39.6.805
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: This ethnograpy was done to explore patterns of health care behavior in patients with chronic health problems. Methods: The participants were 15 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 2 family members. Among the patients 4 had progressed to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Data were collected from iterative fieldwork in a department of internal medicine of I hospital. Data were analyzed using text analysis and taxonomic methods. Results: Illness and disease, relationship between health care givers and clients, and communication patterns between health professions and clients were discussed as the context of health care behavior. Health care behavior of the participants was categorized by its focus: every day work centered, body centered, organ centered, and pathology centered. Conclusion: Participants' health care behavior was guided by folk health concept and constructed in the sociocultural context. Folk etiology, pathology, and interpretation of one's symptoms were influencing factors in illness behavior. These findings must be a cornerstone of culture specific care for the chronic diseases.

Spirituality, Depression, Living Alone, and Perceived Health Among Korean Older Adults in the Community

You, K. S., Lee, H. O., Fitzpatrick, J. J., Kim, S., Marui, E., Lee, J. S., & Cook, P. (2009). Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 309-322. 10.1016/j.apnu.2008.07.003
Abstract
Abstract
Both theoretical and empirical studies have documented the protective effect of religiosity and spirituality on general health in older adults in community and hospital settings; however, no study has documented the relationship between spirituality and depression among older adults living alone in communities in Korea. We tested two hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Korean older adults living alone would be more depressed and less healthy than older adults living with family, and Hypothesis 2: Individuals who are more religious and spiritual would report a lower level of depression and a higher level of general health even when other demographic and living status variables are controlled. A descriptive, comparative, and correlational design with a convenience sampling method was conducted among community-dwelling Korean older adults in Chounbook Providence, South Korea. This study included 152 men and women older than 65 years old. Hypothesis 1 was supported as Korean older adults living alone were significantly more depressed than were older adults living with family (P < .01). However, for Hypotheses 2, only spirituality activities and Spirituality Index of Well-Being scores were significantly associated with general health and/or depression (P < .01), but there were no relationships between the variables of attendance and importance of religion with general health and depression.

Hepatitis B infection among Korean Americans in Colorado: Evidence of the need for serologic testing and vaccination

Lee, H. O., Levin, M. J., Kim, F., Warner, A., & Park, W. J. (2008). Hepatitis Monthly, 8(2), 91-96.
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is significantly higher in Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) than in the general U.S. population. People chronically infected with HBV not only have the potential for developing cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma, but also are potential sources for infecting others. Therefore, early diagnosis of HBV infection can reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus through education and vaccination of high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to screen for current and past HBV infection in this high-risk group. Methods. A community-based participatory study was conducted between 2004 and 2007. A total of 609 Korean Americans (KA) completed HBV blood screening tests in seven Korean churches in Colorado. Current HBV infection (HBsAg), past HBV infection (anti-HBc positive), and HBV susceptibility were measured. Demographic Information, including HBV vaccination history on these groups, was obtained. Results. Korean Americans had an almost ten times higher incidence of current (4%) and past HBV infection (41%) than the general U.S population. Older individuals had a higher incidence of past HBV infection and lower immunization rate. The risk of lifetime HBV infection was less among participants younger than 30 (OR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02-0.21) and those who self-reported HBV vaccination (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.05-0.29). Variables associated with immunity due to vaccination (anti-HBc negative but positive to anti-HBs) were, age under 30 (OR: 13.86, 95% CI: 4.68-41.05), and self-reported vaccination (OR: 8.06; 95% CI: 3.43-18.92). Conclusions. Our study findings confirm the high prevalence of HBV infection among AAPIs, specifically among AAPIs in regions where AAPIs constitute a small proportion of residents. Given the high incidence of HBV infection among these community-dwelling KA, and that the majority of HBV-infected participants were unaware of their condition, focused HBV screening should be conducted to uncover individuals with HBV.

Differences in knowledge of hepatitis B among Korean immigrants in two cities in the Rocky Mountain Region

Lee, H. O., Lee, O. J., Kim, S., Hontz, I., & Warner, A. (2007). Asian Nursing Research, 1(3), 165-175. 10.1016/S1976-1317(08)60019-5
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To assess knowledge and attitude toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among Korean immigrants in two cities in the Rocky Mountain region and to determine whether sociodemographic and cultural factors are related to the level of HBV knowledge. Methods: Community-based participatory study was conducted in five Korean churches in the Rocky Mountain region to develop baseline data on HBV infection and vaccination behavior. All documents, including announcements, brochures, consent forms, and questionnaires were in Korean and English, and trained Korean interviewers collected the surveys by reviewing the questionnaires with participants at the churches. Results: Knowledge of HBV infection was low and city of residence did not have a statistically significant impact on HBV infection knowledge. in the total sample, 62% identified transmission by sharing utensils and 21% believed that HBV was hereditary, while only 21% thought that HBV was spread through sexual contact. The majority of participants (61%) rated their English level as "minimum". Knowledge of HBV infection was found to be associated with both demographic and acculturation factors (p <.05). Conclusion: This study found not only a low level of knowledge of HBV infection but also misunderstanding of the risks of HBV infection. Knowledge of HBV infection was significantly associated with education and acculturation; therefore, culturally sensitive and group-tailored public health education for Korean and other Asian American Pacific Islanders should be developed to clarify misconceptions and misunderstandings about HBV infection.

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health of Older People Who Are Living Alone or With Relatives

You, K. S., & Lee, H. O. (2006). Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 20(4), 193-201. 10.1016/j.apnu.2005.12.008
Abstract
Abstract
In Korea, as in other countries, the number of older adults is growing substantially, and the proportion of older adults is projected to be 14.3% by 2022 [Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Republic of Korea. (2003). Yearbook of health and social affairs statistics for 2003, vol. 49. Seoul, Korea: Government Printing Office]. The number of older people who are living alone in rural areas has been sharply increasing as a result of the migration of younger adults to urban areas for employment. However, information on the health status of elders who live alone is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the physical, mental, and emotional health status of elders who are living alone and those living with relatives in rural areas in South Korea. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected by interviewing subjects. A two-stage cluster sampling process was utilized for those living alone (n = 110) and those living with family members (n = 102). Both groups were enrolled in KyungRo-Dangs (senior centers), which are like community centers in the province. The results indicate that elders who are living with relatives scored significantly higher on several physical and mental health parameters than elders who are living alone. However, elders who are living with relatives had a significantly higher emotional health status in almost every item than elders who are living alone. These findings suggest that interventions to increase health status, especially the emotional health of elders who are living alone, are imperative and that the intervention should be sensitive to changes in the social structure of elders who are living alone in rural areas. Further studies are needed to understand the factors that are associated with the physical, mental, and emotional health of elders who are living alone and those who are living with relatives.

Effects of nurse-coordinated intervention on patients with type 2 diabetes in Korea

Kim, H. S., Oh, J. A., & Lee, H. O. (2005). Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 20(2), 154-160. 10.1097/00001786-200504000-00011
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a nurse-coordinated intervention on patients with type 2 diabetes in Korea. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group and 10 to a control group. The intervention was implemented for 12 weeks by telephone. Patients in the intervention group had a mean decrease of 1.2% in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and those in the control group had a mean increase of 0.5%. Patients' satisfaction with care was higher in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention. These findings indicated that the nurse-coordinated intervention could improve HbA1c levels and satisfaction with care in patients with type 2 diabetes in Korea.

Hepatitis B infection among Asian American Pacific Islanders in the Rocky Mountain area

Lee, H. O., Hontz, I., Warner, A., & Park, S. J. (2005). Applied Nursing Research, 18(1), 2-6. 10.1016/j.apnr.2004.04.002
Abstract
Abstract
To detect the rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), data on hepatitis B antigens and antibodies were collected as part of a community health fair. Two hundred seventy adults received free hepatitis B screening. The serological results of 82 Whites showed that 1.2% were positive for serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 21% were positive for serum hepatitis B antibody (HBAb). Of 161 AAPIs, 4.3% were positive for serum HBsAg and 60% were positive for HBAb. Despite the limitation of design, these data provide some insight on the rate of HBV infection in AAPIs because there are no data on prevalence of HBV infection of AAPIs in the Rocky Mountain Area.

Interactive voice response system (IVRS) in health care services

Lee, H., Friedman, M. E., Cukor, P., & Ahern, D. (2003). Nursing Outlook, 51(6), 277-283. 10.1016/S0029-6554(03)00161-1
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in telecommunications technology have created opportunities to enhance the quality of health care services through telehealth, the use of telecommunications and information technologies to deliver health care. However, the diverse technologies and applications encompassed by telehealth have tended to confuse discussions of the effectiveness of these programs. An interactive voice response system (IVRS) is a simple, yet effective telehealth application that improves access to health care by continuing care beyond the hospital setting, with specially tailored programs that are easily accessible to patients around the clock. Often described as a telephone connected to a "talking computer," an IVRS allows patient interaction for data collection or to deliver recorded telephone messages related to medication compliance or behavior modification. Despite easy access to touchtone telephone services and growing familiarity with IVRS, many health care providers are unaware of these programs. This paper reviews the infrastructure of IVRS technology and its uses in health care.

Typical and atypical symptoms of myocardial infarction among African-Americans, whites, and Koreans.

Lee, H., Bahler, R., Park, O. J., Kim, C. J., Lee, H. Y., & Kim, Y. J. (2001). Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 13(4), 531-539. 10.1016/s0899-5885(18)30020-0
Abstract
Abstract
Most public education about the clinical symptoms of MI and the appropriate response to those symptoms has been designed to reach educated segments of the white population based on data gathered from white men. As a result, AAs and Korean-Americans may be less alert to chest pain, less likely to relate this symptom to heart attack, and less likely to seek treatment promptly. Our findings provide a race-specific database on CHD risk factors and types of MI symptoms, which should be of particular interest to the trauma and emergency care nurse as well as to the coronary care nurse. AAs and Koreans experienced chest pain as frequently as whites, but AAs experienced the atypical symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue more often, and Koreans experienced dyspnea, perspiration, and fatigue more often than whites. This information can be helpful in developing public education programs on MI that are sensitive to our increasingly diverse population. In the acute and critical care setting, these data assist the nurse to recognize that "classic" signs and symptoms of acute MI may not be classic for all racial and ethnic groups. This awareness can lead to more culturally sensitive assessment tools and educational interventions, earlier recognition of acute MI with more appropriate triage decisions, more aggressive treatment, and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of these high-risk groups.

Fatigue, mood, and hemodynamic patterns after myocardial infarction.

Lee, H., Kohlman, G. C., Lee, K., & Schiller, N. B. (2000). Applied Nursing Research : ANR, 13(2), 60-69. 10.1016/S0897-1897(00)80002-6
Abstract
Abstract
A descriptive design with repeated measures was used to describe patterns of fatigue, emotional stress, and left ventricular (LV) function among 22 patients with myocardial infarction (MI) from day 5 postadmission to day 21 postadmission for the MI. The severity of fatigue in patients with MI during the subacute period ranged from 32 to 44 on the 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue. Severity of fatigue and depression remained the same; however, LV function improved (p < .01) and patients experienced more energy (p < .01) and less anxiety (p < .01) in the third week following MI. Researchers observed five different fatigue patterns: decreasing fatigue, increasing fatigue, unchanged low fatigue, unchanged-high fatigue, and a curvilinear fatigue pattern. The finding of five different fatigue patterns after an MI suggests that all patients with MI should not be treated as a uniform group assumed to have decreasing fatigue with the passage of time.