Exploring the Usage of Social Media to Increase Awareness of End-of-Life Care for Korean American Communities: A Case Report

Abstract

Summary: Korean American older adults often lack understanding of end-of-life care, particularly advance care planning and hospice. Somang Society is a nonprofit organization in the U.S. serving Korean American older adults and their family caregivers to promote healthy aging, dignity in later life, and a meaningful death. We aimed to analyze education and outreach efforts of Somang Society to increase awareness among Korean Americans on the importance of end-of-life care. This case report assesses the metrics and performance analytics of Somang Society’s YouTube channel and videos uploaded from January 1^st, 2019 to September 31^th, 2021, as well as GIS data regarding their membership.

Findings: Findings of this report indicate that YouTube may be a feasible method to broaden outreach efforts to increase education and awareness on end-of-life care planning in the Korean American community. Particularly, a multi-messaging mobile application helped distribute useful information between Korean Americans. 

Applications: Community-based organizations may leverage social media platforms to increase education and awareness efforts targeting underserved populations, including culturally and linguistically diverse groups.