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Li H, Tomita N, Doi H, Nakata K, Ogawa-Ochiai K. Preliminary research of the effectiveness of acupuncture (spoon needle) on stress relief of Japanese expatriates in a developing country Myanmar: A retrospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35085. [PMID: 37746987 PMCID: PMC10519562 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This was a preliminary retrospective study to clarify the effectiveness of traditional Japanese acupuncture on the stress level of Japanese expatriates who studied or worked in Myanmar. Total 22 Japanese expatriate patients were selected for this study. The profile of mood states second edition-adult short form scale was used to evaluate the stress-relief effect of acupuncture before every treatment. Negative mood (tension and confusion) and total mood disturbances significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. Regarding the influence of background, the experience of staying abroad significantly influenced the efficacy of the acupuncture treatment. These results indicate that acupuncture treatment can relieve stress experienced by Japanese expatriates. The results also suggest that the experience of staying abroad might be one of the leading factors that can modulate the effects of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Li
- Department of Kampo Clinical Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Norio Tomita
- Department of Kampo Clinical Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Doi
- Department of Information and Management Systems, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka City, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kengo Nakata
- Kampo Medicine Promotion Organization Inc., Samoncho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Ogawa-Ochiai
- Department of Kampo Clinical Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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Apriyanti H, Hutchings K, McPhail R. Feeling like a million miles away from home? Well-being at work of expatriates in the resources sector in Indonesia. GERMAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT-ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PERSONALFORSCHUNG 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/23970022211063755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the world of business becomes increasingly globalised, there is greater mobility of workers internationally. Prior research has found expatriates (and their families) experience work and cultural stressors when living and working in host countries, and the stressors may be greater when working in remote locations. This research explores perceptions of well-being a of expatriates at work in the resources sector, including how social capital impacts on the well-being of expatriates. The research was undertaken in Indonesia and involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with 43 resources sector expatriates, 8 spouses and 7 human resource managers who provided their perceptions of the well-being of expatriates at work. The findings highlight nine aspects of well-being at work for expatriates in the resources sector in Indonesia, including: social aspect, safety/security, benefits and disadvantages, work aspects, job and other attitudes, eudaimonic aspect, work-life balance, affect and external influences. The findings particularly emphasise the importance of safety, work life balances and external (organisational) influences. The research contributes to expatriate, well-being and social capital literature by providing an understanding of well-being at work for expatriates working in non-standard (often remote) workplaces in the resources sector. While the research was undertaken in Indonesia and includes context-specific examples from this developing country, the conceptualisation of well-being at work has broader application for employees working in non-standard workplaces across many sectors and contexts.
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Kim HY, Kim JY, Park HY, Jun JH, Koo HY, Cho IY, Han J, Pak Y, Baek HJ, Lee JY, Chang SH, Lee JH, Choe JS, Yang SK, Kim KC, Park JH, Paik SK. Health service utilization, unmet healthcare needs, and the potential of telemedicine services among Korean expatriates. Global Health 2018; 14:120. [PMID: 30497503 PMCID: PMC6267839 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the significant growth of migration and expatriation, facilitated by increased global mobility, the number of Koreans living abroad as of 2016 is approximately 7.4 million (15% of the Korean population). Healthcare utilization or health problems, especially among expatriates in developing countries, have not been well researched despite the various health risks these individuals are exposed to. Consequently, we identified the health utilization patterns and healthcare needs among Korean expatriates in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Uzbekistan. Methods This cross-sectional survey examined 429 Korean expatriates living in Vietnam (n = 208), Cambodia (n = 60), and Uzbekistan (n = 161) who had access to the Internet and were living abroad for at least 6 months. A 67-item questionnaire was used, and feedback was received via an online survey program. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with unmet healthcare needs and preferences of certain type of telemedicine. Results We found that 45.5% (195/429) of respondents had used medical services in their country of stay. Among those who visited health institutions > 3 times, the most popular choice was general hospitals (39.4%, 15/38); however, they initially visited Korean doctors’ or local doctors’ offices. The most essential criteria for healthcare service facilities was a “skilled professional” (39.3%, 169/429), 42% wanted a health program for chronic disease management, and 30% wanted specialized internal medicine. A substantial number wanted to access telemedicine services and were willing to pay for this service. They were particularly interested in experts’ second opinion (61.5%, 264/429) and quick, 24-h medical consultations (60.8%, 261/429). Having unmet healthcare needs and being younger was strongly associated with all types of telemedicine networks. Conclusions Nearly half of the expatriates in developing countries had unmet healthcare needs. Telemedicine is one potential solution to meet these needs, especially in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Young Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Young Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.
| | - Hwa Yeon Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Hye Jun
- Department of Family Medicine, Chamjoeun Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Koo
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - In Young Cho
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jinah Han
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yuliya Pak
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Baek
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jung Hun Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Soo Choe
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sun-Kyung Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Ha Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seul Ki Paik
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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Giorgi G, Montani F, Fiz-Perez J, Arcangeli G, Mucci N. Expatriates' Multiple Fears, from Terrorism to Working Conditions: Development of a Model. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1571. [PMID: 27790173 PMCID: PMC5062027 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Companies’ internationalization appears to be fundamental in the current globalized and competitive environment and seems important not only for organizational success, but also for societal development and sustainability. On one hand, global business increases the demand for managers for international assignment. On the other hand, emergent fears, such as terrorism, seem to be developing around the world, enhancing the risk of expatriates’ potential health problems. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the emergent concept of fear of expatriation with further workplace fears (economic crisis and dangerous working conditions) and with mental health problems. The study uses a quantitative design. Self-reported data were collected from 265 Italian expatriate workers assigned to both Italian and worldwide projects. Structural equation model analyses showed that fear of expatriation mediates the relationship of mental health with fear of economic crisis and with perceived dangerous working conditions. As expected, in addition to fear, worries of expatriation are also related to further fears. Although, the study is based on self-reports and the cross-sectional study design limits the possibility of making causal inferences, the new constructs introduced add to previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Psychology, European University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | - Javier Fiz-Perez
- Department of Psychology, European University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
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Honda J, Hohashi N. The Environment and Support Needs of Japanese Families on Temporary Work Assignments in the United States. J Transcult Nurs 2014; 26:376-85. [PMID: 24810519 DOI: 10.1177/1043659614526248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the environment and the family support needs of families of Japanese nationals rearing children who are temporarily working in the Southwestern United States. DESIGN Mixed methods were utilized based on the Concentric Sphere Family Environment Model. Data collection occurred over 132 days, with 25 families participating in formal interviews and 40 families completing a written questionnaire survey. FINDINGS/RESULTS "Mutual support from relatives and friends in Japan, and with local Japanese peers," and other themes, six in all, were extracted. Japanese families require intervention for measures related to the global environment in their daily lives. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The common factor for those families with high intervention needs was the inability to access family external resources that were usually available in Japan. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The building of peer support and intervention to promote their participation in the community are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Honda
- Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Hohashi
- Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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Silbiger A, Pines AM. Expatriate stress and burnout. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2013.824911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Alshemmari SH, Refaat SM, Elbasmi AA, Alsirafy SA. Representation of expatriates among cancer patients in Kuwait and the need for culturally-competent care. J Psychosoc Oncol 2012; 30:380-5. [PMID: 22571250 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2012.664256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
From 2000 to 2007, 11,793 cancer patients received treatment in Kuwait. Non-Kuwaitis accounted for 6,016 (51%) patients. They came from 68 countries, mainly from the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean (59%) and South-East Asian (20%) regions. The majority (69%) was from low- and low-middle income countries. Thirty-seven percent were from non-Arabic speaking countries. To provide culturally-competent care for expatriate patients, there is a need to explore the impact of their ethnic, sociocultural, economic, language diversity, and expatriation-related stressors on different aspects of cancer care.
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Hohashi N, Honda J. Family functioning of child-rearing Japanese families on family-accompanied work assignments in Hong Kong. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2011; 17:485-510. [PMID: 22084484 DOI: 10.1177/1074840711424284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although the number of employees on overseas assignments accompanied by their families has increased steadily, little is known about the effects of this experience on family functioning. Japanese families on family-accompanied assignments living in Hong Kong were compared with families living in Japan (consisting of 135 and 248 paired partners, respectively). Applying an ecological framework, family functioning was examined using the Feetham Family Functioning Survey-Japanese (FFFS-J). Japanese wives living in Hong Kong rated family functioning lower, particularly in the area of "relationship between family and family members." Between paired marital partners living in Hong Kong, the level of satisfaction in the area of "relationship between family and society" was significantly lower for wives than for husbands. This study provides application of the family ecological framework in families in a multicultural environment and identifies potential areas for family assessment and intervention that may of interest to health care professionals who care for families living away from their home countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Hohashi
- Division of Family Health Care Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0142, Japan.
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Gute DM, Siqueira E, Goldberg JS, Galvão H, Chianelli M, Pirie A. The Vida Verde Women's Co-Op: Brazilian immigrants organizing to promote environmental and social justice. Am J Public Health 2009; 99 Suppl 3:S495-8. [PMID: 19890146 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.148528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the key steps in the launch of the Vida Verde Women's Co-Op among Brazilian immigrant housecleaners in Somerville, MA. The co-op provides green housecleaning products, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduction in symptoms associated with the use of traditional cleaning agents and a new sense of mutual support. Critical to the co-op's success have been the supportive roles of its academic partners (Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell), effective media outreach, and a focus on advancing social justice. Next steps include implementing a formal business plan and assessing the appropriateness of cooperatives in other industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Gute
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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Melby CS, Dodgson JE, Tarrant M. The Experiences of Western Expatriate Nursing Educators Teaching in Eastern Asia. J Nurs Scholarsh 2008; 40:176-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2008.00223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ozeki N. Transcultural Stress Factors of Japanese Mothers Living in the United Kingdom. J Transcult Nurs 2008; 19:47-54. [DOI: 10.1177/1043659607309137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the stressors experienced by Japanese mothers living in the United Kingdom. An ethnomethodological design was used by means of an openended, in-depth interview. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 Japanese mothers living in the United Kingdom. Analysis was performed using the KJ (Kawakito Jiro) method, equivalent to content analysis and data reduction. The main stressors were participation in the small hierarchical society of the Japanese business climate, isolation, language and cultural barriers, and raising Japanese children in a British cultural context. Unsatisfactory experiences of childbirth, child rearing, and contacts with medical services were reported. Recognizing cultural differences and the difficulties that may be experienced by Japanese clients is a first step. Resources may be provided to help these clients widen their social contacts and improve communication with providers of health care and education for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Ozeki
- Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Aomori City, Japan
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Schaefer FC, Blazer DG, Carr KF, Connor KM, Burchett B, Schaefer CA, Davidson JRT. Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress in cross-cultural mission assignments. J Trauma Stress 2007; 20:529-39. [PMID: 17721967 DOI: 10.1002/jts.20240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In addition to cross-cultural and environmental stressors, aid workers and missionaries are frequently exposed to trauma. We explored the frequency of traumatic events, their mental health impact, and factors associated with posttraumatic stress in two groups of missionaries, one representing a predominantly stable setting (Europe) and the other an unstable setting (West Africa). The 256 participants completed self-report measures assessing lifetime traumatic events, current posttraumatic stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, resilience, and functioning. The rate of traumatic events was significantly higher in the unstable setting. More-frequent traumatic events were associated with higher posttraumatic stress. Factors associated with the severity of posttraumatic stress were depression, functional impairment, subjective severity and number of traumatic events, and the level of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke C Schaefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Abstract
In China, the origin of occupational health started in the mid 1950s soon after the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, more complete concept and practice of occupational health was defined after the early 1980s, when China started her full-scale drive for economic reform and policy of openness. The integrity intends to cover occupational health, occupational medicine, industrial toxicology, industrial hygiene, occupational ergonomics, and occupational psychology as theoretical and practical components of occupational health. As a result, occupational health in China has undergone many changes and has improved over the past decades. These changes and improvements came about, most likely due to a new scheme, where a holistic approach of the recognition, regulation, and provision of occupational health services in a wider coverage is gradually formed and brought into effect. This presentation provides the current status of occupational health and safety problems, the latest legislative to occupational health and safety, and a general scenario of the organizational structure and function of occupational health services in China. It attempts to share with participants both our experience and lessons learned towards creating a more open and effective channel of ideas and information sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youxin Liang
- Fudan University School of Public Health, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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