Relationships of acculturative stress, depression, and social support to health-related quality of life in Vietnamese immigrant women in South Korea

Acculturation Among Chinese Married Immigrant Women in South Korea: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine acculturation and the associated factors among Chinese immigrant married women in South Korea.

METHODOLOGY

Data collected from 220 participants through an online survey at four health family support centers in South Korea were analyzed in an acculturation model, which included family environment, ego-resilience, acculturative stress, stress-coping style, and acculturation.

RESULTS

The fit indices of the modified model satisfied the recommended levels. Among the variables, ego-resilience (β = 0.34, p < .001) and acculturative stress (β = -0.65, p < .001) directly affected acculturation. Family environment (β = 0. 35, p = .001) indirectly influenced acculturation through acculturative stress and stress-coping style. The explanatory power of the variables was 80.7%.

DISCUSSION

The results confirmed the usefulness of the acculturation model that provides a theoretical basis for improving acculturation in married immigrant women.

Life satisfaction of multicultural married couples: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analysis

We aimed to identify the actor and partner effects of health status, relationship satisfaction, and depression on the life satisfaction of married immigrant women and their husbands in South Korea. We used a cross-sectional design that included 2865 multicultural married couples with data from the 2015 national survey of multicultural families in Korea. We analyzed the data using path analyses within the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) framework. Health status, depression, and relationship satisfaction had actor effects in both wives and husbands, while depression had no partner effects on either. Health status had partner effects only for wives, and relationship satisfaction had partner effects for both husbands and wives. Given that factors influencing life satisfaction differed in couples and since those with depression and poor health were more susceptible to lower life satisfaction, it is essential to introduce efforts to prevent depression and improve relationships considering differences of partner effects.

'With a Little Help from My Friends': Emotional Intelligence, Social Support, and Distress during the COVID-19 Outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a global existential social and health challenge, with individuals suffering mentally and psychologically. College and university students are young adults, typically away from their natural support systems; with pandemic-imposed measures such as isolation, they may have been at higher risk of experiencing negative psychological outcomes. The study tested a model in which social support mediated the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and a latent factor representing general mental distress at the height of the COVID-19 crisis in Poland. One hundred and fifty-nine young adults filled in measures of trait EI, psychological and instrumental social support, three distress measures (depression, anxiety, and stress), and demographics. The results supported a model in which psychological social support (but not instrumental social support) mediated the association between trait EI and a factor representing all three distress measures. The results shed light on how individual and social resources work together to help maintain psychological integrity in times of crisis. They add to recent results on the differential effects of psychological-emotional and instrumental social support on distress and well-being.

Strangers helping strangers in a strange land: Vietnamese immigrant (expectant) mothers in the US use social media to navigate health issues in acculturation

Objectives

Trying to adapt to a new culture, Vietnamese (expectant) mothers in the USA gathered in few Facebook groups with thousands of members discussing pregnancy, health, and child caring issues. However, there is little research exploring how social support was given/taken among these (expectant) mothers. This empirical research aims at shedding light on how such mothers use social media groups for social support seeking/providing regarding health utilization during their acculturation process.

Methods

Drawing from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Utilization, acculturation, and online social support conceptual frameworks, this study analyzes 18 in-depth interviews with immigrant Vietnamese (expectant) mothers in the United States on the use of social media in navigating health acculturation during their pregnancy and motherhood.

Results

Results show that these mothers give and take all forms of social support including informational, emotional, relational, and instrumental ones. Facebook groups do not provide the best environment for improving "bonding" social capital for its members. However, these groups provide a platform where "strangers help strangers" overcome various barriers to sufficiently understand and independently access and use the official healthcare system. The groups, hence, aid these women's pregnancy and their child(ren)'s health. The informational and emotional support provided by Facebook groups among (soon-to-be) mothers helped them tremendously in overcoming acculturative stress. Moreover, with better language skills, knowledge, and experience in using health and social security systems, help-seekers tend to be transformed into help providers to deliver support for those "newcomers."

Conclusions

This research provides insights into personal experience on the uses of social media in navigating health behavior in the process of acculturation among Vietnamese immigrant (expectant) mothers in the United States. The research seeks to contribute to the conceptual frameworks and practical experience of behavioral model of health utitlization among immigrant Vietnamese ethnic immigrant pregnant women and mothers of babies and toddlers in navigating health during acculturation process in the United States. The limitations and future research suggestions are also discussed.

Acculturative Stress, Perceived Social Support, and Mental Health: The Mediating Effect of Negative Emotions Associated with Discrimination

The role of perceived social support in the acculturation process of immigrants remains unclear. In this study, we jointly evaluated the associations between acculturative stress and negative emotions associated with discrimination as antecedents of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms in 283 immigrants living in Chile. Three competing models were tested via structural equation modelling to assess (1) the association among these variables and mental health symptoms and (2) to clarify the role of perceived social support. The third model was theoretically more adequate, showed a better fit, and explained 42.7% of the variance of mental health symptoms. In this model, perceived social support was associated with acculturative stress by reducing mental health symptomatology. Moreover, a direct relationship and an indirect relationship were found between acculturative stress (through negative emotions associated with discrimination) and mental health symptomatology. These results contribute to the understanding of the acculturation process experienced by immigrants in Chile and provide empirical evidence to be used to improve migration policies.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors of International Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the WHOQOL-BREF Instrument

The quality of life (QoL) of an individual is affected in a complex way by the person’s physical health, psychological state, social relationships, and their relationship to their environment. We assessed the QoL of international university students using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) tool and explored the QoL-associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and March 2021. The WHOQOL-BREF was summarized as a four-domain construct following the WHO guidelines and QoL scores for each domain were compared through a t-test and chi-squared test. To determine the factors associated with international students’ QoL we used multiple linear regression models, with each of the domains serving as the outcome variable. In total, 261 students participated, with 52.5% being males. We reported predicted means (PM) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cronbach’s alpha for the overall WHOQOL-BREF tool was 0.88. Students’ self-reported QoL mean score was 3.67 ± 0.71 and the mean score of their overall satisfaction with health was 3.61 ± 0.83. The social relationships domain had the highest mean score at 56.88 ± 19.55 and was significantly associated with age (>25 years: PM: 59.7; 95% CI: 56.2−63.2, p = 0.033) and region of origin (Asia: PM: 54.4; 95% CI: 42.5−64.8, p = 0.027). Students above 25 years had significantly higher scores in all domains (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the social relationships and psychological health domains have more positive impact on international students’ QoL compared to the physical and environmental health domains. To cope with factors influencing international students’ QoL, universities should develop and provide efficient support systems for foreign students in South Korea.

Mental Health and its Influencing Factors Among Immigrants with Chronic Diseases in China

Immigrants are a special group in society, and their health is of great concern. Few studies have targeted this population in China. A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted from July to August 2018 in Hubei Province, China. Chi-square tests, Z-tests and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data using SPSS 24.0. A total of 1068 questionnaires were distributed. The results showed that the variables that affected the mental health of the immigrants with chronic diseases included gender, annual income, life events (L), negative emotion (NE), negative coping styles (NC) and objective support (OS) (p ≤ 0.05). Future research should focus on the physical and mental health of different immigrant groups and design effective, individualized interventions to improve the health status of immigrants, especially those with chronic diseases.

Ethnic Identity and Collective Self-Esteem Mediate the Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in a Migrant Population

Migration processes can often trigger negative interactions with the context, generating problems in both the physical and mental health of migrants, which have an impact on both their well-being and their quality of life. In this framework, the research aimed to assess the mediating effect of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem on the inverse relationship between mental health problems and quality of life. Data were collected from 908 first-generation Colombian migrants living in Chile, of whom 50.2% were women and with an average age of 35 years. They were assessed with The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-Bref, Smith's ethnic identity questionnaire, Basabe's collective self-esteem, and Beck's Anxiety and Depression questionnaires. The results provide evidence that both collective self-esteem and ethnic identity exert a partial mediation effect on the relationship between anxiety and depression on quality of life. The study provides evidence of the protective role that the maintenance and reinforcement of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem can have, with a view to strengthening the planning of interventions both in the field of prevention of mental health problems and in the improvement of quality of life based on evidence.

How Does the Social Support Affect Refugees’ Life Satisfaction in Turkey? Stress as a Mediator, Social Aids and Coronavirus Anxiety as Moderators

The number of refugees has increased exponentially due to international crises, wars, and political pressures in recent years worldwide. Turkey hosts the largest refugee population in the world with 3,672,646 Syrian refugees. This study aimed to examine the relationship among refugees’ stress, life satisfaction, social support, coronavirus anxiety, and social aids they get during the COVID-19 process. We hypothesized that stress, social aids, and coronavirus anxiety could play a role in the relationship between life satisfaction, stress, and social support. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 628 Syrian refugees via an online questionnaire in Turkey. Confirmatory factor, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted. In addition, the moderator and mediator role of variables tested using the 95% bias-corrected confidence interval from 5000 resamples was generated by the bias-corrected bootstrapping method. The study results show that stress partially mediated the relationship between family support and life satisfaction and between friend support and life satisfaction. In addition, coronavirus anxiety had a moderating effect on the relationship between family support and stress and friend support and stress. Finally, social aids moderated the relationship between stress and life satisfaction. In conclusion, the role of social aids, stress, and coronavirus anxiety in the relationship between social support, stress, and life satisfaction has been revealed.

Mediating Effects of Coping Strategies on the Relationship Between Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Indonesian Female Migrant Workers in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

Mental health is a major concern among migrant workers worldwide. More than 200,846 female migrant workers in Taiwan are from Indonesia. The study's purpose was to investigate mediating effects of coping strategies on the relationship between mental health problems and the quality of life (QoL).

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiwan. In total, 500 Indonesian female migrant workers completed four questionnaires. A mediation test was conducted to estimate direct and indirect effects.

RESULTS

Coping strategies, namely substance use, behavioral disengagement, denial, and religious dedication, partially mediated the relationship between mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) and QoL among Indonesian female migrant workers in Taiwan.

DISCUSSION

Health promotion programs should be developed for Indonesian female migrant workers in Taiwan to help them detect and overcome their mental health problems. Interventions that facilitate effective coping strategies should be administered to improve their QoL.

Interview survey of physical and mental changes and coping strategies among 13 Vietnamese female technical interns living in Japan

We conducted a case study to assess 1) physical and mental changes; 2) self-assessments of symptoms; 3) coping strategies; and 4) adaptation to physical and mental changes by semi-structured interview survey among Vietnamese female migrant workers working in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program. We found they experienced female-specific physical changes, and some interns' symptoms worsened because they did not consult anyone about their symptoms. We propose increasing opportunities to learn about possible physical and mental changes caused by migration and to improve health literacy, including prevention, coping, help-seeking, and consultations about health concerns among female technical interns.

Level of Acculturation and Acculturative Stress Perceived by Asian Immigrant Women Married to South Korean Men

INTRODUCTION

Married immigrant women experience cultural conflicts due to different values, and customs. This study examined the factors associated with the acculturation and acculturative stress of Asian immigrant women in South Korea.

METHOD

A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. A total of 142 participants were recruited from Incheon Multicultural Centers in 2016 using a convenience sampling method. Acculturation and acculturative stress were measured by Suinn-Lew Self-Identity Acculturation Scale and Social Attitudinal Familial Environment. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Time since immigration was negatively associated with the level of acculturation, while alcohol consumption (p < .050). Some demographic variables (age, religion, anxiety, and time since immigration) were associated with acculturative stress (p < .050).

DISCUSSION

These findings can help health care providers to increase their awareness and be more sensitive when providing services to these women.

Serious psychological distress: A national study of Middle Eastern immigrants

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is very limited literature on the health of Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States, and the available studies were mostly conducted on small convenient samples in local communities. There is also a need to understand changes in the rates of serious psychological distress (SPD) during the 15 years after 2001, as there were negative effects on Arabs' health since the September 2001 aftermath. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The study examined the rates of SPD, the risk of SPD and its associated factors in a national sample of Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States from 2001 to 2015. The study found that serious psychological distress rate was high among Middle Eastern immigrants. Being a female and having obesity were associated with a higher risk of reporting serious psychological distress among this population. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: These outcomes necessitate mental health nursing interventions that provide culturally sensitive mental health care to immigrants For example, developing community-based prevention programmes is required to address risk factors of psychological distress and to increase awareness about psychological distress among Middle Eastern immigrants. ABSTRACT: Introduction While Middle Eastern immigrants are a fast-growing population in the United States, there is very limited literature on their mental health. Most of the available studies were conducted on small convenient samples in local communities. Aims To examine rates of serious psychological distress (SPD) and its associated factors among Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States, compared with US-born, non-Hispanic Whites. Methods Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2001 to 2015 were analysed. The survey included 1,246 Middle Eastern immigrants and 232,392 US-born, non-Hispanic Whites. SPD was measured by the Kessler-6 psychological distress scale. Survey analysis procedures, sampling weights and variance estimates were conducted. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were employed to examine differences and factors associated with SPD. Results SPD rate was the highest among Middle Eastern immigrants (5.99%) between 2006 and 2010. Among Middle Eastern immigrants, being female and obese were significantly associated with a higher risk of SPD. Discussion Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States suffered high rates of SPD. Gender and obesity were factors associated with SPD risk. Implications These outcomes indicate the need for mental health nursing interventions that provide culturally sensitive mental health care to immigrants, such as developing community-based prevention programmes.

Relationships of Social Support, Stress, and Health among Immigrant Chinese Women in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Structural Equation Modeling

Social support could help immigrant Chinese women in Japan to improve health. However, these women suffer from numerous stresses associated with acculturation and child-rearing, which could impact the effect of social support on mental and physical health. This study aims to identify the relationships among social support, acculturative stress, parenting stress, mental health, and physical health to propose a structural path model of these relationships and to evaluate the mediating role of stress between social support and health. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the main variables and demographic factors. A total of 109 women participated (mean age 33.9 ± 5.6 years). The results show that immigrant Chinese women in Japan experienced a low level of mental health (44.7 ± 9.8). Additionally, social support directly influenced parenting stress (β = −0.21, p < 0.05), acculturative stress (β = −0.19, p < 0.05), and mental health (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and indirectly influenced physical health (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). Parenting stress partially mediated the association between social support and mental health (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). To protect the effectiveness of social support on mental health, it is essential to reduce the parenting stress of immigrant Chinese women.

How Can Marriage Immigrants Contribute to the Sustainability of the Host Country? Implications from the Leisure and Travel Patterns of Vietnamese Women in South Korea

This qualitative exploratory study focuses on marriage immigrant women and explores the possibility they might contribute to the sustainability of the host country. A sustainable society, the contribution of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) tourism to destination sustainability, information behavior, and fringe stakeholder involvement for sustainable destination management are the focus of this study. Vietnamese marriage immigrant women in South Korea were investigated; the reasons for the investigation include: their increasing numbers, their significance caused by the roles both at the household and the societal levels, and the increased diplomatic ties between Vietnam and South Korea. The narratives of 16 informants about their leisure, hosting of friends and relatives, and information sharing patterns show that Vietnamese marriage immigrant women’s leisure and travel facilitate their subjective well-being and the enhancement of social capital, which potentially contribute to a sustainable society. Their hosting experience of the visits of friends and relatives, and its implications for sustainability, are further discussed. Furthermore, their roles as information mediators suggest their potential to contribute to the formation of the host country reputation. Self-appraisal of their unique travel patterns provides implications for involving this group for destination management. We consider both their importance and constraints as contributors to the host country attaining sustainability, and the implications are discussed.

Cumulative Lifetime Adversity and Depression among a National Sample of U.S. Latinx Immigrants: Within-group Differences in Risk and Protective Factors Using Data from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Background

Latinx immigrants are exposed to multiple stressors before, during, and after migration. However, most past research has assumed the effects of these stressors are uniform across Latinx groups despite considerable within-group variation. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the moderating effects of several risk and protective factors on the association between cumulative lifetime adversity and depression among U.S. Latinx immigrants and (b) examine the extent to which risk and protective processes differed between Latinx subgroups.

Method

Data came from a cross-sectional secondary dataset, called the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. The sample (N = 2893) was identified using stratified random probability sampling in four of the largest Latinx metropolitan areas: the Bronx, NY, San Diego, CA, Chicago, IL, and Miami, FL. We included four Latinx subgroups in our study: Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Mexicans, and Dominicans.

Results

Results from multi-group regression analyses suggested that social support moderated the association between cumulative lifetime adversity and depression. However, further subgroup analyses showed the moderation effect was only present for Cuban and Dominican immigrants. We also found that perceived discrimination moderated the association between lifetime adversity and depression for Cuban immigrants and ethnic identity moderated the relationship between lifetime adversity and depression for Dominican immigrants.

Conclusions

Our results provide preliminary evidence for the presence of within-group differences in responses to adverse events among Latinx immigrant groups. Results can be used to inform the development of mental health interventions tailored to the specific needs of various Latinx immigrant populations.

Factors affecting the self-rated health of immigrant women married to native men and raising children in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Background

Since the influx of international immigrants to South Korea (Korea) in the 1980s, the number of immigrants married to native Koreans has increased substantially over the last 30 years. This study aims to provide recent evidence on the self-rated health of immigrant women married to native men and raising children. We evaluated the self-rated health of immigrant women sorted by their country of origin and elucidated factors that affect their self-rated health.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2015 Korean National Multi-Cultural Family Survey. From the survey, a total of 6960 Korean-Chinese, Han-Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino women were identified and a series of logistic regressions was conducted to elucidate factors that affected the self-rated health of immigrant women.

Results

The majority of immigrant women in Korea perceived that they are healthy. However, the self-rated health of immigrant women varied by country of origin. Korean-Chinese and Japanese immigrants are less likely to perceive that they are healthy compared with Filipino and Vietnamese immigrants. We identified several factors at the individual, household, and community levels and found that the majority of them are likely to be ethnic dependent. However, satisfaction with husband and experience of unmet medical needs presented consistent results in the five ethnicity groups.

Conclusions

Programs that strengthen spousal relationships and policies to enhance access to healthcare could be prioritized options to improve the self-rated health of immigrant women in Korea.

Perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms: a study of Vietnamese women who migrated to South Korea due to marriage

International migrants are one group that is vulnerable to discrimination and mental health problems. This study examined the experience of perceived discrimination and its impact on depressive symptoms among women who migrated in the specific context of marriage. Using social constructionism and the stress appraisal model, this study conceptualized perceived discrimination as a potential source of stress and hypothesized that it would negatively impact the mental health of migrant women. A survey sample of 212 Vietnamese marriage migrant women in South Korea was used for the final analysis. Perceived discrimination was measured using the adapted Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Overall, approximately 62% of the sample reported having at least one discriminatory encounter based on the nine items of the EDS. The results of the multivariate analyses indicated that perceived discrimination posed a significant risk to mental health (β = 0.43, p < .001). The experience of perceived discrimination increased the amount of explained variance of depressive symptoms by 17%. Findings highlighted the adverse mental health consequences of daily unfair treatment and disrespect in interpersonal contexts and the importance of social policies and programs that promote respect for cultural diversity.

The significance of resilience in mental health promotion of marriage immigrant women: a qualitative study of factors and processes

BACKGROUND

This study explores a series of processes in which marriage immigrant women achieve positive mental health status after experiencing various marriage- and migrant-related difficulties through the framework of resilience theory. As marriage immigrant women face greater barriers to public health services than non-immigrant women, it is necessary to understand the related factors, process, and context to address these barriers and strengthen available assets.

METHODS

A qualitative case study design was used with the phenomenological approach. Eleven mental health promotion program managers and 12 marriage immigrant women from who experienced resilience were recruited from four public-funded multicultural community centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, between December 2015 and March 2016. Using data from in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews, the author applied theme analysis informed by the resilience theory in order to identify factors that affect resilience and its development process.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that the process of resilience follows enduring difficulties, collapse of stability, access to professional help, professional and social support, and experience of growth. A combination of the staged process of growth, absence of partner support, children as a driving force for change, the need for economic activity, factors affecting difference in growth: satisfaction levels of women's need for recognition, respect, and reward, and level of spousal support were identified as factors affecting marriage immigrant women's resilience.

CONCLUSIONS

Spouses, children, and economic activity play key roles in resilience in positive and negative ways. The existing information barrier should be addressed at a structural level to improve the mental health of marriage immigrant women, and the optimum time for intervention is suggested within 2 years post-migration. Efforts to build supportive relationships with Korean spouses and meet the women's needs for recognition, respect, and reward may also help promote these women's resilience.

Self-rated health of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US: a national study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to examine self-rated health (SRH) of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US compared with US-born non-Hispanic whites and to examine factors associated with fair/poor SRH among Middle Eastern immigrants in the US.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a cross-sectional design to analyze the National Health Interview Survey from 2001 to 2015.

METHODS

Secondary survey analysis procedures were conducted using the SAS program, with a total of 3,966 Middle Eastern and 731,285 US-born non-Hispanic whites. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Middle Eastern immigrants had significantly higher rates of fair/poor SRH than US-born whites across the three survey waves. Reporting symptoms of serious psychological distress, older age (60+ years), current alcohol-drinking status, and having a family member with disability were the factors associated significantly with higher odds of reporting fair/poor SRH in Middle Eastern immigrants, whereas education was a protecting factor of fair/poor SRH.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that Middle Eastern immigrants are one of the US immigrant populations that report poor health status, which reveals the need for health policy attention to reduce health disparities.

A Scoping Review of the Health of East and Southeast Asian Female Marriage Migrants

The number of female marriage migrants in East and Southeast Asia has grown significantly over the past three decades. However, little is known about the health of this population. Following Arksey and O'Malley's (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19-32, 2005) framework, a scoping review of English language research databases was used to synthesize knowledge on the health of Asian marriage migrants. This will be used to inform recommendations for health care practice and research. Fifty-five eligible studies were included and presented using five identified categories-mental health, women's health and maternal-child health, public health, general well-being, and social challenges. Overall, studies consistently document that marriage migrants experience worse health outcomes, multiple barriers to health care services, and multilevel social challenges compared with the native population in the receiving countries.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in international graduate students

INTRODUCTION

International graduate students often experience additional levels of stress due to acculturation. Given the impact of stress on health outcomes (both physical and mental), this study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in international graduate students to determine its association with acculturative stress, perceived stress, and use of coping mechanisms.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was designed and sent to 38 student chapters within the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) student network. HRQoL [physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)] was measured using the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) while coping mechanisms were assessed using the Brief COPE Scale. Acculturative and perceived stress were assessed using the Acculturative Stress Scale for International students [ASSIS] and Graduate Stress Inventory-Revised (GSI-R), respectively. Demographic and personal information (e.g. age, religion) were also collected. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD and frequency) and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The average PCS and MCS were 60 ± 9 and 44 ± 13, respectively, indicating that while the physical health was above the United States (US) general population norm (50), mental health scores were lower. Findings from the hierarchical multiple regression showed that perceived and acculturative stress significantly predicted mental health. Acculturative stress was also a significant predictor of physical health.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study support the hypothesis that international students in the US experience both perceived and acculturative stress that significantly impacts their HRQoL. Universities should consider providing education on stress reduction techniques to improve the health of international graduate students.

Prevalence and factors associated with PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in Haitian migrants in southern Brazil

BACKGROUND

Prevalence rates of mental health disorders in migrants are controversial. The socio-historical and economic background of the host country may play an important role in the mental health status of migrants. As studies are mostly conducted in developed countries, researching migration in developing countries may add important information to scientific literature.

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms in Haitian migrants in southern Brazil.

METHODS

The sample comprises 66 participants selected from four different sites in three cities of a Brazilian southern state. Participants fulfilled a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as instruments investigate traumatic events; post-migration difficulties and symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Linear regression models were utilized to investigate factors associated with PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms.

RESULTS

PTSD prevalence in the sample was 9.1%. Depression and anxiety symptoms were in the clinical range of 10.6%-13.6% of participants, respectively. A number of traumatic events, acculturation difficulties, discrimination and low social support were associated with the investigated mental health disorders.

CONCLUSION

The results point to the importance of public policies in promoting better social and mental health support for migrants. Providing information to the Brazilian population about migration may improve receptiveness in the host society.

Investigating the Associations between Ethnic Networks, Community Social Capital, and Physical Health among Marriage Migrants in Korea

This study examines factors associated with the physical health of Korea's growing immigrant population. Specifically, it focuses on the associations between ethnic networks, community social capital, and self-rated health (SRH) among female marriage migrants. For empirical testing, secondary analysis of a large nationally representative sample (NSMF 2009) is conducted. Given the clustered data structure (individuals nested in communities), a series of two-level random intercepts and slopes models are fitted to probe the relationships between SRH and interpersonal (bonding and bridging) networks among foreign-born wives in Korea. In addition to direct effects, cross-level interaction effects are investigated using hierarchical linear modeling. While adjusting for confounders, bridging (inter-ethnic) networks are significantly linked with better health. Bonding (co-ethnic) networks, to the contrary, are negatively associated with immigrant health. Net of individual-level covariates, living in a commuijnity with more aggregate bridging social capital is positively linked with health. Community-level bonding social capital, however, is not a significant predictor. Lastly, two cross-level interaction terms are found. First, the positive relationship between bridging network and health is stronger in residential contexts with more aggregate bridging social capital. Second, it is weaker in communities with more aggregate bonding social capital.

Acculturative stress is associated with trajectory of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy in Mexican-American women

Over half of pregnant women report anxiety symptoms and these symptoms may be precipitated by stressful experiences. Anxiety rates may be higher in Mexican-American women who experience sociocultural stressors, such as acculturation, acculturative stress and discrimination. However, the role of such stressors on the trajectory of anxiety symptoms across pregnancy is not yet known. Mexican-American women (n=151) completed surveys across pregnancy about acculturation, acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and state anxiety. Multilevel modeling found that acculturation (Anglo orientation, b=0.050, SE=0.379, t (137.561)=0.134, p=0.894; Mexican orientation, b=0.775, SE=0.692, t (133.424)=1.121, p=0.264) and perceived discrimination (b=-1.259, SE=0.921, t (137.489)=-1.367, p=0.174) were not associated with the trajectory of anxiety symptoms. However, acculturative stress, even while controlling for perceived stress, was associated with high levels of anxiety symptoms that were elevated early in pregnancy (b=-0.045, SE=0.022, t (135.749)=-2, p=0.047). This work highlights the unique role of acculturative stress in risk for prenatal anxiety in early pregnancy.

Longitudinal study of stress, social support, and depression in married Arab immigrant women

Using a stress and social support framework, this study explored the trajectory of depression in 388 married Arab immigrant women. The women provided three panels of data approximately 18 months apart. Depression at Time 3 was regressed on Time 1 depression, socio-demographic variables, and rate of change over time in stress and social support. The regression model was significant and accounted for 41.16% of the variation in Time 3 depression scores. Time 1 depression, English reading ability, husband's employment status, changes over time in immigration demands, daily hassles, and social support from friends were associated with Time 3 depression.

Influence of a community-based stretching intervention on the health outcomes among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in South Korea: A randomized prospective trial

AIM

To investigate the long-term effectiveness of stretching exercises on the health outcomes of Korean-Chinese female migrant workers.

METHODS

This study was a randomized prospective trial. The study's participants (n = 80) were middle-aged, Korean-Chinese women who had worked full-time during the previous 6 months. They were assigned randomly to an enhanced stretching intervention group or a standard stretching intervention group. Both groups were instructed to carry out a structured 6 min stretching exercise program for at least three times per day and 5 days per week. The enhanced intervention group received additional interventions to increase exercise adherence through individual phone counseling and short message service during the 12 weeks, followed by three sets of acculturation workshops during the period of weeks 13-24. Musculoskeletal fitness, symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Linear mixed-models were used to test the interventions' effects.

RESULTS

The amount of stretching that was carried out, as a percentage of the recommended amount, was not significantly different between groups. There were significant improvements in flexibility of the back and work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms after completing the 24 week intervention but no significant difference existed between the groups. Acculturative stress decreased at week 12 but there was no significant change at week 24.

CONCLUSIONS

The 24 week, community-based stretching program for the Korean-Chinese female migrant workers was effective in increasing their flexibility and decreasing work-related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Culturally adaptive augmented interventions to increase social support are suggested in order to reduce acculturative stress.

Safety, Threat, and Stress in Intergroup Relations: A Coalitional Index Model

Contact between people from different groups triggers specific individual- and group-level responses, ranging from attitudes and emotions to welfare and health outcomes. Standard social psychological perspectives do not yet provide an integrated, causal model of these phenomena. As an alternative, we describe a coalitional perspective. Human psychology includes evolved cognitive systems designed to garner support from other individuals, organize and maintain alliances, and measure potential support from group members. Relations between alliances are strongly influenced by threat detection mechanisms, which are sensitive to cues that express that one's own group will provide less support or that other groups are dangerous. Repeated perceptions of such threat cues can lead to chronic stress. The model provides a parsimonious explanation for many individual-level effects of intergroup relations and group-level disparities in health and well-being. This perspective suggests new research directions aimed at understanding the psychological processes involved in intergroup relations.

Associations of dietary intake and metabolic syndrome risk parameters in Vietnamese female marriage immigrants in South Korea: The KoGES follow-up study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to compare the overall changes in dietary intake and metabolic syndrome risk parameters in Vietnamese marriage-based female immigrants over time.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The subjects of this study were 581 Vietnamese marriage-based female immigrants, who were recruited from local clinical centers in Korea. Baseline data were collected from 2006-2011 and the follow-up data were collected from 2012-2014. Dietary food intake was assessed by a 1-day 24-hour recall method.

RESULTS

Compared to the baseline, the mean body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure increased while the fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased at follow-up. The total consumption of foods such as vegetables/fruits/seaweeds/mushrooms, oil and fat, and eggs decreased during the follow-up period, whereas the consumption of sugars, beverages and meats increased. Partial correlation between the rate of change [(Follow-up - Baseline) / Baseline × 100] in metabolic syndrome risk parameters and food intake after controlling for confounding factors showed that the waist circumference was positively correlated with either the total plant food intake (r = 0.1042, P = 0.0129) or the total food intake (r = 0.0880, P = 0.0359). The plasma levels of total cholesterol (r = -0.1918, P = 0.0289) and HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.1424, P = 0.0007) were negatively correlated with the percentage of total intake from plant food, and HDL-cholesterol levels were positively correlated with the intake of total animal food (r = 0.0980, P = 0.0217). The serum C-reactive protein levels were positively correlated with the total intake of animal food (r = 0.2374, P < 0.0001) or the percentage of total intake from animal food (r = 0.1346, P = 0.0016).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the change rate of dietary intake such as total plant food or animal food is associated with the change rates of metabolic syndrome risk parameters.

Factors Influencing Married Immigrant Women's Perceived Health Status: The National Survey of Multicultural Families 2012

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence married female immigrants' perceived health status.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of dataset from the 2012 National Multicultural Family Survey in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression with the data of 3,014 married female immigrants.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis showed that demographic factors (age, education level, nationality, period of residency in Korea, and residential area), socio-economical factors (monthly family income, employment, support from the government for basic living, and Medicaid), social support factors (marital conflict, satisfaction with family relationships, some one to talk about self or family matters, meeting with homeland friend, and participation in community meeting), and immigration factors (life satisfaction, experience of social discrimination, and difficulties with living and using medical care) were associated with perceived health status.

CONCLUSION

It is important to pay closer attention to immigrant women who have low economic status, less social support, experience difficulties with living in Korea and using medical care. An effective support system for this population should be developed in order to help them successfully transition.