Acculturative stress, work-related psychosocial factors and depression in Korean-Chinese migrant workers in Korea

The prevalence of common mental disorders, stress, and sleep disturbance among international migrant workers: A meta-analysis with subgroup analysis

International migrant workers face an elevated risk of common mental disorders (CMDs), stress, and sleep disturbances due to various individual, psychosocial, and occupational factors. This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the prevalence of CMDs, stress, and sleep disturbance among international migrant workers. Two independent reviewers systematically searched the literature on five electronic databases from inception to June 2022. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and sleep disturbance among international migrant workers. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to examine potential modifiers for the prevalence rates. Of 8461 records, 57 studies (n = 29,481) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and sleep disturbance were 20.3 %, 17.8 %, 17.3 %, and 25.3 %, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that the prevalence of CMDs and stress was statistically significantly modified by country of destination and type of work, stress by gender and country of origin, and anxiety by migration type. Potential publication bias was observed only in the meta-analysis of stress. Most of the studies included were of moderate to high methodological quality. However, given that the included studies were predominantly cross-sectional and used non-probability sampling, the results should be interpreted with caution. This meta-analysis highlights that CMDs, stress, and sleep disturbances are prevalent among international migrant workers, posing a significant public health concern for host countries. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions for specific subgroups within this population.

There and back again: dynamics of temporary labor migration, insights from rural India

Temporary labor migration is a household phenomenon among rural communities in India. This study seeks to understand the subjective experiences influencing the temporariness of labor migration among internal migrants in India by examining various factors such as migration conditions, motivation, migration arrangements, coping and adaptation strategies, and determinants of stay. To achieve this objective, the current qualitative study utilized 14 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions to investigate the temporary nature of labor migration among internal migrants in India. Our findings reveal that migration decisions are rational choices made collectively at the household level, considering socio-economic outcomes. We also find that social networks and contractors facilitate migration arrangements and job connections, and migrants employ various strategies to reduce costs and cope with expenses in urban areas. However, migration destinations often fail to meet migrants' expectations, exposing them to low-wage employment and precarious working and living conditions, which are detrimental to their health. Limited housing and sanitation facilities further contribute to the challenges faced by migrants. Work conditions, including poor wages and high job demands, also affect their well-being. These findings highlight the need for improved support systems that address accommodation challenges, work conditions, and the overall welfare of labor migrants.

The Impact of Stressors on Depressive Symptoms Among Youth Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Many youths suffer from depressive symptoms globally, especially youth migrant workers who are more vulnerable to depressive symptoms than non-migrant youths. Given the extensive literature reviewed, little is known about the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms among young migrant populations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms among young Myanmar migrants in Thailand.

Methods

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between August and December 2023, using self-administered questionnaires. The sample size was 165 young migrant workers in Myanmar by simple random sampling. The exclusion criteria were participants who had serious physical illness or acute mental illness, and unwillingness to participate in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and CESD (The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive symptoms) were included in the questionnaires. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for descriptive statistics. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between stressors, self-esteem, coping behavior, and depressive symptoms.

Results

It was found that 47.9% of young Myanmar migrant workers had experienced depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms was associated with four variables: workplace stressors (β = 0.525, p <0.001), security stressors (β = 0.181, p <0.01), living stressors (β = 0.126, p <0.05), and self-esteem (β = -0.135, p <0.05).

Conclusion

According to hierarchical linear regression analysis, workplace, security, and living stressors significantly increased depressive symptoms scores, whereas self-esteem decreased depressive symptoms scores among young 165 Myanmar migrant workers. Therefore, policymakers should be encouraged to establish preventive measures against specific stressors. In addition, many young migrant workers have been found to experience depressive symptoms. Mental health care should be prioritized and made accessible to this vulnerable and risky group.

The Relationship Between Work-Related Stress and Depression: A Scoping Review

Objectives

Work-related stress is highly prevalent. Recent systematic reviews concluded on a significant association between common work-related stress measures and depression. Our scoping review aims to explore whether work-related psychosocial stress is generally associated with depression or depressiveness, the extent and methodology of the primary research undertaken on this topic and to elucidate inconsistencies or gaps in knowledge.

Methods

We searched for literature in Pubmed, PsycInfo and Web of Science including full reports in seven languages published between 1999 and 2022 and applied the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews criteria.

Results

Of 463 primarily identified articles, 125 were retained after abstract and full-text screening. The majority report significant associations between work-related stress and depression. Cross-sectional studies are most prevalent. Sufficient evidence exists only for job strain and effort-reward imbalance. Most studies are from Asia, North America and Europe. The health sector is the most studied. Several research gaps such as the lack of interventional studies were identified.

Conclusion

The consistency of most studies on the significant association between work-related stress and depression is remarkable. More studies are needed to improve evidence and to close research gaps.

The Health Status and Management of Migrant Workers in Cheonan: A Comparison Study With Korean Citizens

Migrant workers face challenging working conditions, resulting in physical and mental vulnerability. The objective is to identify their health vulnerabilities and ensure their right to health. Health records of 163 migrant workers (113 males and 50 females) (Group A) and 163 Korean citizens (Group B) visiting our institution were analyzed from August 2021 to July 2022. Both groups underwent urine analysis, chest radiography, and various blood tests. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests and χ² tests was performed. Group A had a significantly higher rate of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients, lower vaccination rates for hepatitis B, and poorer nutritional status compared to Group B. Group B generally exhibited higher levels of albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. There were significant quantitative differences in multiple blood cell and hemoglobin measurements between the two groups. These findings emphasize the need for policy support and public awareness to protect the health rights of migrant workers.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea

BACKGROUND

The burden of non-communicable diseases is rapidly increasing among young adults in middle- and low-income countries. Asian migrant workers continue to be a significant contributor to South Korea's economy; however, their cardiovascular health is neglected. We explored the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical tests including triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and C-reactive protein levels were conducted in 141 Asian migrant workers in South Korea.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 31.3 (5.6) years. Of the participants, 14.8% were current smokers, and 47.5% consumed alcohol. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 32.4%. The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia were 51.2% and 64.6%, respectively. Of the participants, 98.5% had an increased waist circumference; elevated HbA1C and C-reactive protein was seen in 20.9% and 4.3%, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.5%. Clustering of two or more risk factors was seen in 45% of the participants. Factors associated with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (clustering of two or more risk factors) were age (odds ratio 1.16, p < 0.01) and smoking (4.98, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was alarmingly high among Asian migrant workers employed in South Korea. Efforts to mitigate and eliminate those risk factors are urgently required.

Acculturation, Work-Related Stressors, and Respective Coping Strategies among Male Indonesian Migrant Workers in the Manufacturing Industry in Taiwan: A Post-COVID Investigation

Globalization has prompted cross-cultural migration in search of employment opportunities, and poor adaptation during acculturation is widely known to cause additional psychosocial stress. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate migrant workers' perceptions of acculturation, identify work-related stressors, and understand the respective coping strategies among male Indonesians in the manufacturing industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen workers were recruited and interviewed on their acculturation experiences. We found that the workers were susceptible to forced adaptation to stressful conditions relating to work organization, economic distress, interaction with the manpower agencies, language barriers, and so on. During the pandemic, workers experienced overload, economic hardship, suspended home visits, isolation, discrimination, and fear of cluster infection in the crowded dormitory. We also found that workers were able to adopt coping strategies by capitalizing on resources at the individual, institutional, and governmental policy levels to actively solve problems, increase emotional support, and fortify self-appraisals. The identified coping strategies could inform policy development to assist with positive adaptation and promote the well-being of the migrant worker population.

"I had tears in my eyes but I just left without looking back". A qualitative study of migration-related stressors amongst Nepali male labour migrants

Labour migration has become a crucial livelihood strategy in settings where employment options are limited. Such opportunities come with potential benefits but also introduce stressors. This study explores migration-related stressors amongst returnee male Nepali international labour migrants. We conducted a qualitative study in Kathmandu amongst 42 returnee male international labour migrants. We explored migration decisions, processes, experiences in destination and on return. The participants worked in low- and semi-skilled jobs in Malaysia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Men reported stressors representing five broad areas: workplace/employer, family, recruitment, environment and legal. Most belonged to the workplace/employer category such as exploitative practices of document confiscation, contract discrepancies and poor working conditions. Family stressors were often due to disagreements about whether to migrate, and once in destination, being absent during illness and death in the family. Recruitment stressors were linked to the migration process and costs. Environmental stressors included over-crowdedness and poor hygiene, and poor security at the accommodation and in the wider town. Legal stressors were related to the lack of documentation, and negative encounters with the local police. Multiple stressors were often experienced simultaneously or in succession. Male labour migrants from Nepal who had worked in various countries and job-sectors reported multiple types of stress. The majority of stressors belong to the workplace category, where migrants may have limited power to challenge problems with their employers. The cumulative effect of such experiences may negatively impact on migrants' wellbeing. Future research should explore migrants' ability to cope with the many stressors encountered.

Perceived Risk Factors for Suicide among Nepalese Migrant Workers in South Korea

(1) Background: In South Korea, far from their homeland, Nepalese migrant workers often face tremendous challenges. The most severe outcome for migrant workers is death by suicide—a major cause of premature death among migrant workers. Nevertheless, in the literature, key factors associated with suicide among Nepalese migrant workers are not specifically identified. Thus, we aimed to delineate the main suicide risk factors for this group of migrants. (2) Methods: We used qualitative research methodology (sample = 20; male =17, female = 3) and employed nominal group techniques to identify the perceived primary risk factors for suicide. (3) Results: Study participants identified and ranked eight sources of distress and perceived risks for suicide, both from home and in the host country. Perceived risks for suicide include a complex set of socio-cultural, behavioral, occupational, physical, and mental health issues as well as communication barriers. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to design tailored mental health promotion programs for migrant workers before departure from Nepal as well as after arrival as migrant workers in South Korea.

Predictors of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in shoulders among nursing assistants working in nursing homes

Nursing assistants (NAs) working in nursing homes (NHs) are at higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) than their counterparts working in other health care settings. Worldwide, NAs have ranked shoulders in the top three body parts at risk of WRMSs. However, factors associated with their shoulder WRMSs are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to identify these associated risk factors among NAs working in NHs. 440 NAs from 47 nursing homes (with 60-90% response rate from each nursing home), recruited by convenience sampling, participated in this cross-sectional study in 2014-2015. A validated and reliable questionnaire was used for data collection. Information on demographic, job content questionnaire (JCQ), perceived physical exertion (PE), workstyle, ergonomic and manual handling knowledge and other work-related factors was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. 53% of the participants reported experiencing with WRMSs in their shoulders. Nine associated factors of shoulder WRMSs were identified using bivariate analysis. With the adjustment of age and gender using multivariable logistic regression, body mass index (OR = .931, 95% CI [.874-.991]), job title of health workers (OR = 2.72, 95% CI [1.18-6.25]) and workstyle-working through pain (OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01-1.11]) remained as predictors. Effort should be directed at integrating "workstyle intervention" into lifestyle physical activity training for NAs.

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.

Migrant Workers and Psychological Health: A Systematic Review

Migrant workers show an increase in the incidence of serious, psychotic, anxiety, and post-traumatic disorders due to a series of socio-environmental variables, such as loss of social status, discrimination, and separations from the family. The purpose is to elaborate a systematic review and highlight the prevailing psychological pathologies of these workers and categories most at risk. Our research included articles published from 2009 to 2019 on the major databases (Pub Med, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) using a combination of some keywords. The online search indicated 1.228 references. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we analyzed 127 articles, in particular 12 reviews and 115 original articles. Principal emerging disorders from the research are depressive syndrome (poor concentration at work, feeling down, or anger and somatization), anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse, and poor sleep quality. This causes low life conditions, which is also due to marginalization from the social context and strenuous work; in fact, migrant workers may suffer verbal or physical abuse, and they are often employed in dangerous, unhealthy jobs. It is therefore essential to increase the role of occupational medicine and promote wellbeing for this vulnerable job category.

Effect of a Pedometer-Based, 24-Week Walking Intervention on Depression and Acculturative Stress among Migrant Women Workers

Little research has examined exercise-based interventions meant to alleviate depressive symptoms among Korean-Chinese migrant women workers living in Korea. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program on reducing depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels in this population. This quasi-experimental sequential walking program was conducted with 132 Korean-Chinese women over a period of 24 weeks. Participants were divided into either a standard treatment group (n = 69) or enhanced treatment group (n = 63). All participants were instructed to walk using a pedometer. The enhanced treatment group also received mobile text messages designed to encourage walking adherence and improve acculturation. Participants were asked to complete two structured questionnaires, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Acculturative Stress Scale, to evaluate the intervention programs. At the end of the program, both groups exhibited decreased depression scores, but the decrease in the enhanced treatment group was more significant both at weeks 12 and 24. Acculturative stress was also found to have decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Our findings show the walking program reduced the depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels among the Korean-Chinese women in this study. Further studies will be needed to analyze the relationship between walking step count and mental health considering exercise intensity.

Health-related quality of life among migrant workers: The impact of health-promoting behaviors

Health-related quality of life is an important aspect of migrant workers' overall well-being and adaptation. The aims of this study were to develop a structural model and test the health-related quality of life among migrant workers. A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from 228 migrant workers from China who are currently living in Korea and using the services of free clinics for health issues. The structured questionnaire disseminated for the study was designed to measure health-related quality of life, health-promotion behaviors, barriers, resources, and perceptual factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Health-promotion behaviors and self-efficacy have significant positive direct effects on health-related quality of life, and acculturative stress has a significant negative direct effect on health-related quality of life. These findings suggest that certain strategies are needed for developing health-promotion programs aimed at the betterment of migrant workers' health-related quality of life. Specifically, health-promotion behaviors and self-efficacy among migrant workers should be encouraged, and strategies for decreasing their acculturative stress should be formulated.

Depression in migrant workers and nationals of Qatar: An exploratory cross-cultural study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of depressive symptoms among migrants and non-migrants living in Qatar and identify variables associated with depressive symptomology in these groups, including culture of origin, time living in country and perceived quality of life. In addition, we tested if the latter two variables moderated the effect of culture of origin on depressive symptomology in the migrant groups.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

A telephone survey of a probability-based sample of 2,520 participants was conducted in February 2016. The sample was divided into three groups based on nationality and income: labour migrants (LMs), white-collar migrants (WCMs) and non-migrants or Qatari nationals (QNs). Participants completed the Whooley two-question test for depression.

RESULTS

The odds of depression were significantly increased in LMs (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.36-4.65) and WCMs (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.04-1.90) compared with non-migrants. Among LMs, having a problem with current employer in the last 3 months was also associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.14-3.84). Culture of origin was significantly associated with depressive symptoms including South Asians (OR = 3.12, p < .001), East Asians (OR = 0.52, p = .013) and Westerners (OR = 0.45, p = .044) relative to Arabs. LM status remained strongly associated with depressive symptoms independent of culture of origin (OR = 2.02, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Perceived quality of life, but not length of stay, appears to be an important variable in explaining differences in symptoms between some cultural groups. Findings from this study highlight the importance of the context of migration and culture of origin as potential determinants of depressive symptomology in the host country.

Health literacy, depression, and stress among Chinese immigrants in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

This study examined health literacy, depression, and stress in Chinese immigrants living in South Korea, and analyzed factors related to these outcomes.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

SAMPLE

Participants were 128 adult Chinese immigrants living in the Jung-gu District of Seoul, South Korea. The majority of the participants were women and in their 40s; had a high school diploma; and were employed and married. Most had lived in Korea for 5-10 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcome variables were health literacy, depression, and immigrant stress; independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, language proficiency, health, and behavioral factors. Hierarchical multiple regression models based on the conceptual framework were tested.

RESULTS

The major factor influencing health literacy was perceived economic status (p = 0.021). The factors related to depression were life satisfaction in China (p = 0.032), life satisfaction in Korea (p = 0.040), and stress perception in everyday life (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As the number of immigrants rises, there is increasing demand for public-health-center-based health promotion programs for immigrants. It is recommended that local public health practitioners, including public health nurses, closely analyze the characteristics of their community and immigrants, and develop and implement customized programs accordingly.

Discourse on culture in research on immigrant and migrant workers' health

BACKGROUND

Health and safety researchers and practitioners have proposed that cultural differences help explain inequalities between foreign and native-born workers. While cultural explanations for inequalities have long been debated in other fields, there exists little critique of cultural discourses in occupational health.

METHODS

This article examines and discusses the discourse on culture in 107 articles on immigrant or migrant workers' health published between 2011 and 2015. For each article, passages on culture were identified and analysed for both the context and the manner in which culture was discussed.

RESULTS

The discourse on culture was found to be generally simplistic, individualistic, and uncritical, intentionally or unintentionally supporting the worldview that workers' "otherness" is both cause of inequalities and target for interventions.

CONCLUSION

The article argues that empirical, theoretical and interdisciplinary work is needed to document the mechanisms and pathways that underlie health and safety inequalities by foreign-born status.

Association of glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphism and occupational stress with hypertension in desert petroleum workers in Xinjiang, China

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and hypertension in desert petroleum workers in Xinjiang, and to analyze the association of occupational stress and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphism with the presence of hypertension.

Methods

Using cluster sampling, 1280 desert petroleum workers of 3 petroleum fields in Xinjiang Karamay were randomly selected as the target group for this study. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 1080 workers were included as the baseline for this study. We followed these workers for 2 years to investigate their occupational stress and hypertension. The polymorphism of GR gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We applied appropriate statistical methods to analyze the association of occupational stress and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphism with the presence of hypertension.

Results

After 2 years of follow-up, there were 995 desert petroleum workers in the queue. The study showed that the incidence of hypertension in desert petroleum workers were 19.4%. Compared with the baseline data, the level of occupational stress increased, and with the increase of occupational stress, the incidence of hypertension was gradually increasing. A positive relationship was observed in the GR BCL1 gene polymorphisms and hypertension. Relative to the CC genotype, carries of the GG genotype had a significantly higher risk of hypertension (OR = 2.830). With the combination of genotype CG and GG, carries of CG and GG increased the risk of hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.238, 95%CI:1.104–4.940). There was no significant association between GR G678S gene polymorphisms and hypertension.

Conclusion

GR gene polymorphism and occupational stress of desert petroleum workers were important risk factors for hypertension.

The latent structure of major depressive symptoms and its relationship with somatic disorder symptoms among Filipino female domestic workers in China

Emerging research have investigated the factor structure of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms based on DSM-5 nomenclature. However, to date, results have been inconsistent on what symptom-structure best represent MDD. This study examines the best fitting MDD among four competing models in a sample of overseas Filipino domestic helpers (N = 232). The results show that a two-factor model (Model 2b; Krause et al., 2010) provided the best fit. The model consist of two factors: somatic and non-somatic/affective symptoms. Somatic component includes sleep difficulties, fatigue, appetite changes, concentration difficulties, and psychomotor agitation/retardation while non-somatic/affective component covers anhedonia, depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death. Further, the results reveal a pattern where PHQ-15 somatic symptom-items have a higher significant relationship with MDD's somatic symptoms than with the MDD's non-somatic/affective symptoms. These findings suggest that the items of model 2b are appropriately embedded in their respective factors. Differentiating MDD factors have important clinical implications, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of depression among overseas Filipino domestic helpers.

Workplace psychosocial stressors experienced by migrant workers in Australia: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To explore work-related psychosocial stressors among people of Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic-speaking backgrounds currently working in Australia.

METHODS

In 2015, a telephone survey of 585 Vietnamese, Chinese and Arabic-speaking workers asked about workplace bullying, ethnic discrimination, job complexity, degree of control, security and fairness of payment along with demographic and employment information. Estimates of job-related psychosocial stressors were derived and regression analyses used to identify significant associations.

RESULTS

At least one workplace stressor was reported by 83% of the workers in the study. Education was significantly associated with experiencing any psychosocial stressor and also with the total number of stressors. Workers aged 45 years and older were more likely to be bullied or experience racial discrimination compared with younger workers of any ethnicity. There was a greater likelihood of reporting low control over a job when the interview was conducted in a language other than English and the workers were either Chinese or Arabic. Workers on a fixed-term contract, independent of ethnicity were more likely to report a job with low security. Overall psychosocial job quality decreased with education and was associated with occupation type which interacted with ethnicity and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that job-related psychosocial stressors are widespread but not uniform across ethnic groups. Further research into what drives differences in work experience for migrant groups would provide information to guide both employers and migrants in ways to reduce workplace psychosocial stressors.

Stress of working abroad: a systematic review

Purpose

Many companies target international markets to expand their business. Companies need to manage international teams with a wide variety of skills, knowledge and values to run their business effectively; however, there are many issues of acculturation stress. Not only business travellers and expatriates, but also immigrant workers have issues adjusting to foreign culture. The aim of the present study is to identify the stress factors affecting foreign-born workers via a systematic review.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Articles on the subject of workers living abroad, such as immigrants, expatriates and business travellers, were included. The risk of bias in the included articles was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), RoBANS for non-RCT studies, and CASP for qualitative studies.

Results

For the systematic review, 45 out of 14,994 articles were analysed. Six components, communication, cultural differences in the workplace, daily life, relationships with family and colleagues, financial problems and social inequality, were extracted.

Conclusion

Foreign-born workers are suffering from acculturation and occupational stress. The results of the present study can help greatly with understanding of the stress structure of working abroad.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00420-018-1333-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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.

Psychotropic Drug Consumption and Employment Status in Time of Economic Crisis (2007-2011)

Psychiatric disorders and in particular depression have increased during the "Great Recession". The aim of this study was to investigate the consumption of psychotropic drugs in people who lost their permanent employment, using administrative data. The study considered all of the subjects domiciled in Lombardy, Northern Italy, who lost a permanent employment between 2008 and 2010, not assuming psychotropic drugs and who did not find a new job within the following 12 months. The control group included people who did not lose permanent job in the study period, matched to the cases for gender, age, nationality, skill level, education and economic sector, using propensity score matching. The subjects who lost their permanent employment were 17 % more likely to receive one or more drug prescriptions than the controls, but the difference was significant only for males. Females, subjects aged >50 years, low skill level workers and Italians were more likely to have received a prescription for psychotropic drugs than respectively males, subjects aged 20-29 years or aged 30-39 years, low skill level workers and non-Italians. The average number of drugs prescribed for those who lost their job and those who continued working was respectively 2.9 and 3.1. In conclusion, losing a permanent job increases significantly psychotropic drugs consumption in males but not in females.

Feasibility of conducting a longitudinal, transnational study of filipino migrants to the United States: a dual-cohort design

Most studies of immigrant health are cross-sectional and fail to collect information prior to migration, leading to potential bias and confounding. The present pilot study examines the feasibility of studying migrants prospectively, with baseline data collected before migration. The study followed two cohorts of Filipinos for one year, a migrant cohort (n=27) that emigrated to the U.S. and a second non-migrant cohort (n=26) that remained in the Philippines. The one-year retention rate was 96%. The migrant cohort arrived in the U.S. within two months of their baseline assessment. Migrants and non-migrants did not differ with regard to body mass index, waist circumference, or waist to hip ratio at baseline or at follow-up. It is feasible to conduct a transnational, longitudinal study of two cohorts of Filipinos. This design provides important pre-migration information, is analogous to a natural experiment, can be upscaled, and allows for a rigorous examination of immigrant health.

Depression among migrant workers in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Mental disorders are common among migrant workers. There is no data on depression in Saudi Arabia among them; although, they are a third of the population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of depression and to assess its relationship with duration of stay and living condition in a sample of migrant workers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 400 migrant workers was conducted in Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Exposure and covariate factors were assessed with a standardized questionnaire, depression with the CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies on Depression) scale, and physical indices (e.g. weight, height, and blood pressure) with a general examination. Logistic regression was used to identify significant correlates of depression.

RESULTS

Depression prevalence was 20%; it did not vary by duration of stay or living condition but by age, stress, and self-reported health. In the multivariate model, those who reported 'moderate' or 'high' levels of stress were 1.7 (95% CI: 0.9, 3.1) and 3.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 9.1) times more likely to have depression (reference ='low' level), respectively. Similarly, those who rated their health either 'good' or 'fair to very poor' were 3.4 (95% CI: 1.9, 6.1) and 4.8 (95% CI: 2.3, 10.1) times more likely to have depression (reference ='excellent/very good'), respectively.

LIMITATIONS

The data were collected from one company and pertained to only male participants, and the study design could not establish temporal sequence between the exposure and outcome variables.

CONCLUSION

Depression is considerably high in this population; a large-scale and nationally representative survey is needed to validate the findings.

Multiple Risk Factors for Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Korean-Chinese Migrant Workers

Korean-Chinese currently represent the largest group of migrant workers in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of risk factors on the occurrence of work-related injuries and illnesses (WII). Data for 486 Korean-Chinese migrant workers were drawn from the 2010 Migrant Workers’ Health and Safety Survey in Korea. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between WII and multiple risk factors. Individual health status (OR = 3.83, 95% CI [2.01, 7.30]), safety training (OR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.18, 0.85]), job satisfaction (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.07, 3.38]), physical and chemical hazard exposure (OR = 1.05, 95% CI [1.02, 1.08]), and length of stay (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.01]) were identified as risk factors for WII. The findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach to assess WII risk factors, including personal, work organization and psychosocial demands, and acculturation in Korean-Chinese migrant workers.

Use of psychotropic drugs in Lombardy in time of economic crisis (2007-2011): a population-based study of adult employees

Over years, there has been an increase in the prescription of psychotropic drugs (PDs), particularly antidepressants (ADs). The aim of the study was to evaluate the consumption of PDs in adult employees in a productive area of Italy and the possible changes induced by the "economic crisis". The study is a retrospective survey in all adult employees in Lombardy, Northern Italy, aged >18 years in the period 2007-2011, classified by gender, age class, nationality, education and province. During the 5-year period, there were 3,554,860 employed adults in Lombardy, of whom 277,865 (7.8%) used PDs. The use of PDs (particularly ADs) was associated with being an Italian woman aged >55 years with a basic education, a blue collar job, and an unstable working position. In 39% of cases, the use of PDs was limited to one trimester. The increase in the number of prescriptions of PDs after the economic crisis was the same as before it. The increase in PD use can be attributed more to ADs and anti-epileptic drugs with anxiolytic properties. Although continuously increasing, the use of AD fluctuated and was greater during the fall and winter. The increase involved all the provinces in Lombardy in a similar manner.

Effects of a 12 week self-managed stretching program among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in Korea: a randomized trial

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12 week, self-managed, community-based stretching program on musculoskeletal fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress, in Korean-Chinese female migrant workers in Korea.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with random assignment of eligible full-time Korean-Chinese female migrant workers to a stretching exercise intervention (n=40) or an enhanced stretching exercise intervention (n=40) condition. Both conditions received a 6 min stretching exercise program that included an orientation and three work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) educational classes. Between educational classes, the enhanced stretching exercise condition also received mobile phone text messaging and telephone counseling to increase self-efficacy (confidence in overcoming barriers) and provide social support. Flexibility, muscle strength, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant increase in flexibility was noted for both conditions, but acculturative stress was significantly reduced only in the standard intervention condition. Muscle strength and WMSD symptoms had no significant changes at the 12 week follow up in both conditions.

CONCLUSION

The 12 week, self-managed, community-based, stretching exercise program was effective to increase flexibility. The standard stretching intervention without any enhancements may be a more cost-effective way to increase flexibility. Longitudinal studies, however, are needed to see if the long-term effects are greater in the enhanced intervention for the migrant worker population.