J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2012 Dec;23(4):366-375. 10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.366.

Acculturative Stress, Depression and Drinking Problems of Korean International Students in the United States

• Lee SH

• KMID: 2292780
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.366

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of drinking problems in Korean international students in the United States.
METHODS
The subjects involved this study were 190 Korean international students in the United States. Data were measured using a drinking problems questionnaire, an acculturative stress scale for international student, and the CES-D. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program to calculate mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, Sheffe test and pearson's correlation coefficient. and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
1) The mean score of the degree of perceived acculturative stress was 2.15+/-0.63, of depression was 17.67+/-9.85, and of drinking problems was 15.03+/-15.52. 2) There were significant correlations between acculturative stress and drinking problems (r=.506, p<.001), between depression and drinking problems (r=.6726, p<.001), and between acculturative stress and depression (r=.453, p<.001). 3) In stepwise multiple regression analysis the most powerful predictor of drinking problems were acculturative stress (beta=.243, p<.001), and depression (beta=.562, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
Based on the results, practical implications for reducing the acculturative stress and improving the psychological well-being of Korean students were discussed.

Keyword

Drinking; Acculturation; Depression

MeSH Terms

Acculturation
Depression
Drinking
Humans
United States
Surveys and Questionnaires

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