Correlates of Depression among Married Immigrant Women in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among married immigrant women in South Korea. Methods: Data from the 2015 Living Profiles of Multiculture Family Survey were used in this study. The sample consisted of 1,579 married immigrant women aged 19 to 39 years. Sociodemographic, acculturation, and social support factors were analyzed. Logistic regression was used for the data analysis. Results: Married immigrant women having a poor relationship with their husbands and a culture gap with husbands were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Low socioeconomic status, no satisfaction with mother role, and no satisfaction with father role, and high social support resources were associated with depressive symptoms among married immigrant women in Korea. Having a moderate level of social support resources was more likely to lower the risk of depressive symptoms than high social support resources. Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate that prevention of depressive symptoms in married immigrant women in Korea could be aided by acculturation programs that include participation of husbands and social supports for the parenting role.