Factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of data from the multicultural adolescents panel study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea.Methods: This study was based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's (1991) rainbow model as a conceptual framework and used data from the second phase of the multicultural adolescents panel study conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with <i>p</i><.05 considered to indicate statistical significance.Results: In the final model, stress (odds ratio [OR]=0.53, <i>p</i><.001), life satisfaction (OR=2.09, <i>p</i>=.004), self-esteem (OR=1.73, <i>p</i>=.032), and peer support (OR=1.46, <i>p</i>=.019) affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. The living and working conditions and general socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions did not significantly influence the mental health status of children from multicultural families in the final model.Conclusion: As components of Dahlgren and Whitehead's model, individual hereditary and lifestyle factors, as well as social and community networks, affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. Therefore, in order to improve the mental health of children from multicultural families, efforts are needed to alleviate their stress, increase life satisfaction and self-esteem, and strengthen their social support.