Presentation Information
[GA-1-03]The paradox impact of language proficiency and acculturation strategies on depressive symptoms in Indonesian migrant domestic workers
*Andrian Liem1,2 (1. Universitas Sebelas Maret (Indonesia), 2. Monash University Malaysia (Malaysia))
Keywords:
migrant workers,depression,acculturation,language mastery,domestic workers
Background: Indonesian migrant domestic workers (IMDWs) often serve as informal caregivers for older adults in many Asian countries. Despite this essential contribution, their mental health remains largely understudied, particularly in relation to cultural factors such as language proficiency and acculturation strategies. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of local language proficiency (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) and Berry’s acculturation strategy (separation, integration, assimilation, and marginalization) on depressive symptoms. Method: The data were collected via an online survey conducted between August and December 2022 in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which then was categorized following the 10-point cut-off score (0=no clinical symptoms; 1=have clinical symptoms). A hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of language proficiency and acculturation strategy on depressive symptoms while controlling for demographic factors, caregiving burden, and perceived-loneliness. Results: The survey was completed by 872 participants with an average age of 36.8 years (SD=6.5) and were predominantly female (98.5%). The PHQ-9 average score was 7.7 (SD=4.7) and 24.7% of the total participants were categorized as having clinical depressive symptoms. The final predictive model was statistically significant (X2[11]=348.8, p<.001), which explained 49% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance. As assimilation strategy increased, the odds of developing clinical symptoms decreased (OR=0.27, 95%CI=0.17-0.43). Conversely, as speaking fluency and marginalization strategy increased, the odds of developing clinical symptoms also increased (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.16-2.01; OR=2.27, 95%CI=1.55-3.32, respectively). Discussion: The unexpected positive association between speaking fluency and depressive symptoms warrants further investigation as it may suggest that increased language proficiency could lead to greater awareness of one's marginalized status or exposure to potentially stressful situations. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to support MDWs' mental health by focusing on healthy acculturation strategies promotion.