Analysis of international students' health determinants in Australia
Gamanya, Tarisai
The purpose of this study was to explore immigration and the vulnerability of
immigrants to mental health problems with a focus on international students in a
small town in Australia. A sample of 97 international students in the town enrolled in
the study. This research question was examined using data obtained from
questionnaires to explore the students’ perspectives on migration and its
implications on mental health. In-depth interviews were utilised to ensure the
collection of narratives to help explain the conclusions gathered from quantitative
data. Major findings of the study include that students suffer from multiple forms of
mental conditions which stem from the challenges of adapting to a new environment
and lack of social support. The study found that there are multiple causes for mental
health problems among international students. International students face a more
stressful lifestyle than their native counterparts because of the stressors they
encounter during adaptation and assimilation. It also showed that there is a strong
correlation between a lack of acculturation, socio-economic support, self-esteem,
and mental health. In terms of recommendations, universities should commit to
enhancing acculturation, social support, and self-esteem among international
students to reduce isolation and improve and preserve their health, according to the
recommendations. Future research on social isolation of subcultures is also
recommended to increase acculturation and stress, as well as their effects on
international students.
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