[Mental health status and related factors among first generation Japanese returnees from China and Chinese spouses living in Japan for ten years or more].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine mental health status and related factors among 1st generation Japanese returnees from China and Chinese spouses living in Japan for ten years or more.


METHODS
The subjects were 99 individuals (mean age= 63.9 years), all 1st generation Japanese returnees and their Chinese spouses, living in the Kanto region of Japan. The subjects completed a questionnaire survey, which included items regarding demographics, state of social activity in Japan, self-care behavior, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence and physical health. The questionnaire survey also incorporated the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ12). The results of the survey were first analyzed by T- and chi2-tests. Logistic regression analysis was then performed in order to identify factors related to the GHQ12.


RESULTS
The participants scored high scores on the GHQ12, with 72.7% showing a potential for mental health problems (GHQ12 more than 3). Major complaints were "cannot do useful things" 74.7%, "don't feel happy" 72.7%, "feeling under psychological strain" 59.6%, "unable to make decisions" 57.6%, "feeling depressed" 56.6%, "feeling worried and cannot sleep" 55.5%. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that those with potential mental health problems had a higher language barrier (OR: 5.48, 95%CI: 1.52-19.82), fewer providers of health care information (OR: 5.25, 95%CI: 1.32-20.95), fewer voluntary conversations with young people (OR: 3.51, 95%CI: 1.05-11.74), and lower self-rated health (OR: 15.49, 95%CI: 4.11-58.48).


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, Japanese returnees and their Chinese spouses were found to have mental health problems, significantly associated with a high language barrier, limited information on health care, few conversations with young people, and low self-rated health. Our findings suggest that this population requires immediate assistance to improve their mental health. Furthermore, comprehensive and culturally sensitive health care programs are necessary.
Hu
Xiuying
X
Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, Japan.
Ishigaki
Kazuko
K
Yamamoto-Mitani
Noriko
N
D044466:Asian People; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D007802:Language; D008603:Mental Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D012931:Social Environment; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological