• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.35-49
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was examine the depression among Mongolians in South Korea. We also determined the effect of acculturative stress and social support on depression. In this study, total of 200 adults over age 18 completed the BDI-II of Mongolian Version, Acculturative stress scale for international student, The Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed by using the factor analysis, correlation analysis, t-test, and hierarchical regression analysis. We used SPSS 22.0, AMOS 22.0. We found significant difference in mean scores between groups according to socio-demographic characteristics. The level of depression was high in over 3 years immigrants group (M = 8.41, SD = 9.6954), marriage immigrants group (M = 19.1, SD = 16.7649), and female groups (M = 7.61, SD = 9.2188) than compared to reference groups. Acculturative stress and social support of Mongolian immigrants had a significant impact on depression (β = .365, p <.001; β = .- 555, p <.001). There was a moderating effect of social support on the relationship between acculturative stress and depression (β = 1.080, p <.001). The limitations and implications of the study were discussed. We conclude that this study can be used to assess the depression and the mental health of Mongolians in South Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.305-320
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• 2021

Purpose: This study analyzed the dietary patterns of Central Asian immigrant workers (Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan) living in South Korea to determine the food acculturation and how their dietary practices have changed after immigration. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 186 Central Asian immigrant workers living in South Korea. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain information on the consumption frequency of 22 food items before and after their immigration to Korea. Results: Central Asians switched to Korean meat consumption patterns, which consume mainly pork, chicken, and beef, showing a decrease in the intake of beef and lamb and an increase in that of pork. Their consumption of Namul (cooked vegetable), Kimchi, rice, and marine products increased while that of potatoes decreased during acculturation to Korean food culture. Positive changes were observed in Mongolians' eating habits. Their meat-based diet turned into a healthy one in which nutritional balance was achieved by consuming the various food groups. Negative dietary changes were also observed; intake of instant foods and coffee increased while black and green tea consumption decreased. Intake of Namul (p < 0.01), Kimchi (p < 0.01), rice (p < 0.001), ramen (p < 0.001), pork, chicken (p < 0.01), fish (p < 0.01), seafood (p < 0.001), and coffee (p < 0.001) increased significantly in the group that responded and their health improved after moving to Korea. This result suggests that health improved among those who were well settled in Korea and ate the various food groups. Conclusion: These findings can help understand the acculturation process to Korean food culture and provide a basis for developing policies to help them adjust to Korean food culture.