Social Indicators Research
Volume 107, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 373-391

Correlates of Quality of Life in New Migrants to Hong Kong from Mainland China (Article) (Open Access)

Wong W.K.F. , Chou K.-L. , Chow N.W.S.
  • a Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • b Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • c Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Abstract

The concept of Quality of life (QOL) has received considerable attention from different disciplines. The aim of this study was to identify what are the correlates of QOL among Chinese new immigrants in Hong Kong. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey among 449 Hong Kong new immigrants from Mainland China. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the association between immigrants' QOL and their demographic characteristics, socio-economic factors, optimism, sense of control, perceived social support, perceived neighborhood disorder, collective efficacy, pre-migration planning, depressive symptoms and acculturation stress. Our findings demonstrated that depressive symptom is the most prominent factor in reducing immigrants' level of QOL, perceived social support and optimism are the two important factors that enhance the QOL of these depressed immigrants. Our results indicate that preventive measures must be developed, and professional counseling and psychological support services must be provided to new immigrants in Hong Kong, especially those who have depressive symptoms. © 2011 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

China immigrants Depression Hong Kong Quality of life

Index Keywords

China immigrant Hong Kong socioeconomic survey regression analysis quality of life mental health psychology

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84860546569&doi=10.1007%2fs11205-011-9853-2&partnerID=40&md5=c9f33a1d04cf0859e9c8d75e6fc027db

DOI: 10.1007/s11205-011-9853-2
ISSN: 03038300
Cited by: 19
Original Language: English