Investigating the Impacts of Acculturation Stress on Migrant Care Workers in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities

Abstract

Introduction: Migrant care workers are a growing portion of the aged care workforce in high-income countries. This study investigated the impacts of acculturation stress on the well-being of migrant care workers.

Method: A cross-sectional national survey was conducted among migrant care workers (n = 272) across five Australian states and one territory using the Riverside Acculturation Stress Inventory (RASI) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21).

Results: Acculturation stress was high (M = 38.4; SD = 14.1; 38.9% scored ≥40 out of 75), but respondents scored in the normal to mild ranges (85% to 93%) on the DASS 21 scale. Enrolled and registered nurses had the highest acculturation stress levels when compared with other occupational roles. Ethnicity, F(4, 254) = 11.0, p < .001; occupational roles, F(3, 254) = 3.0, p = .03; and self-reported English proficiency, F(1, 254) = 4.17, p = .04, were statistically significant.

Conclusions: Addressing acculturation stress may improve job satisfaction and retention among migrant care workers.

Keywords: gerontology; transcultural health; work force diversity.