Regina Molnár, Afriza Umami, Andrea Szabó, Mária Kucsera, Zsuzsanna Máté, Nóra Főző, Edit Paulik
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: International medical students are exposed to complex cultural and academic environments that require continuous adaptation to both their host society and their culture of origin. This study examines acculturation among international medical students in Hungary using Berry's Acculturation Theory, which classifies individuals into four categories: Integration, Separation, Assimilation, and Marginalization.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 international medical students using a modified Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale and self-reported measures of health behaviours, perceived stress, and mental well-being. Most participants were categorized as either Integration (46.0%) or Separation (50.9%), while only a small portion of students fell into Assimilation (0.3%) or Marginalization (2.8%) category. Consequently, the analysis focused on comparing the Integration and Separation groups.
Results: Significant differences were observed in demographic and behavioural characteristics between these groups. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.88, p = 0.013), preclinical students (aOR = 1.78, p = 0.048), non-drinking students (aOR = 2.57, p = 0.001), and those with lower perceived stress (aOR = 2.15, p = 0.035), integrated stronger. Meanwhile, non-smokers (aOR = 0.52, p = 0.040) and those who abstain from psychologist visits (aOR = 0.36, p = 0.008) integrated less well.
Conclusion: The present study identifies demographic and health-related factors associated with integration among international medical students. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of acculturation patterns and inform strategies to support students' social adjustment and well-being.
Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-026-02767-8.
期刊介绍:
Medical Science Educator is the successor of the journal JIAMSE. It is the peer-reviewed publication of the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE). The Journal offers all who teach in healthcare the most current information to succeed in their task by publishing scholarly activities, opinions, and resources in medical science education. Published articles focus on teaching the sciences fundamental to modern medicine and health, and include basic science education, clinical teaching, and the use of modern education technologies. The Journal provides the readership a better understanding of teaching and learning techniques in order to advance medical science education.