Psychological Distress among Mongolian International Undergraduate Students in South Korea and Their Domestic Peers in Mongolia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study examined the impact of international migration on mental health by comparing paid employment, health behaviors, loneliness, and psychological distress between Mongolian international undergraduates in South Korea and their peers in Mongolia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 200 undergraduates recruited from five universities in South Korea and two universities in Mongolia. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, χ² tests, Pearson correlation analyses, and multivariable regression analyses. Results: Compared to their peers in Mongolia, international students were more likely to be employed, engage in health risk behaviors (alcohol use, smoking), and report greater loneliness. These patterns were particularly evident among female students, with higher rates of paid employment, smoking, and loneliness. Loneliness predicted psychological distress in both groups after controlling for age and gender (domestic students: B=0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.84; international students: B=0.35, 95% CI 0.11-0.58), while paid employment (B=6.00, 95% CI 0.49-11.52) predicted distress only among international students. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support for international students, especially females, focusing on reducing loneliness and employment-related stress as well as policies to ease financial pressures and ensure fair working conditions for self-funded students.