Stress and health related quality of life of Nepalese students studying in South Korea: A cross sectional study

One hundred and thirty students were enrolled in this study. HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Forms (SF-12) questionnaire. Perceived stress and acculturative stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale and Acculturative Stress Scale for international students, respectively. Pearson's correlation test and multiple regression analysis were performed.Perceived stress and acculturative stress were negatively correlated with HRQOL. The highest value in the HRQOL was reported for the vitality subscale and the lowest value was reported for the role-emotional. In the regression model, perceived stress, acculturative stress, relationship with advisor, and marital status accounted for a significant (p < .001) portion of the variance (49%) in the mental component summary of the HRQOL.The findings of this study indicate that Nepalese students studying in South Korea experience a considerable amount of perceived and acculturative stress, which is negatively related with their HRQOL. Provision of culture specific counseling and orientation programs may benefit the students. The determinants of HRQOL identified in this study were perceived stress, acculturative stress, relationship with advisor, and marital status.HRQOL is a multidimensional subjective concept and also an important health determinant [1]. Better HRQOL is vital for normal and productive functioning of an individual. Over the years, several studies have demonstrated the importance of HRQOL assessment among different groups of people, including university students. University life, where major life transition occurs, has often been recognized as a stressful period in one's life that can result in lowered levels of HRQOL. Academic pressures, peer pressure, pressures in relationships, being away from home, and financial concerns during the transition from school to university life have been identified as common stressors among university students [2]. Further in recent years following