Quantitative data.

BackgroundThe growing trend of international migration has significant socio-emotional implications for families left behind, particularly the left-behind parents. While much research focuses on the well-being of migrants, limited studies explore the psychological distress experienced by left-behind parents. This study assesses the prevalence and determinants of psychological distress among parents with emigrant offspring in Changunarayan Municipality, Nepal.MethodA mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 parents whose children had emigrated for at least six months. The quantitative phase involved a structured survey, where psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Pearson chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify associated factors at a 5% level of significance. The qualitative phase included 16 in-depth interviews to explore emotional experiences and coping strategies. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, was used to identify key qualitative insights.ResultsThe prevalence of psychological distress was 18.8%, with 8.3% experiencing mild distress, 5.0% moderate distress, and 5.5% severe distress. Multivariable analysis revealed that parents with multiple morbidities (aOR: 4.032, 95% CI: 1.633–9.938), those whose children were employed in labor-intensive jobs (aOR: 9.215, 95% CI: 1.499–56.645), and those perceiving low support from emigrant children (aOR: 3.828, 95% CI: 1.178–12.442) had significantly higher odds of psychological distress. Qualitative findings highlighted loneliness, parental worries, and uncertainty regarding children’s return as key concerns. Social support, regular communication, and engagement in community activities were identified as coping strategies.ConclusionA significant proportion of parents with emigrant children experience psychological distress, influenced by health conditions, migrant employment status, and perceived social support. Strengthening intergenerational communication, enhancing mental health services, and developing targeted support programs for left-behind parents are crucial in mitigating their distress.

背景：日益凸显的国际移民趋势，对留守家庭尤其是留守父母造成了显著的社会情感层面影响。当前多数研究聚焦于移民群体的福祉状况，而针对留守父母所经历的心理困扰的探索却十分有限。本研究旨在评估尼泊尔昌古纳拉扬市（Changunarayan Municipality）子女移民的父母群体中，心理困扰的流行率及其影响因素。
方法：本研究针对218名子女移民时长至少6个月的父母开展了混合方法横断面研究。定量研究阶段采用结构化问卷调查，通过凯斯勒心理困扰量表（Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10）评估受试者的心理困扰水平；采用Pearson卡方检验与多变量logistic回归分析，在5%的显著性水平下识别相关影响因素。定性研究阶段纳入16名受访者开展深度访谈，以探究其情感体验与应对策略；研究采用遵循布朗与克拉克（Braun and Clarke）六步框架的主题分析法，以提炼关键质性研究结论。
结果：本研究中，心理困扰的总体流行率为18.8%，其中8.3%为轻度心理困扰，5.0%为中度，5.5%为重度。多变量分析结果显示，存在多种病症的父母（调整后优势比[aOR]：4.032，95%置信区间[CI]：1.633–9.938）、子女从事劳动密集型工作的父母（aOR：9.215，95%置信区间[CI]：1.499–56.645）以及感知到来自移民子女支持不足的父母（aOR：3.828，95%置信区间[CI]：1.178–12.442），其出现心理困扰的优势显著更高。质性研究结果显示，孤独感、对子女的担忧以及对子女返乡时间的不确定性是主要困扰来源；社会支持、定期沟通与参与社区活动则被列为主要应对策略。
结论：相当比例的子女移民父母存在心理困扰，其发病风险受自身健康状况、移民子女的就业状态以及感知到的社会支持水平影响。加强代际沟通、完善心理健康服务体系，并针对留守父母制定针对性支持方案，对缓解其心理困扰至关重要。