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McLaren F, Mercado M, Montalva N, Watkins L, Antipichun A, Cheristil J, Rocha-Jiménez T. Ethics in Mental Health Research with Haitian Migrants: Lessons from a Community-Based Study in Santiago, Chile. Ethics Hum Res 2024; 46:16-25. [PMID: 38629226 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Migration research poses several unique challenges and opportunities. Conducting ethical global health practice, especially when studying migrant mental health, is of particular concern. This article explores seven challenges and lessons learned in our mixed-methods study conducted to assess the impact of the migration experience on Haitian migrants' mental health in Santiago, Chile. The primary challenges were recruiting in a highly mobile population, building trust and community participation, overcoming language barriers, safety considerations during the Covid-19 pandemic, mitigating potential negative impacts of research on the community, providing psychological support, and finding meaningful ways to benefit the community. We propose moving toward a better and more ethical migrant research practice by ensuring language accessibility, hiring community members for the study team, working with local institutions and nongovernmental organizations, and maintaining sustainable connections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Mercado
- PhD student in psychology at the Universidad Diego Portales in Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Montalva
- Associate professor at the Society and Health Research Center (CISS) at the School of Psychology of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty, Universidad Mayor, Santiago de Chile, a principal investigator of the Millennium Nucleus in Sociomedicine (SocioMed), Santiago de Chile, and a guest researcher at BirthRites Lise Meitner Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
| | - Loreto Watkins
- Researcher at the Universidad Diego Portales and at the Millennium Nucleus in Sociomedicine (SocioMed), Santiago, Chile
| | - Andy Antipichun
- Student in training of the Millennium Nucleus in Sociomedicine (SocioMed), Santiago, Chile
| | - Judeline Cheristil
- Member of the Haitian community and the field coordinator of the mentioned project affiliated with the ANID 11200486 project
| | - Teresita Rocha-Jiménez
- Associate professor at the Society and Health Research Center (CISS) at the School of Psychology of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Universidad Mayor, Santiago de Chile and a principal investigator of the Millennium Nucleus in Sociomedicine (SocioMed), Santiago de Chile
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Ahmed D, Benavente P, Diaz E. Food Insecurity among International Migrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5273. [PMID: 37047889 PMCID: PMC10093953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the measures imposed to control it have impacted food security globally, particularly among vulnerable populations. Food insecurity, in turn, has repercussions on health, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. This scoping review maps the literature describing associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and food insecurity among migrants, with a particular view toward health. A total of 909 papers were extracted through four electronic databases, and 46 studies were included. The migrant populations described originated mainly from Latin America (11/46) and were located in North America (21/46). Most studies included refugees and asylum seekers (20/46). The main challenges described were financial hardship (28/46), the effect of migrants' documentation status on using public food aid (13/46), and the suspension of or reduction in humanitarian assistance due to the economic recession (7/46). The impact of food insecurity on migrants' mental and physical health was described in 26 of the 46 studies. Authorities in all destination countries should focus their attention and efforts into ensuring nutrition security for migrants in a holistic way, including their economic and legal integration, to be better prepared for health crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doua Ahmed
- Centre of International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Pierina Benavente
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Esperanza Diaz
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Chen IM, Lin TY, Chien YL, Chen JYY, Chan JH, Liao SC, Kuo PH, Chen HC. The associations between working conditions and subjective sleep quality among female migrant care workers. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1094513. [PMID: 37124812 PMCID: PMC10140529 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1094513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subjective sleep quality may reflect the mental well-being of migrant care workers; however, the related occupational factors remain unclear. This study examines the association between the characteristics of care labor and the subjective sleep quality of female migrants. Methods In this cross-sectional study, Southeast Asian migrant care workers in Taiwan were recruited using convenience sampling. Data on working conditions, including workplace setting, wage, working hours, psychiatric symptoms of care recipients, and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent relationship between working conditions and the PSQI global score. Results There were 220 institution-(47.7%) and home-based (52.3%) care workers, and 47.7% had a PSQI score higher than 5. After controlling for covariates, the lowest tertile of wages and daily working hours (> 8 h) were independently correlated with poor sleep quality. Moreover, in the stepwise regression model, wage and working hours remained the most explainable correlates of poor sleep quality. Conclusion This study lent support to the notion that low wages and long working hours are significant occupational factors that negatively impact the subjective sleep quality of female Southeast Asian migrant care workers in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ming Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yun Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jen-Hui Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Cheng Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsiu Kuo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chung Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Sleep Disorders, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Hsi-Chung Chen,
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Norman G, Mason T, Dumville JC, Bower P, Wilson P, Cullum N. Approaches to enabling rapid evaluation of innovations in health and social care: a scoping review of evidence from high-income countries. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064345. [PMID: 36600433 PMCID: PMC10580278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care. Assessment of rapid methodologies is lacking although challenges in ensuring rigour and effective use of resources are known. We mapped reports of rapid evaluations of health and social care innovations, categorised different approaches to rapid evaluation, explored comparative benefits of rapid evaluation, and identified knowledge gaps. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE and Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) databases were searched through 13 September 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included publications reporting primary research or methods for rapid evaluation of interventions or services in health and social care in high-income countries. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers developed and piloted a data extraction form. One reviewer extracted data, a second reviewer checked 10% of the studies; disagreements and uncertainty were resolved through consensus. We used narrative synthesis to map different approaches to conducting rapid evaluation. RESULTS We identified 16 759 records and included 162 which met inclusion criteria.We identified four main approaches for rapid evaluation: (1) Using methodology designed specifically for rapid evaluation; (2) Increasing rapidity by doing less or using less time-intensive methodology; (3) Using alternative technologies and/or data to increase speed of existing evaluation method; (4) Adapting part of non-rapid evaluation.The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in publications and some limited changes in identified methods. We found little research comparing rapid and non-rapid evaluation. CONCLUSIONS We found a lack of clarity about what 'rapid evaluation' means but identified some useful preliminary categories. There is a need for clarity and consistency about what constitutes rapid evaluation; consistent terminology in reporting evaluations as rapid; development of specific methodologies for making evaluation more rapid; and assessment of advantages and disadvantages of rapid methodology in terms of rigour, cost and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Norman
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Mason
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jo C Dumville
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Wilson
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicky Cullum
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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Goldstein Ferber S, Shoval G, Zalsman G, Weller A. Does COVID-19 related symptomatology indicate a transdiagnostic neuropsychiatric disorder? - Multidisciplinary implications. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1004-1015. [PMID: 36158308 PMCID: PMC9476837 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i8.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical presentation that emerges from the extensive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mental health literature suggests high correlations among many conventional psychiatric diagnoses. Arguments against the use of multiple comorbidities for a single patient have been published long before the pandemic. Concurrently, diagnostic recommendations for use of transdiagnostic considerations for improved treatment have been also published in recent years. In this review, we pose the question of whether a transdiagnostic mental health disease, including psychiatric and neuropsychiatric symptomology, has emerged since the onset of the pandemic. There are many attempts to identify a syndrome related to the pandemic, but none of the validated scales is able to capture the entire psychiatric and neuropsychiatric clinical presentation in infected and non-infected individuals. These scales also only marginally touch the issue of etiology and prevalence. We suggest a working hypothesis termed Complex Stress Reaction Syndrome (CSRS) representing a global psychiatric reaction to the pandemic situation in the general population (Type A) and a neuropsychiatric reaction in infected individuals (Type B) which relates to neurocognitive and psychiatric features which are part (excluding systemic and metabolic dysfunctions) of the syndrome termed in the literature as long COVID. We base our propositions on multidisciplinary scientific data regarding mental health during the global pandemic situation and the effects of viral infection reviewed from Google Scholar and PubMed between February 1, 2022 and March 10, 2022. Search in-clusion criteria were “mental health”, “COVID-19” and “Long COVID”, English language and human studies only. We suggest that this more comprehensive way of understanding COVID-19 complex mental health reactions may promote better prevention and treatment and serve to guide implementation of recommended administrative regulations that were recently published by the World Psychiatric Association. This review may serve as a call for an international investigation of our working hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5317000, Israel
| | - Gal Shoval
- Department of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Neuroscience, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Department of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5317000, Israel
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6
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Chen Y, Rafful C, Mercado M, Carte L, Morales-Miranda S, Cheristil J, Rocha-Jiménez T. Hoping for a Better Future during COVID-19: How Migration Plans Are Protective of Depressive Symptoms for Haitian Migrants Living in Chile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9977. [PMID: 36011611 PMCID: PMC9408526 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores the migration experiences, perceived COVID-19 impacts, and depression symptoms among Haitian migrants living in Santiago, Chile. Ninety-five participants from eight neighborhoods with a high density of Haitian migrants were recruited. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Chi-squared tests were used to confirm univariate results. We found that 22% of participants had major depressive symptoms based on the CESD-R-20 scale, 87% reported major life changes due to COVID-19, and 78% said their migration plans had changed due to the pandemic. Factors associated with more depressive symptoms were being in debt (OR = 3.43) and experiencing discrimination (ORs: 0.60 to 6.19). Factors associated with less odds of depressive symptoms were social support (ORs: 0.06 to 0.25), change in migration plans due to COVID-19 (OR = 0.30), and planning to leave Chile (OR = 0.20). After accounting for relevant factors, planning to leave Chile is significantly predictive of fewer symptoms of depression. Haitian migrants living in Chile had a high prevalence of depression. Planning to leave Chile was a significant protector against depressive symptoms. Future studies should explore how nuanced experiences of uncertainty play out in migrants' lives, mental well-being, and planning for their future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Chen
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria Avenida, C.U., Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry, Calz México-Xochimilco 101, Colonia, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14370, Mexico
| | - Mercedes Mercado
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Lindsey Carte
- Núcleo de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1450, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Sonia Morales-Miranda
- Consorcio de Investigación sobre VIH SIDA TB CISIDAT, Dwight W. Morrow 8, Apt. 7, Centro, Cuernavaca 62000, Mexico
| | - Judeline Cheristil
- Project “When Reality Overcomes the Intention”, Las Condes 7560908, Chile
| | - Teresita Rocha-Jiménez
- Society and Health Research Center, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Artes, Universidad Mayor, Las Condes 4780000, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus on Sociomedicine (SocioMed), Las Condes 7560908, Chile
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7
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Urtaran-Laresgoiti M, González-Rábago Y, Martín U, Rivadeneyra-Sicilia A, Morteruel M. Health and health inequalities impact assessment for non-clinical measures to control COVID-19 in the Basque Country and Navarre (Spain). J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221110020. [PMID: 35911433 PMCID: PMC9335482 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes the results of a health and health inequalities impact assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic control measures in the regions of the Basque Country and Navarre in Spain. A literature review was conducted on Pubmed and Web of Science (WoS) databases, in addition to individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups with experts, key informants and different profiles of citizens. A wide variety of social determinants of health have been affected by the measures, which included individual health-related behaviors, service disruption in formal care, educational settings, and health care provision. These changes have particularly affected certain population groups including children and adolescents, older people, those with health conditions and disabilities together with caregivers, women, as well as people with low levels of education, income, and resources. In future scenarios it will be necessary to pay attention to the potential impacts of policy responses on health inequalities to avoid an increase in existing health gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Urtaran-Laresgoiti
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - Y González-Rábago
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - U Martín
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - A Rivadeneyra-Sicilia
- ISPED, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre U1219-, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Morteruel
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain.,Department of Nursing I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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8
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Gum AM, Green O, Dassa A, Klausner K, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Ayalon L. Behavioral activation for live-in migrant home care workers and care recipients in Israel: a pilot study. Home Health Care Serv Q 2022; 41:219-235. [PMID: 35383537 DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2022.2054393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In a growing global trend, individuals are migrating to other countries to live with and care for older adults with dementia. Although this trend addresses the geriatric workforce shortage, workers and older adults often experience distress. In a pilot study in Israel, six migrant care workers participated in a six-week group intervention in which they learned to increase valued, enjoyable activities for themselves and the older adult with whom they lived (behavioral activation). After the intervention, workers reported that they increased activities for themselves and the older adult and were satisfied, and quality of life and sense of achievement showed medium and large effect sizes, respectively. Participants suggested adapting the intervention to an online format for greater access. Although findings are tentative, the study points to promising strategies for migrant home care workers: focusing on the worker and older adult and offering online interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M Gum
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ohad Green
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Social Policy and Intervention
| | - Ayelet Dassa
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Keren Klausner
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Social Policy and Intervention
| | - Liat Ayalon
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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9
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Shirmohammadi M, Beigi M, Richardson J. Subjective well-being among blue-collar immigrant employees: A systematic literature review. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2022.100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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10
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Oliva-Arocas A, Benavente P, Ronda E, Diaz E. Health of International Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:816597. [PMID: 35252094 PMCID: PMC8888537 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.816597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and control measures adopted have had a disproportionate impact on workers, with migrants being a group specifically affected but poorly studied. This scoping review aims to describe the evidence published on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of migrant workers. Methods Papers written in English covering physical and mental health among international migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, retrieved from six electronic databases searched on July 31, 2021, were included. A total of 1,096 references were extracted, of which 26 studies were finally included. Results Most of the migrant populations studied were born in Asia (16 of 26) and Latin America (8 of 26) and were essential workers (15 of 26). Few studies described the length of stay in the host country (9 of 26), the legal status of the migrant population (6 of 26), or established comparison groups (7 of 26). Ten studies described COVID-19 outbreaks with high infection rates. Fourteen studies evaluated mental health (anxiety, depression, worries, fears, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Three of the 26 studies presented collateral positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic because of improved hygiene. Conclusion There is a limited number of original publications related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of migrant workers around the world. These publications mainly focus on migrants born in Asia and Latin America. The physical, long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has, so far, not been evaluated. The positive collateral effects of improving healthcare conditions for migrant workers should also be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Oliva-Arocas
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Adriana Oliva-Arocas
| | - Pierina Benavente
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elena Ronda
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Diaz
- Pandemic Centre, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Unit for Migration and Health, Norwegian Public Health Institute, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Hasan SI, Yee A, Rinaldi A, Azham AA, Mohd Hairi F, Amer Nordin AS. Prevalence of common mental health issues among migrant workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260221. [PMID: 34855800 PMCID: PMC8638981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous literature has shown that migrant workers manifested higher common mental issues (especially depressive symptom) compared to local workers due to stressors such as financial constraint and lack of access to healthcare. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current body of evidence for the prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers as well as exploring the risk factors and the availability of social support for migrant workers. Seven electronic databases, grey literature and Google Scholar were searched for studies from 2015 to 2021 related to mental health, social support and migrant workers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Study heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Random effects meta-analysis results were presented given heterogeneity among studies. The search returned 27 articles and only seven studies were included in meta-analysis, involving 44 365 migrant workers in 17 different countries. The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers was 38.99% (95% CI = 0.27, 0.51) and 27.31% (95% CI = 0.06, 0.58), respectively. Factors such as age, biological (health issue, family history of psychiatric disorder), individual (poor coping skills), occupational (workplace psychosocial stressors, poor working condition, salary and benefits issue, abuse), environmental (limited access towards healthcare, duration of residence, living condition) and social factor (limited social support) were associated with a mental health outcome in migrant workers. The availability of social support for migrant workers was mainly concentrated in emotional type of support. A high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found among migrant workers across the globe. This finding warrants a collective effort by different parties in providing assistance for migrant workers to promote their mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Idayu Hasan
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya Centre for Community & Sustainability, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anne Yee
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ariyani Rinaldi
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adlina Aisya Azham
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Farizah Mohd Hairi
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin
- Nicotine Addiction Research Group, Wisma R & D Universiti Malaya, University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya Centre for Community & Sustainability, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Aktas E, Bergbom B, Godderis L, Kreshpaj B, Marinov M, Mates D, McElvenny DM, Mehlum IS, Milenkova V, Nena E, Glass DC. Migrant workers occupational health research: an OMEGA-NET working group position paper. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:765-777. [PMID: 34661721 PMCID: PMC8521506 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01803-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aims of the study were: (1) to clarify the definitions of “migrant” used in occupational health research; (2) to summarize migrant workers’ industry sectors, occupations and employment conditions; (3) to identify the occupational health and safety services available to migrant workers; (4) to summarize work-related health problems found among migrant workers; (5) to identify the methodological challenges to research into occupational health of migrant workers; and (6) to recommend improvements in migrant occupational health research. Methods This position paper was prepared by researchers from several European countries and Australia, working within the EU COST Action OMEGA-NET. The paper drew on two recent systematic reviews on the occupational health of international migrant workers and other literature, and also identified uncertainties and gaps in the research literature. Migrants may, for example, be temporary or permanent, moving for specific jobs migrants or other reasons. Their ethnicity and language capabilities will affect their work opportunities. Results The occupational health literature seldom adequately identifies the heterogeneity or characteristics of the migrant group being studied. Migrants tend to work in more physically and mentally demanding environments with higher exposures than native workers. Migrants tend to have an increased risk of physical and mental ill health, but less access to health care services. This has been demonstrated recently by high rates of COVID-19 and less access to health care. There have been a number of cross-sectional studies of migrant health but few long-term cohort studies were identified. Other study designs, such as registry-based studies, surveys and qualitative studies may complement cross-sectional studies. Mixed-methodology studies would be valuable in research on migrants’ occupational health. Language and lack of trust are barriers to migrant research participation. Conclusion Targeted research, especially longitudinal, identifying how these economically important but often-vulnerable workers can be best assisted is needed. Researchers should identify the characteristics of the migrant workers that they are studying including visa/migration circumstances (temporary, permanent, undocumented), racial and ethnic characteristics, existing skills and language abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Aktas
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bertina Kreshpaj
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mario Marinov
- South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Dana Mates
- The National Institute of Public Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Damien M McElvenny
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.,University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Evangelia Nena
- Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Deborah C Glass
- MonCOEH, Monash University, 553 ST Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
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Ambrosetti J, Macheret L, Folliet A, Wullschleger A, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Serafini G, Prada P, Kaiser S, Bondolfi G, Sarasin F, Costanza A. Psychiatric emergency admissions during and after COVID-19 lockdown: short-term impact and long-term implications on mental health. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:465. [PMID: 34560856 PMCID: PMC8464091 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03469-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'lockdown' measures, adopted to restrict population movements in order to help curb the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, contributed to a global mental health crisis. Although several studies have extensively examined the impact of lockdown measures on the psychological well-being of the general population, little is known about long-term implications. This study aimed to identify changes in psychiatric emergency department (ED) admissions between two 8-week periods: during and immediately after lifting the lockdown. METHODS Socio-demographic and clinical information on 1477 psychiatric ED consultations at the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS When grouped according to admission dates, contrary to what we expected, the post-lockdown group presented with more severe clinical conditions (as measured using an urgency degree index) compared to their lockdown counterparts. Notably, after the lockdown had been lifted we observed a statistically significant increase in suicidal behavior and psychomotor agitation and a decrease in behavior disorder diagnoses. Furthermore, more migrants arrived at the HUG ED after the lockdown measures had been lifted. Logistic regression analysis identified diagnoses of suicidal behavior, behavioral disorders, psychomotor agitation, migrant status, involuntary admission, and private resident discharge as predictors of post-lockdown admissions. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings can have implications concerning the prioritization of mental health care facilities and access for patients at risk of psychopathological decompensation in time of confinement policies, but above all, provide a foundation for future studies focusing on the long-term impact of the pandemic and its associated sanitary measures on mental health. TRIAL REGISTRATION Research Ethics Committee of Geneva, Registration number 2020-01510, approval date: 29 June 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ambrosetti
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Emergency, Emergency Psychiatric Unit (UAUP), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Macheret
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Emergency, Emergency Psychiatric Unit (UAUP), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Folliet
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Emergency, Emergency Psychiatric Unit (UAUP), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Wullschleger
- Adult Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paco Prada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention (SPLIC), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kaiser
- Adult Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guido Bondolfi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention (SPLIC), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Sarasin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Emergency, Emergency Medicine Unit, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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The COVID-19 Lockdown and Changes in Routine-Oriented Lifestyle Behaviors and Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia in South Africa. J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:1046-1057. [PMID: 34186512 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors assessed the impact of lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on routine-oriented lifestyle behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in South Africans. METHODS In this observational study, 1048 adults (median age = 27 y; n = 767 females; n = 473 students) responded to an online survey on work, exercise, screen, alcohol, caffeine and sleep behaviors, depression, anxiety, and insomnia before and during lockdown. Comparisons were made between males and females, and students and nonstudents. RESULTS During lockdown, males reported larger reductions in higher intensity exercise and alcohol use than females, while depressive symptoms increased more among females, more of whom also reported poorer sleep quality. Students demonstrated larger delays in work and sleep timing, greater increases in sitting, screen, sleep duration, napping, depression and insomnia and larger decreases in work hours, exercise time, and sleep regularity compared with nonstudents. CONCLUSIONS Students experienced more changes in their routine-oriented behaviors than nonstudents, coupled with larger increases in depression and insomnia. The dramatic change in their work and sleep timing suggests habitual routines that are at odds with their chronotype, with their sleep changes during lockdown likely reflecting "catch-up" sleep in response to accumulated sleep debt under usual routines.
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