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Sumerlin TS, Kim JH, Hui AYK, Chan D, Liao T, Padmadas S, Fong E, Chung RY. Employment conditions and mental health of overseas female migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong: a parallel mediation analysis. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:8. [PMID: 38233876 PMCID: PMC10792881 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02098-3] [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] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female migrant domestic workers (MDW), approximately 8.5 million globally, often live in their employer's home under vulnerable conditions. In Hong Kong, MDWs currently comprise 5% of the population. This study was conducted to assess the association between employment conditions and mental health, and the mediating roles stress and job satisfaction have, among female MDWs in Hong Kong. METHODS Participants completed an online cross-sectional survey. A total of 1,965 survey were collected between August 2020 and August 2021. Questions in the survey were related to MDWs background information, employment conditions, stress, job satisfaction, and two mental health outcomes: anxiety and depression. An employment conditions score was created to assess the cumulative effect poor employment conditions had on mental health. A multicategorical parallel mediation analysis was used to assess the direct effect employment conditions have on mental health and the indirect effects through stress and job satisfaction. RESULTS Overall, 17.7% of MDWs were reported to be suffering from anxiety and 30.8% from depression. An increase in poor employment conditions was statistically associated with an increase in both outcomes, while stress levels and job satisfaction mediated this association. CONCLUSIONS The findings call for increased scrutiny of employment conditions and mental well-being of MDWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Sumerlin
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jean H Kim
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Bioethics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Dicken Chan
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tim Liao
- Department of Sociology, State University of New York Stony Brook, Brookhaven, NY, USA
| | - Sabu Padmadas
- Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Eric Fong
- Department of Sociology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Roger Y Chung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Bioethics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Winata F, McLafferty SL. Therapeutic landscapes, networks, and health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study among female domestic workers. Soc Sci Med 2023; 322:115803. [PMID: 36931104 PMCID: PMC9946732 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on access to and use of therapeutic landscapes and networks, especially for people who are vulnerable due to economic, social, and work-related disadvantage. For one such vulnerable population, Indonesian female domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong, this study employed a mixed methods approach to examine the associations between perceptions of therapeutic landscapes (TLs), therapeutic networks (TNs), subjective wellbeing, and self-rated health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from an online survey were analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate the direct and indirect associations between TLs, TNs, and health and wellbeing. The findings demonstrate little or no association among FDWs' perceptions of TLs and TNs and FDWs' self-rated health and subjective wellbeing, except for a negative total association between TL and subjective wellbeing. Using insights gleaned from thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with FDWs, we suggest that these unexpected findings are mainly due to restricted access to public places, reduced social gatherings, and the fact that employers rarely granted days off during the lockdown. Although processes at the employer and municipal scales limited FDWs' access to therapeutic places, increased use of digital communications and spaces provided an important source of social and emotional support during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikriyah Winata
- Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, 108 Hilbun Hall, 355 Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | - Sara L McLafferty
- Department Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Natural History Building, 1301 W. Green St. Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA.
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Turnbull M, Ching T, Yu C. Perceptions of health and coping strategies among temporary migrant workers in East and Southeast Asia: a systematic review. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:32. [PMID: 36793072 PMCID: PMC9930031 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01840-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of international migration for the primary purpose of employment has increased exponentially in recent decades. A significant proportion of this global movement takes place across East and Southeast Asia as workers move on a temporary basis from lower-middle-income home countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to high-income host destinations including Hong Kong and Singapore. Relatively little is known about the unique and long-term health needs of this heterogeneous group of people. This systematic review presents an analysis of recent research into the experiences and perceptions of health of temporary migrant workers in the East and Southeast Asian regions. METHODS Five electronic databases CINAHL Complete (via EbscoHost), EMBASE (including Medline), PsycINFO (via ProQuest), PubMed and Web of Science, were systematically searched for qualitative or mixed methods, peer-reviewed literature published in print or online between January 2010 and December 2020. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research published by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Findings from the included articles were extracted and synthesised using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS Eight articles were included in the review. Findings from this review indicate that multiple dimensions of workers' health is impacted by the processes of temporary migration. In addition, the research reviewed indicated that migrant workers used various strategies and mechanisms to attempt to address their health-related issues and to take better care of themselves. Such agentic practices could help them manage and maintain their health and wellbeing across physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions within the structural constraints of their employment. CONCLUSIONS Limited published research has focused on the health perceptions and needs of temporary migrant workers in East and Southeast Asia. The studies included in this review focused on female migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. These studies provide valuable insights but do not reflect the heterogeneity of migrants moving within these regions. The findings of this systematic review highlight that temporary migrant workers experience high and sustained levels of stress and are exposed to certain health risks which may compromise long-term health outcomes. These workers demonstrate knowledge and skills in managing their own health. This suggests that strength-based approaches to health promotion interventions may be effective in optimising their health over time. These findings are relevant to policy makers and non-government organisations supporting migrant workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Turnbull
- International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tiffany Ching
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol Yu
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Adedeji A, Akintunde TY, Metzner F, Idemudia E. Psychological health outcome of Sub-Saharan African migrants in Germany. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
African migrants living in Europe have an increased risk of adverse psychological health outcomes compared to people without a migration background. The increased vulnerability may be due to their migration experience and possible challenges in adapting and integrating into the host community. This study explores the association between community solidarity and psychological health outcome among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants in Germany.<br />
The study used data from 518 SSA migrants in Germany collected in a cross-sectional survey across the 16 German federal states. A correlation matrix was computed to evaluate the bivariate relationship between psychological health, community solidarity, and socioeconomic, and demographic features. Furthermore, regression models were calculated to predict the effect of community solidarity on psychological health outcomes and the added predictive effects of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.<br />
Community solidarity shows a moderately significant positive association with psychological health (r=.41; p≤.01). A linear regression model suggests that community solidarity, education and age explained 19% of the variance in psychological health scores for SSA migrants in Germany.<br />
These results confirm community solidarity as a significant but multi-layered determinant of various factors that affect migrants’ psychological wellbeing. It supports implementing policies that promote community solidarity to facilitate SSA migrants’ wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle Adedeji
- Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mafikeng, SOUTH AFRICA
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, GERMANY
| | | | - Franka Metzner
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, GERMANY
| | - Erhabor Idemudia
- Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mafikeng, SOUTH AFRICA
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Ho KHM, Wilson IM, Wong JY, McKenna L, Reisenhofer S, Efendi F, Smith GD. Overlooked by nurses: A scoping review on health stressors, problems and coping of migrant domestic workers. Nurs Open 2022; 10:1166-1179. [PMID: 36181249 PMCID: PMC9912437 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The first scoping review is to map and synthesize the stressors, problems and coping strategies surrounding the health issues of migrant domestic workers. DESIGN Scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. METHODS Ten electronic databases were systematically searched by keywords for literature published between January 1995 and December 2019. Data were extracted into tables and collated and summarized into themes for presentation. RESULTS Twenty-seven reports were included in the final review. Analysis revealed that stressors to health included abuse, poor health service accessibility, ongoing financial hardship despite demanding working conditions and social isolation. Physical and mental health problems were identified for which migrant domestic workers largely depended on social networks and religion to cope with stressors and health problems. Training para-professional peer leaders of migrant domestic workers by community nurses and including them in interprofessional teams is a possible way for nurses to promote their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Hok Man Ho
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong SAR
| | - Ingrid M. Wilson
- Health and Social Services ClusterSingapore Institute of TechnologySingaporeSingapore
| | - Janet Yuen‐Ha Wong
- School of Nursing & Health StudiesHong Kong Metropolitan UniversityHong KongHong Kong SAR
| | - Lisa McKenna
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sonia Reisenhofer
- Community Wellbeing & PartnershipsBairnsdale Regional Health ServiceBairnsdaleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ferry Efendi
- Faculty of NursingUniversitas AirlanggaSurabayaIndonesia
| | - Graeme D. Smith
- School of Health SciencesCaritas Institute of Higher EducationHong KongHong Kong SAR
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Garabiles MR, Mayawati EH, Hall BJ. Exploring resilience processes of Filipino migrant domestic workers: A multisystemic approach. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:3122-3140. [PMID: 35199333 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study identified resilience processes at the individual, family, and community levels among Filipino migrant domestic workers (MDWs). Resilience processes highlight strengths and resources that can enhance positive adaptation to problems that affect this vulnerable migrant group. Data came from focus groups and key informant interviews involving 27 MDWs and 7 key informants. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and organized according to the socioecological model. Results revealed 7 resilience processes. Financial coping, health management, and spirituality were found across levels. Companionship and emotional support are transacted within family and community levels, whereas expanding knowledge and support occurs at individual and community levels. MDWs and their families prioritize each family member, whereas the community provides legal support. Resilience processes exist across ecological levels. However, individual resilience processes are insufficient, thus necessitating collective agency through familial and community resilience processes and building social structures that facilitate resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Garabiles
- Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
- UGAT Foundation Inc., Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
- Scalabrini Migration Center, Quezon City, Philippines
| | | | - Brian J Hall
- Center for Global Health Equity, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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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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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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Pangaribuan SM, Lin YK, Lin MF, Chang HJ. Mediating Effects of Coping Strategies on the Relationship Between Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Indonesian Female Migrant Workers in Taiwan. J Transcult Nurs 2021; 33:178-189. [PMID: 34784809 DOI: 10.1177/10436596211057289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health is a major concern among migrant workers worldwide. More than 200,846 female migrant workers in Taiwan are from Indonesia. The study's purpose was to investigate mediating effects of coping strategies on the relationship between mental health problems and the quality of life (QoL). METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiwan. In total, 500 Indonesian female migrant workers completed four questionnaires. A mediation test was conducted to estimate direct and indirect effects. RESULTS Coping strategies, namely substance use, behavioral disengagement, denial, and religious dedication, partially mediated the relationship between mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) and QoL among Indonesian female migrant workers in Taiwan. DISCUSSION Health promotion programs should be developed for Indonesian female migrant workers in Taiwan to help them detect and overcome their mental health problems. Interventions that facilitate effective coping strategies should be administered to improve their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yen-Kuang Lin
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei
| | - Mei-Feng Lin
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ju Chang
- College of Nursing, Department of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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C. Y. Yeung N, Huang B, Lau CYK, Lau JTF. Feeling Anxious amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Psychosocial Correlates of Anxiety Symptoms among Filipina Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8102. [PMID: 33153082 PMCID: PMC7662612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts psychological well-being (e.g., anxiety symptoms) among the general population of Hong Kong and migrant Filipina domestic helpers (FDHs). Having to live with the employers by law, FDHs' working environment might affect their well-being during COVID-19 (e.g., household crowdedness/size, insufficiency of protective equipment against COVID-19, increased workload). Research has suggested that coping resources (e.g., social support, COVID-19-related information literacy) and COVID-19-specific worries are associated with people's well-being during COVID-19. This study examined the psychosocial correlates of probable anxiety among FDHs in Hong Kong amid the COVID-19 pandemic. By purposive sampling, FDHs (n = 295) were recruited and invited to complete a cross-sectional survey. Participants' working environment (crowdedness, household size), COVID-19 job arrangements (workload, provision of protective equipment), coping resources (social support, COVID-19 information literacy), COVID-19-specific worries (contracting COVID-19, getting fired if contracting COVID-19), and anxiety symptoms were measured. Multivariate regression results showed that the insufficiency of protective equipment (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.11), increased workload (OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.02, 2.25), and worries about being fired if getting COVID-19 (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.68) were significantly associated with probable anxiety. This was one of the earliest studies to indicate that job arrangements and COVID-19-specific worries significantly contributed to FDHs' anxiety symptoms. Our findings shed light on the importance of addressing employment-related rights and pandemic-specific worries through interventions among FDHs in Hong Kong during pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson C. Y. Yeung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (B.H.); (C.Y.K.L.); (J.T.F.L.)
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11
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Fathima FN, Awor P, Yen YC, Gnanaselvam NA, Zakham F. Challenges and coping strategies faced by female scientists-A multicentric cross sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238635. [PMID: 32956356 PMCID: PMC7505433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Women can play a pivotal role in the progress and sustainability of the world if they are empowered through education and employment opportunities in Science, technology, innovation and through changing the social stereotypes that restrain them in certain workplaces. In the literature, few recently published studies exist that document the challenges faced by female scientists in their workplaces. The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges and coping strategies faced by female scientists around the world today, in order to contribute to their improved performance. A multi-centre electronic cross-sectional survey across 55 countries was conducted to profile female scientists and to identify the challenges that they experience throughout their career as well as the coping mechanisms that they use to overcome the barriers. A total of 263 female scientists from different countries across the world participated in our study and most participants were from the South East Asian Region. Most female scientists in our study belong to the middle and junior level career category and earning around 1250 USD per month. Most of the scientists reported availability of maternity leave at their workplace but less than a third reported presence of a creche at work. Workplace sexual harassment was reported by 24% of the study population. Work related stress (71.5%) and work life imbalance (46%) are also major challenges faced by female scientists. Self-confidence, dedication and hard work are the most commonly adopted coping strategy. Flexible work timings, woman-friendly management policies, fair appraisal and mentorship appear to reduce the work-related stress and improve work-life balance among female scientists. In conclusion, female scientists face numerous challenges, which can greatly affect both their individual and career growth. Intrinsic (personal) and extrinsic (institutional) factors are important for improving female scientists' wellbeing and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Naaz Fathima
- Department of Community Health, St John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Phyllis Awor
- School of Public Health, Colleague of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yi-Chun Yen
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Fathiah Zakham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen
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Tay M, Kong KH. Caregiver burden in familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers of patients with traumatic brain injury in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Brain Inj 2020; 34:1513-1517. [PMID: 32835512 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1809709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with caregiver burden in familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS A total of 77 caregivers were consecutively recruited, who were either familial caregivers or foreign domestic workers. All caregivers were evaluated with the Zarit Burden Index (ZBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and General Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with caregiver burden. RESULTS The majority of participants were familial caregivers (N = 60), of which 70% experienced significant caregiver burden. In this group, 10.0% caregivers had clinically significant depression and 16.7% caregivers who had clinically significant anxiety. On multivariate analysis, factors found to be associated with caregiver burden were Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) of <7, presence of neuropsychiatric complications, and presence of anxiety. There was also a high prevalence of caregiver burden in foreign domestic workers (29.4%). CONCLUSION There is a high rate of caregiver burden in both familial caregivers and foreign domestic workers who care for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Caregivers experiencing stress should also be monitored for the presence of anxiety or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tay
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Center , Singapore
| | - Keng He Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Center , Singapore
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13
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Vargas MC, Garabiles MR, Hall BJ. Narrative identities of overseas Filipino domestic worker community in Macao (SAR) China. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 48:977-993. [PMID: 31951296 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Domestic workers comprise roughly one-fourth of the total number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). They leave the Philippines primarily to provide financial assistance to their families they leave behind. Most of the existing studies investigated the problems they experience at work and with their families. Some studies focused on how they cope with these problems. However, little is known about the narrative identities of this group of labor migrants. This study addresses this gap by identifying the narrative identities of the community of Filipino domestic workers in Macao Special Administrative Region, China. This study utilized qualitative interviews to plot the identities into a three-part timeline: Premigration, during migration, and imagined future. Results show that, before migration, the community of domestic workers identifies as hands-on mothers and inadequate mothers. During migration, work- and family-related identities are present: Modern-day slave, inadequate, fighter, self-sacrificing, employer's family, and hands-on mother. In an imagined future, the community of domestic workers identifies as successful retired OFWs, reconciled life partners, hands-on mothers, and inadequate mothers. Findings highlight the multiple, interacting identities in community narratives and their corresponding effects on experiences. Implications on policies and programs for this labor migrant group are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marenel C Vargas
- Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Melissa R Garabiles
- Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Brian J Hall
- Department of Psychology, Global and Community Mental Health Research Group, University of Macau, Macao (SAR), China
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King EJ, I Dudina V, Dubrovskaya S. 'You feel sick, you get sick, you still keep going': Central Asian female labour migrants' health in Russia. Glob Public Health 2019; 15:544-557. [PMID: 31813319 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1701060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Russia is host to one of the largest populations of labour migrants, who primarily come from Central Asia. There remains a dearth of information about the health of this population, in particular Central Asian women. We conducted a qualitative, exploratory study on the health concerns and healthcare utilisation among Central Asian female labour migrants in Russia. We conducted in-depth interviews with service providers and female labour migrants between June and November, 2017. We used thematic analysis to identify the following themes: there is a range of health concerns, including sexual and reproductive health issues; economic vulnerability and racial/ethnic discrimination influence health and utilisation of services, and constrain making health a priority; access to information is lacking; issues of trust, language and cultural norms influence healthcare service utilisation; and, social support is important to consider. Our findings reflect how religion, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic position intersect to influence health and utilisation of services. These findings have implications for public health programming and interventions among this largely neglected population, as well as make an important contribution to the existing global health literature on women, migration, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J King
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victoria I Dudina
- Faculty of Sociology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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