Health stressors, problems and coping strategies of migrant domestic workers: A scoping review

Abstract

Migrant domestic workers have become a major international target population for issues of human rights. However, little is known about the stressors, problems, and coping strategies surrounding their health issues internationally. A scoping review identified 26 sources matching selection criteria through a systematic search on 10 databases with publications from January 1995 to December 2019. Analysis revealed that stressors to health included abuse, poor health services accessibility, ongoing financial hardship despite demanding working conditions and social isolation. Several physical and mental health problems were identified for which migrant domestic workers largely depended on social network and religion to cope with stressors and health problems. Marginalization in health and social care system was evidenced in various countries that formal health and social care for migrant domestic workers was lacking. Survey on health problems of migrant domestic workers and provision of formal support to them present a significant service gap.

Peer Support and Mental Health of Migrant Domestic Workers: A Scoping Review

“…Internationally, MDWs represent a great vulnerable and marginalized working group, which is characterized by excessive demands, low skill, and limited autonomy [7][8][9]. The majority of MDWs come from low-and middle-income countries, and are exposed to discrimination, exploitation, and abuse in host countries [10]. According to the International Labor Organization [11], MDWs are usually not protected under labor laws of host countries.…”

“…They had inadequate health insurance for medical diseases in host countries compared to local populations. Due to cultural and language barriers, they are easily marginalized from the health and social care system of the host countries [10]. All of these factors leave them vulnerable to mental health problems.…”

“…A number of quantitative studies suggest that common mental health problems in MDWs include depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress [12][13][14][15][16]. Estimates from a recent review show that 10.3-18.2% of MDWs suffered from moderate to severe levels of depression across countries [10], which was comparable to that of the general population in Hong Kong (19% had depression as measured by the patient health questionnaire-9) during the COVID-19 pandemic [17]. A cross-sectional study involving 346 MDWs in Hong Kong found that nearly 40% of them were at risk for high psychological distress, as measured by the 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [15].…”

“…Maintaining and strengthening social networks are believed to be effective approaches to protect MDWs and other vulnerable groups against mental health problems [10]. Connections with family members and friends have been the commonest means for MDWs to seek emotional support and relieve stress [10,24].…”

“…Maintaining and strengthening social networks are believed to be effective approaches to protect MDWs and other vulnerable groups against mental health problems [10]. Connections with family members and friends have been the commonest means for MDWs to seek emotional support and relieve stress [10,24]. Due to physical and emotional separation from their loved ones living in countries of origin, support from MDWs' peers who share common beliefs, ethnicity, and culture occupies a significant part of their social network in the host country.…”