Mental Health Status and Related Factors among Migrant Workers in Special Economic Zones, Chiang Rai

Suphaphorn Utsaha; Nicharuch  Panjaphothiwat

Authors

Suphaphorn Utsaha School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University
Nicharuch Panjaphothiwat School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University

Keywords:

mental health, migrant worker, Special Economic Zones

Abstract

Introduction: Migrant workers are a vulnerable population with regard to mental health problems because they are frequently forced to adapt to a new community, a new culture, a new language, and an environment that differs from the one in which they grew up.

Objective: The objective of this study was to survey and determine the factors associated with mental health status among migrant workers.

Research Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional study. Demographic and factors associated with mental health problems were collected by a structured questionnaire, mental health was assessed by using the Thai Mental Health Indicator – 15 (TMHI – 15) and Multiple Linear Regression was used to analyze associations between the variables.

Results: The population was 405 participants, the majority of whom were female (57.5%), with an average age of 32 years, Burmese (97.28%), married (75.80%), and who had completed primary school (53.83%). The average number of years of residency in Thailand was 6, the average monthly expenditure was 10,001 baht (66.22%). The participants could not listen, speak, read and write the Thai language were 77.78%, 50.40%, 58.55% and 78.03% respectively. The average work experience was 5 years, and 40.2% had poor mental health. The study results revealed that mental health status was significantly associated with age, educational level, year of residence in Thailand, smoking, working hours, and Thai language speaking skills at α ≤ .05.

Conclusions: Migrant workers are exposed to factors that affect their mental health, both from individuals and socialization. Therefore, when planning and organizing an effective mental health promotion program, health care providers need to understand and recognize the above mentioned factors.

Implications: The study’s findings can be applied on programs for mental health prevention, care, and follow-up, in order to develop and improve public health management.

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