Health Literacy among Filipino Domestic Workers in Macao.

Pak-Leng Cheong,Hui Wang,Mei Ieng Lam,Wan Cheong

doi:10.3390/healthcare9111449

Abstract

Migrant worker is a global phenomenon that is associated with the health of individuals and populations. Filipino workers constitute the largest group of non-Chinese migrant workers in Macao, they are mainly employed as domestic workers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of health literacy (HL) and associated factors among Filipino domestic workers in Macao. The study is a cross-sectional study. Chi square’s test and binary logistic regression models were used for data analyzing. Filipino who was employed by a family in Macao as a domestic worker within the valid contract period was eligible in the study. A total of 379 valid questionnaires were collected during December 2020 and March 2021. Health literacy was measured using the short-form Health Literacy Instrument (HLS-SF12). The results showed that only 37.4% of the respondents have sufficient health literacy. Age was an important factor that was associated with health literacy, with Filipino domestic workers younger than and equal to 30 years of age more likely to have inadequate health literacy. The results will help to make recommendations for further research and public health policy.

Highlights

Rapid urbanization has led to the continuous growth of the migrant population globally
The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of health literacy and the factors associated with health literacy among Filipino domestic workers in Macao
This study showed that more than half of Filipino domestic workers have inadequate HL in Macao and the factors that are associated with the health literacy include gender, age, and English proficiency

Summary

Introduction

Rapid urbanization has led to the continuous growth of the migrant population globally. Going back-and-forth may be linked to the problem of infectious diseases and to non-communicable diseases This is because living conditions of most migrant workers increase health vulnerabilities, such as lack of family support, language and cultural differences, and inadequate social security. This makes it difficult to bear excessive costs, thereby affecting the workers’ health situation [4,5]. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed developing public policies for migrant workers It emphasized promoting personal skills and health literacy, pointing out that health literacy was related to health status and the use of health facilities (such as medical compliance and participation in prevention activities) [6]

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