Mental Health and Related Factors among Migrants from Myanmar in Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of mental health problems in migrant workers from Myanmar in Thailand and to examine the relationship among factors that influence such problems. Lazarus’s transactional model of stress and coping was used to frame the study. Design: A cross-sectional design, involving interviews with 445 migrant workers from Myanmar, was used to collect data. Data collection tools included a sociodemographic form, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), the Acculturative Stress Scale (ASS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Hopkins Symptom Check List (HSCL-25). Findings: 11.9% of the participants reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Gender, self-rated physical health, and perceived general stress explained 49.0% of the probable presence of mental health problems and correctly classified 91.9% of cases. The low prevalence of these problems compared to other studies may be related to increased workplace and community stability. Conclusion: The findings may help health care professionals to understand how overall good health and community and workplace environments can support mental health and wellbeing for migrant workers. Health promotion strategies have the potential to be an important future focus for health care professionals who provide services to this population.