Abstract
Background:Domestic workers around the world work and eventually live in private homes where control of working conditions is difficult.Objective:The aim of this study was to compare working conditions and its impact on general and mental health in live-in and live-out domestic workers in Argentina.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, the Spanish version of the European Workings Condition Survey and an ad hoc questionnaire were applied to 201 domestic workers (response 94%). Twelve months’ prevalence of verbal or physical workplace violence was assessed. Poor general health was defined by general health self-assessed as poor or fair. Symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD) were considered present if Goldberg’s general health score was above 4. Data were analyzed using Chi square’s test and logistic regression models.Findings:Live-in workers formed 66% of the participants. They were more likely to take care of the elderly, iron and cook than live-out workers. Workplace violence was reported by 17% of live-in and 24% of live-out workers (p = 0.25). Overall prevalence of poor general health was 23%; 53% reported CMD. After adjustment, violence remained a statistically significant predictor of poor general health (Odds Ratio 7.3; 95% Confidence Interval 2.8–19.1) and CMD (3.2; 1.1–9.3).Conclusions:Working conditions of live-in and live-out domestic workers are different. However, exposure to workplace violence is common in both groups and affects general and mental health.
Highlights
Nowadays, a majority of middle or upper-middle class homes function thanks to domestic workers, who do domestic duties while the householders are working in an income-generating activity [1]
Live-in domestic workers were more likely to take care of elderly (48% vs. 29%; p = 0.01), to cook (93% vs. 79%; p = 0.004) and to iron (95% vs. 87%; p = 0.03) than those living outside the employer’s home
For common mental disorders (CMD), multivariable modelling was not possible as all those who had experienced violence reported CMD. This cross-sectional study in 201 domestic employees working in Buenos Aires indicates a very high prevalence of poor self-perceived general as well as mental health
Summary
A majority of middle or upper-middle class homes function thanks to domestic workers, who do domestic duties while the householders are working in an income-generating activity [1]. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), almost 53 million workers are employed in paid domestic work in low-, middle- and high-income countries, the majority of them women [5]. Domestic workers around the world work and eventually live in private homes where control of working conditions is difficult. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare working conditions and its impact on general and mental health in live-in and live-out domestic workers in Argentina. Workplace violence was reported by 17% of live-in and 24% of live-out workers (p = 0.25). Overall prevalence of poor general health was 23%; 53% reported CMD. Conclusions: Working conditions of live-in and live-out domestic workers are different. E xposure to workplace violence is common in both groups and affects general and mental health
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
