Patterns of death among migrant domestic workers in Jordan: retrospective analysis of 63 cases in a tertiary hospital

Hasan A Abder-Rahman,Majd Al-Soleiti,Laith I Al-Abdallat,Imad M Al-Abdallat,Ibrahim H Habash

doi:10.1186/s41935-021-00240-8

Hasan A Abder-Rahman, Majd Al-Soleiti + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-021-00240-8

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Abstract

BackgroundThis article examines the patterns of death in migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Jordan. Abuse and difficult circumstances may lead to attempts to escape, neglect, or suicide, but the current literature on death in this population is limited. We systematically explored all medico-legal cases of MDW deaths referred between 2006 and 2016 to the forensic department of one of the main tertiary medical centers in Jordan.ResultsSixty-three recorded cases of MDWs death were found. Forty-seven (74.6%) died due to unnatural causes, 15 (23.8%) died naturally, and 1 (1.6%) was undetermined. The rate of suspected suicide comprised 58.3% of unnatural deaths. The most common methods of suicide were hanging and falling from a height.ConclusionsThis study shows high rates of unnatural death among MDWs in Jordan, many of which with suspicious circumstances. It also indicates that natural deaths are largely attributed to preventable causes. Future studies should include other referral sites (hospitals and forensics departments), to better address the complexity and magnitude of this population’s death circumstances, gain a comprehensive understanding of their issues, and work toward finding a solution. We recommend that special attention is given to MDWs in Jordan and the region to protect their rights on all levels.

Highlights

This article examines the patterns of death in migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Jordan
We systematically explored all cases of death in MDWs, which were referred to the forensic department between 2006 and 2016 to one of the main tertiary referral medical centers in Jordan
We chose to study MDW cases due to the significant increase of recent medico-legal referrals from this population

Summary

Introduction

This article examines the patterns of death in migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Jordan. In the majority of cases, they come from disadvantaged environments and have been highlighted in the literature as a population vulnerable to exploitation and abuse all over the world (International Labor Organization 2019a, b) This vulnerability is worsened in the case of female migrants as anti-immigration social practices change the way workers perceive violence, access to services and the subsequent response (Erez et al 2009). They are usually exposed to high levels of stress and social isolation, even with good physical health (Anjara et al 2017; International Labor Organization 2013)

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