Understanding the Mental Health of Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Mental Health Issue

This study aims to evaluate the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international migrant workers by (1) documenting mental health symptoms among migrant workers and (2) identifying risk and protective factors during the pandemic.

Worldwide, there are an estimated 164 million migrant workers. Although studies have documented how migrant workers have an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes, little is known about their mental health burden during a large-scale health crisis. In the current COVID-19 outbreak, migrant workers represent 9 in 10 of the COVID-19 cases in Singapore, with 25 dormitories gazetted to contain the spread of the virus. Correspondingly, these measures have placed a spotlight on the mental well-being of migrant workers. In this research protocol, the investigators propose to administer a survey to understand the prevalence and predictors of mental health symptoms amongst migrant workers in Singapore. In particular, prior meta-analyses have identified COVID-19 health concerns, quarantine status, financial instability, exposure to news and misinformation and demographics (i.e., gender, age, education) as risk factors for poor mental health amongst the general population. By assessing these factors amongst the migrant worker population and documenting their impact on migrant workers' mental health, we hope to identify workers in greatest need of support during the ongoing pandemic and provide empirical evidence to guide public health policies.

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Singapore