Factors inducing anxiety and depression among adult Myanmar migrant workers : a case study in Ratchaburi province, Thailand

Abstract

This study was conducted in March 2011 to describe the independent variables composing of demographic factors, socio-economic factors, educational background and behavioral factors and to access the association of these independent variables with the dependent variables (anxiety and depression) among adult Myanmar migrant workers in Ratchaburi province, Thailand. This study was carried out only among adults Myanmar migrant workers because adults are more mature who can manage their frustration better than the teenagers. The data was collected by face-to-face interview questionnaire. The majority of the respondents were in the age of 25-35 years old and three hundred Myanmar migrant workers were participated in this study. Fifty-five percent of the respondents were males and forty-five percent were females. Most of the respondents were singles, Myanmar, full time workers and about half of them attended primary school. Most of the respondents lived together with their friends and relatives, some lived with their family. Thirty-two percent of the respondents were drinking and 18.7% were smoking. About two thirds of respondents were having marked to severe anxiety level (64.3%) and majority of respondents were having mild depression (42.7%) and moderate depression (36.7%). In bivariate analysis, living status was associated with depression (p<0.05). All other factors were not associated with anxiety and depression. A strategy for the mental health for these groups should be seen as a strategic investment which will create many long term benefits for individuals, societies and health systems. Professions in mental health such as psychologists, psychiatric nurses and social workers should receive special training for appropriate knowledge and skills among migrant workers.