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Perceived stressors and coping mechanisms of female migrant domestic workers in Singapore.

Van Bortel, T; Martin, S; Anjara, S; Nellums, LB (2019) Perceived stressors and coping mechanisms of female migrant domestic workers in Singapore. PLoS One, 14 (3). e0210717. ISSN 1932-6203 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210717
SGUL Authors: Nellums, Laura Bruff

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, there are between 50-67 million migrant domestic workers, the majority of whom are women. In many countries, provisions are not in place to protect female migrant domestic workers. These women may be at risk of occupational and social stressors, including exploitation and abuse, which may negatively impact on their quality of life, including psychological health. Research examining the occupational, social, and psychological needs of FMDWs from a public health perspective is critical to guide the development of policies which ensure wellbeing, prevent abuse, and align with international priorities to improve population health. Though there have been a number of high-profile incidents of exploitation and abuse, there has been limited research on the stressors experienced by these communities, their perceived impact, or coping mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative free-text written responses collected as part of a cross-sectional survey on the relationship between social and occupational stressors and the health and quality of life of FMDWs in Singapore. Responses correspond to open-ended questions in the qualitative component of the survey examining three domains: causes of stress, coping strategies, and what people can do to help with stress. RESULTS: Responses from 182 FMDWs were analysed. Key themes were identified around causes of stress (including 'work and agency', 'the pervasiveness of financial need', and 'family and obligation'), coping strategies, and social support. Each theme describes key factors which contribute to the occupational and social stressors experienced and reported by FMDWs. DISCUSSION: This research highlights the stressors FMDWs in Singapore experience, as well as key coping mechanisms. There is a clear need for policies which facilitate FMDWs' ability to utilise these coping resources, and which protect against coercive or exploitative employment conditions. Strategies are also needed to monitor and evaluate policies intended to protect FMDWs, and to strengthen the implementation of global frameworks targeted at improving workplace conditions and workers' rights.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Copyright: © 2019 Van Bortel et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Keywords: MD Multidisciplinary, General Science & Technology
SGUL Research Institute / Research Centre: Academic Structure > Infection and Immunity Research Institute (INII)
Journal or Publication Title: PLoS One
ISSN: 1932-6203
Language: eng
Dates:
DateEvent
20 March 2019Published
1 January 2019Accepted
Publisher License: Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0
Projects:
Project IDFunderFunder ID
209993/z/17/2Wellcome Trusthttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004440
PubMed ID: 30893317
Go to PubMed abstract
URI: https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/110795
Publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210717

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