Psychosocial correlates of mental health problems and mental health service utilization among foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong

​

In Hong Kong, the number of foreign domestic workers has exceeded 300,000, making up nearly 5% of the total population (one in every eight families/households hiring a foreign domestic worker). Subject to multiple aspects of stressors, these foreign domestic workers are at-risk of having mental health problems including depression and anxiety. They may also face barriers against utilization of mental health support and treatment services. Previous studies have suggested that individual characteristics, coping resources and strategies, and working environment factors are associated with mental health among migrant workers in other countries, but such studies did not specifically target domestic workers. The study aims to fill the knowledge gap in examining the psychosocial correlates of mental health problems (including depression and anxiety) and mental health service utilization among foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. Findings from this study can shed light on the important strategies to improve mental health of foreign domestic workers in future interventions.    

​

Funded by Direct Research Grant, Medicine Panel, CUHK

​

[Back]