Occupational hazards and mental health among Myanmar migrant workers in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand

Background: Myanmar migrant workers play a crucial role in the local workforce, especially in industries like seafood processing and manufacturing. These workers frequently encounter difficult working conditions and are exposed to various occupational hazards, which can negatively affect both their physical and mental well-being. Despite the significance of this issue, only limited research has been conducted to explore the connection between occupational hazards and mental health among this vulnerable population. Objective: To study an association between occupational hazards and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among Myanmar migrant workers in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2023. One hundred and forty migrants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. A structured self-reported questionnaire was utilized to collect information. Stress, depression, and anxiety were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) standard questionnaire. A chi-square analysis was conducted to identify the association between socioeconomic status and mental health. Result: The majority of migrant workers were young, with a mean age of 28.93 years. The educational level of most participants was below high school (78.54%). Sixty-seven percent of the workers were employed in the seafood industry, and 55% had been working in their current job for two years or less. Most of the migrant workers reported mild depression (40.71%), moderate anxiety (65.0%), and normal stress (71.22%). Results revealed a significant association between musculoskeletal disorders (underlying diseases) and depression (p-value = 0.045). Exposure to chemical hazards was associated with anxiety, with those exposed showing higher levels of anxiety (p-value = 0.048). Safety in the workplace was found to be associated with anxiety (p-value=0.005). Workplace violence related to stress, where workers experiencing higher levels of violence at work reported elevated stress levels (p-value= 0.002). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of mild depression and moderate anxiety among migrant workers. Improving the workplace by reducing musculoskeletal disorders, chemical hazard exposure prevention, and addressing workplace violence may contribute to better mental health outcomes for migrant workers.