Theses (MSc. Public Health)

Objectives: To estimate prevalence of stress, identify sources of stress, and determine the coping mechanisms among legal Myanmar male migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey on a purposive sample of 232 participants selected from Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. They were interviewed using the translated versions of 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and brief COPE questionnaires. Formal in-depth interviews in Myanmar language were conducted among 15 participants, recorded verbatim into written document and content analysis was performed. Results: The response rate was 89.2% with median age of respondents (29.5) years. The mean PSS score was 12.58, 57.8% of respondents had low stress, 40.5% had moderate and 4 participants (1.7%) had high stress level. The common coping mechanisms were positive reframing (74-80%), self-distraction (53-60%), acceptance (53-76%), planning (34-71%) and religion (50%). There was significant but weakly positive correlation (r=0.138, p=0.035) between age and PSS scores. The main sources of stressors were work-related conditions, social problems, family problems and unsafe environment. Conclusion: Though the stress was only mild and moderate level of stress many stressors were identified. Measures should be undertaken by relevant authorities to improve working and living conditions of migrant workers. Key words: migrant workers, stress, coping mechanisms, Myanmar, Malaysia