Publication: MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MYANMAR MIGRANT WORKERS IN KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA.
Date
2024
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
Introduction : According to the World Health Organization(WHO), mental health issues are surging throughout the world with 13% increase, predominantly caused by demographic shifts. Migrant workers face a variety of vulnerabilities that increase their risk of poor mental health. The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge, help-seeking behaviour and stigma towards mental health among Myanmar migrant workers as well as the correlation between sociodemographic factors, previous mental health experience, social support and the level of mental health literacy.
Methods : A cross-sectional study design will be employed for this research. A convenience sampling will be utilized on selected clusters of Myanmar migrant workers population within Klang Valley.
Results : The study drew a total of 395 qualified participants. The majority of respondents were between the ages of 18 and 32, male, Buddhist who had completed secondary level of education with a monthly family income of Rm1000 to Rm3000. The overall mean (SD) mental health literacy score was low 94.43 (9.563) and substantially related to gender, income and visit to mental health practitioner (p>0.05). Multiple linear regression model demonstrated that education level and past experience in visiting mental health practitioner were associated with mental health literacy (p>0.05). Conclusion : Overall mental health literacy levels were low and varied across sociodemographic categories. However, it was observed that attitudes that promote the recognition or appropriate help-seeking behaviour was high while knowledge of self-treatment was low among the respondents. Thus, addressing mental health literacy factors is a step towards developing a vulnerable demographic group with appropriate MHL, allowing them to maintain and preserve a good state of mental wellness.
Further study on mental health literacy and its correlation with mental health outcome among Myanmar migrant workers would be beneficial in order to gain a better understanding of psychological difficulties and their influence on overall health.
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Keywords
Mental Health, Health Literacy, Cross-Sectional Studies, Transients and Migrants, Help-Seeking Behavior