Depressive and anxiety symptoms among migrant workers and migrant domestic workers in Singapore

Enhancing the understanding of mental health of migrant workers (MWs) and migrant domestic workers (MDWs) is both economically and morally important. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among MWs and MDWs in Singapore.

This cross-sectional study recruited 1465 MWs from August 2022 to July 2023, and 1462 MDWs from March 2023 to November 2023 through convenience sampling. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9, whereas anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Both scales were dichotomised at a cut-off score of 10. Covariates included in the analysis were sociodemographic characteristics, stress level, insomnia, social support and resilience. Correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regression models.

Among MWs, 0.83% had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms and 1.25% had mild-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Among MDWs, 4.05% had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms and 4.23% had moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. MWs were more likely to develop anxiety symptoms if they had low resilience (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 2.41), and less likely to develop anxiety symptoms if they had high resilience (APR 0.71). MDWs were more likely to develop depressive symptoms if they worked >14 hours per day (APR 1.42), and less likely to develop depressive symptoms if they had high resilience (APR 0.55).

Enhancing resilience among both groups is vital for protection against depressive and anxiety symptoms. The findings also highlight the detrimental effects of overworking on the mental health of MWs and MDWs.