Workplace violence and mental health conditions among domestic workers in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study using the...

Domestic workers comprise a substantial workforce segment, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, fulfilling crucial functions in sustaining households and economies. Nevertheless, they frequently encounter a multitude of obstacles and hazards within their work environment, including violence at the workplace. Despite pervasiveness, repercussions, and potential mental health consequences, studies with a focus on the mental health of domestic workers who experience workplace violence are still scarce. The purpose of this research was to examine the association between workplace violence and mental health conditions (depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder) among domestic workers in Rwanda.

A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected in 2023, and a total of 862 Domestic Workers (DWs) participated in the study. The mental health conditions were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression), four questions to evaluate suicidal ideations from the General Health Questionnaire-28, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (anxiety), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. The association between workplace violence and mental health conditions was assessed using the propensity score matching analysis.

A significant positive association was found between experiencing workplace violence and the severity of mental health conditions.

The research emphasizes the concealed anguish endured by domestic workers and stresses the criticality of safeguarding their rights and welfare in order to establish an environment of dignity and esteem at work. This highlights the critical need for advocacy and intervention to prevent and mitigate workplace violence and mental health conditions among domestic workers in Rwanda.