TY - JOUR
T1 - Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand
AU - Ford, Kathleen
AU - Jampaklay, Aree
AU - Chamatrithirong, Aphichat
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2021.
PY - 2022/5
Y1 - 2022/5
N2 - Aim: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Methods: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health. Results: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants’ mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.
AB - Aim: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Methods: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health. Results: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants’ mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.
KW - Migrant
KW - anxiety
KW - conflict
KW - depression
KW - southeast Asia
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85099874559&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0020764021989736
DO - 10.1177/0020764021989736
M3 - Article
C2 - 33467959
AN - SCOPUS:85099874559
SN - 0020-7640
VL - 68
SP - 533
EP - 540
JO - International Journal of Social Psychiatry
JF - International Journal of Social Psychiatry
IS - 3
ER -