Addressing the mental health concerns of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: An experiential account

Abstract

The COVID pandemic has affected the world in a drastic manner taking a toll of not only human lives but also the economy and lifestyle. Of all the population suffering, the underprivileged and vulnerable groups have faced the maximum economic burden. Within India, an ample quota of people migrates annually for elementary occupations in service, sales, building and domestic industries. Generally, they are exposed to discrimination, work-rights exploitation and job insecurity. The onset of COVID 19 has accentuated these issues in unprecedented ways. The Apex Court of the country took note of this plight and gave directions to the governments to take care of the immediate needs of the migrant workers. This article attempts to reflect the mental health concerns of the migrant workers who were temporarily sheltered at relief camps across Bengaluru city in the state of Karnataka, during the ongoing COVID pandemic. The article ends with giving recommendations

Mental Distress and Human Rights Violations During COVID-19: A Rapid Review of the Evidence Informing Rights, Mental Health Needs, and Public Policy Around Vulnerable Populations

“…Our review also found xenophobic viewpoints were correlated with negative well-being for both holding those viewpoints and those targeted which have coincited with underreporting and biased media coverage as well as misinformation targeting religious minorities (34). In our review, a study has revealed an additional model of ecology of health and sickness based on social determinants of health among migrant workers which are one of most marginalized and stigmatized population in LMICs (35). It has also been noted that refugees and immigrants in detention centers face an increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder as many refugees associate economic hardship, food and medicine shortages with a threat to life alongside viewing military presence to enforce restrictions as a threat and not a protection (81).…”

“…Furthermore, females' access to sexual and reproductive health services is likely to be affected (76). In our review, difficulties were reported by pregnant women in accessing basic prenatal services during the pandemic due to closure and movement restrictions (35) and a previous report found that stay-at-home orders may contribute to women's vulnerability and considered a risk factor for gender based violence (74). Mobility restrictions can increase domestic violence and in our review a study from the United States found an increase in orthopedic trauma patients reporting interpersonal violence post-lockdown compared with pre-lockdown with an increase in fractures in female patients indicating an increase in gender based violence (47).…”

“…In another study, researchers screened the physical and mental health of minority migrants' workers in 140 areas across India, which included construction sites, relief camps, government hostels, and shelter homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings underscored that the economic, social, and environmental disadvantages were bothersome to the migrants and were worsening their mental health, undermining their resilience, and upsetting their quality of daily living (35). The impact was prominent among pregnant women as the interviewees who were feeling overwhelmed and concerned about their lack of access to health services because of the pandemic.…”

Psychological Health amidst COVID-19: A Review of existing literature in the Indian Context

“…Literature addressing impact of pandemic on Vulnerable sections of the population especially migrant workers and women- Ten publications 9 , 10 , 11 , 19 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 have identified vulnerable populations based on the pre-existing social condition and the interventions needed to protect them. The scope of present paper for vulnerable group is only for migrant workers and women.…”

“… 10 Remarkably, their anxiety and stress were not merely due to the fear of infection from COVID-19 but due to other concerns such as the uncertainty regarding length of lockdown, impatience to see their family, fear of not being paid and abandoned by their employer, and thoughts about negligence concerning other health problems of their family members. 23 These factors, in turn, caused panic situation, and anxieties in them. 22 , 23 Other than these issues, substance abuse remains one of the most common conditions among migrant workers.…”