Enhancing a Health-Related Quality-of-Life Model for Laotian Migrant Workers in Thailand

Abstract

We undertook this action research study to enhance the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Laotian migrant workers, and to conceptualize a practical model for workers for use in similar situations. Seventy Laotian migrant workers, 3 researchers, and 18 stakeholders took part in the study. Several data collection methods were utilized, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observations, and field notes. Content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. Findings suggest that because of their participation in the study, the workers improved certain aspects of their HRQOL through participation, consciousness raising, and empowerment, which enabled them to become more self-reliant, confident, and competent, and have greater strength to overcome their difficulties. The Enhancing Laotian Workers' HRQOL Model was conceived as a practical model that could be used by community health nurses working with migrant workers in various contexts.

Participatory research in health intervention studies involving migrants: a systematic review

“…During full-text screening, 116 publications did not meet our criteria and were excluded, with the reasons for exclusion recorded (Fig 1 .). Overall, 28 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review (Table 2 17 Lebanon, 18 Thailand, 19 and the United Kingdom. 20 The self-described approach taken by 24 of the 28 included studies was community-based participatory research (CBPR) 18, ; the remaining four studies described using community-based collaborative-action research, 43 community-based outreach, 44 and action research.…”

“…Only 13 of the publications had any discernible dates relating to when the reported work was conducted, with these dates being between 2003 and 2018. The majority of the publications related to work carried out in the United States (24 out of 28); the remaining publications related to work carried out in Canada, 17 Lebanon, 18 Thailand, 19 and the United Kingdom. 20 The self-described approach taken by 24 of the 28 included studies was community-based participatory research (CBPR) 18, ; the remaining four studies described using community-based collaborative-action research, 43 community-based outreach, 44 and action research.…”

Action Research to Strengthen Women Weavers’ Self‐Care in North‐East Thailand

“…The use of local, culturally sensitive wisdom and knowledge, also added to the communities' learning and practice of self‐care and sense of empowerment (Nilvarangkul, MaCann, Rungreangkulkij, & Wongporm, ). Reframing traditional Thai massage and Rue Si Dad Ton (traditional stretching exercises) as routine personal healthcare strategies legitimized them as enjoyable, long‐accepted and, now, low‐cost health care.…”

Passing Through

“…Mixed-ethnicity groups included a public hospital-sponsored group that drew participants from a cross section of San Francisco’s diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, a group held at a private hospital in a heavily Filipino populated city that included primarily White and Filipino women, and various activity groups (e.g., knitting, crafts) open to women of any ethnicity. Detailed field notes were recorded following each participant observation session, recording what happened, who was present, what was said, and how this related to what we were learning in our interviews and in previous observations (Nilvarangkul, McCann, Rungreangkulkij, & Wongprom, 2011). Differences between the Filipina-only and mixed-ethnicity groups will be addressed in a forthcoming publication.…”