Psychological morbidity in Nepali cross-border migrants in India: a community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Since Nepali cross-border migrants can freely enter, work and stay in India, they are largely undocumented. The majority is involved in semiskilled or unskilled jobs with limited labour rights and social security, a fact which predisposes them to psychological distress. We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with psychological morbidity among Nepali migrants upon their return from India. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in six districts of Nepal between September 2017 and February 2018. A total of 751 participants who had worked at least six months in India and returned to Nepal were interviewed from 24 randomly selected clusters. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 was used to measure the psychological morbidity. Data were analysed using Poisson regression analysis. Results: The majority was younger than 35 years (64.1%), male (96.7%), married (81.8%), had at least a primary education (66.6%), and belonged to Dalit, Janajati and religious minorities (53.7%). The prevalence of psychological morbidity was 13.5% (CI: 11.2-16.1%). Participants aged 45 years and above (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 2.74), from the Terai (aPR = 3.29), a religious minority (aPR = 3.64), who received no sick leave (aPR = 2.4), with existing health problems (aPR = 2.0) and having difficulty in accessing health care (aPR = 1.88) were more likely than others to exhibit a psychological morbidity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that psychological morbidity was prevalent in the study participants and varied significantly with individual characteristics, work conditions and health. Multifaceted approaches including psychological counselling for returnees and protection of labour and health rights in the workplace are recommended to help reduce psychological morbidity.

The relationship between dietary patterns and depression mediated by serum levels of Folate and vitamin B12

“…Another study suggested adherence to "processed food" as a dietary pattern increased the risk of depression, while "whole food" consumption decreased it among British middle-aged women. The finding was confirmed by other researchers [10,11]. There are some studies which have considered the potential role of biomarkers and food intake in depression simultaneously [12,13].…”

The Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Depression is mediated by Serum Level of Folate and Vitamin B12: A Case-Control Study

“…The finding was confirmed by other researchers (10,11). There are some studies which have considered the potential role of biomarkers and food intake in depression simultaneously (12,13).…”

Lacunas in the Preparation of Nepal for COVID-19 till the Third Stage of Disease Transmission

“…By the end of March, the council of ministers decided to procure additional medical equipment which was delivered at approximately after 2 months in the month of June. [30][31][32][33] On 17 th June, an integrated training on case management, infection prevention, sample collection and transportation, case investigation and contact tracing, RDT testing and techniques guiding the use of PPE was conducted for all health personnel throughout the country according to the guidelines provided by the MoHP. On the same day, ambulances were provided with a separation to prevent transmission of the disease to the driver and other allied health staff.…”

“…On the first day of opening the border, 800 individuals underwent RDT for COVID-19 but following the next day, the process of testing by RDT was stopped due to the mass flow of people from India and the existing lack of RDT kits. [30][31][32] Inadequate provisions for treatment, quarantine and isolation Almost 0.5 to 3 million Nepali labor migrants are currently employed in India. A decision was taken on the date 23 rd March 2020 to create provisions for 410,000-548,000 quarantine beds.…”