Evaluating Mental Health Literacy Level and its Determinants among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Urban Malaysia.

Abstract

Migrant workers are vulnerable to poor mental health conditions due to various challenges that surround them in foreign countries away from home. This study aims to assess the mental health literacy (MHL) status among Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia, exploring factors related to it. A cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method was conducted from September to October 2023 to select 395 Myanmar migrant workers within the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Mental health literacy level was evaluated using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). The study encompassed 395 eligible participants, who are predominantly male (60%), younger than 32 years old (69.1%), Buddhists (93.9%), with secondary education (75.4%), outdoor field workers (57.7%), and obtained a lower monthly income (93.3%). Most (62.9%) did not have prior experience with mental illness. Low social support was reported by the majority (63%). The MHL score was 94.43 (SD = 9.563), which is significantly lower among males (p = 0.042), the lower-income group (p = 0.045), and those who did not have previous experience with mental health practitioners (p = 0.002). The predictors revealed are education level (p = 0.016) and previous experiences with mental health practitioners (p = 0.018). The mental health literacy of the Myanmar migrant workers was found to be low. To improve mental health literacy among Myanmar migrant workers, culturally appropriate education programs in their native language, peer support networks, and accessible digital resources should be implemented, with collaboration from community leaders, NGOs, and government bodies. Additionally, advocacy for supportive policies and further research on mental health literacy are crucial to address psychological challenges and enhance overall well-being in this population.