From Migration to Psychological Distress: Depression, Suicidal Thoughts and Associated Factors among Bangladeshi Migrant Workers

Abstract

There is hardly any research on Bangladeshi migrant workers’ mental health conditions. This study fills this void and explores symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts among Bangladeshi returned migrant workers. We used the convergent mixed methods design and collected data using a modified Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), adapting Blades et al.'s (2018) questionnaire, and creating open-ended questions for interviews. We collected quantitative data from 63 participants (56 males and 7 females), and interviewed 19 of them. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics, the Pearson chi-square test, a binary logistic regression model, and the thematic analysis technique. The findings indicate that 52 participants had depression, with 50% expressing severe depression. 41 (65%) participants had suicidal thoughts at least once. Country of destination, experiences of sexual victimization, physical victimization, and financial victimization have significant associations with depression and suicidal thoughts. Interview findings strengthens these findings. Participants who went to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries or suffered from any of these victimizations are approximately two to five times more likely to be depressed or have suicidal thoughts than participants who did not go or suffer. We suggest documenting victimization, providing social support, setting up a hospital, and proper rehabilitation as possible intervention strategies to alleviate migrant workers’ mental health problems. Suggestions have been provided for future research.