For Nepalese migrant workers, working abroad can negatively affect their mental health and well-being. Studies on labour migrants have documented poor occupational health outcomes, both mental and physical. However, research into their sources of stress, coping mechanisms, and suicidal thoughts remains limited. This qualitative study explored the sources of stress and perceived risks to mental health in returnee Nepalese migrant workers. We conducted seven focus groups (five male, one female and one mixed gender) with returnee migrants from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia. Participants were purposively recruited with support from local health workers and community organisations working for migrants. Over half had worked abroad for at least five years, with an average of 7.7 years. Our analysis identified six themes: (1) accommodation and communication; (2) occupational health; (3) exploitation at work; (4) family at home; (5) leisure, coping and risk behaviours; and (6) suicide narratives and mental health support, all six are linked to social determinants of mental health. These interconnected themes can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of migrant workers. Gender disparities and limited mental health support available abroad, including suicide prevention strategies, further intensify these challenges. Since this study focuses on returnees, workers currently abroad might have different experiences. Overall, our findings underscore the need for targeted support and interventions to improve the mental health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers. We recommend establishing longitudinal studies to inform policy and practice related to mental health.
In India, Under-five mortality rate (U5MR) started declining over the years however, this remains a concern to date throughout the country, hindering progress towards achieving the target of SDGs 3. Determining and analyzing the factors associated with U5MR, therefore, seems to be critical for minimizing U5MR in the country. The present study, therefore, aims to study the factors associated with U5MR in India. In order to accomplish the specified objective, the required data was obtained from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 5). A binary logistic regression model was conducted to determine the factors associated with under-5 mortality in India. It has been observed from the study that households located in rural areas had a greater tendency to have U5MR compared to urban areas (OR 0.9891, 95
Mosquito bed nets remain a central component of malaria prevention strategies in Tanzania; however, disparities persist in their usage and the resulting health outcomes. This study aimed (1) to identify the determinants of mosquito bed net usage categorized as no net, only treated nets, or only untreated nets and (2) to examine the association of net usage and household health status, reported as bad, moderate, or good. The analysis used data from 18,747 households from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. A Multinomial Logit Model was used to examine factors influencing mosquito net type usage. An Ordered Probit Model was employed to evaluate the relationship between net usage and household health status. Statistical significance was assessed at conventional levels. Households in which the head had attained primary (p < 0.05), secondary (p < 0.01), or higher education (p < 0.01), those owning mobile phones (p < 0.05), and presence of a currently pregnant household member (p < 0.05) were significantly more likely to use treated nets. Poorer households were more likely to use untreated nets (Coef = 1.053, p < 0.001), while wealthier households were less likely to do so (Coef = − 0.473, p < 0.001). Higher educational attainment also increased the likelihood of using untreated nets (secondary: Coef = 0.404, p = 0.001; higher: Coef = 1.03, p < 0.001). Results from the ordered probit model indicated that households using treated mosquito nets were significantly more likely to report better health status (p < 0.01). Untreated nets had a positive but statistically insignificant effect (Coef = 0.063; p = 0.112). Recent interactions with healthcare workers regarding malaria (p < 0.01) and electricity access (p < 0.01) were associated with better household health, while mobile phone ownership was associated with poorer reported health status (Coef = -0.048, p < 0.05). Socioeconomic status, educational attainment, access to health and media infrastructure, and interactions with health services significantly associated with both mosquito net usage and perceived health outcomes. Strengthening malaria prevention programs should include targeted communication strategies, regional and socioeconomic equity considerations, and expanded access to treated mosquito nets to enhance household health.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, with consequences for health and quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 471 married women in Tehran, Iran, between February and June 2020. Data were collected using the Haj-Yahia (1999) questionnaire assessing psychological, physical, sexual, and economic violence during the previous year. Each item was scored as 0 (“never”) or 1 (“at least once”). For each IPV domain, a continuous total score was calculated by summing item scores. For descriptive purposes, participants were classified as experiencing a type of IPV if they reported at least one corresponding violent act. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and the continuous total scores for each IPV domain. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Participants’ mean age was 32.7 ± 7.96 years, and mean husband age was 36.98 ± 8.49 years. The overall prevalence of psychological, physical, sexual, and economic IPV was 91.1
This paper examines the factors influencing the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in local governance in Tanzania. Using qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the study draws insights from the lived experiences of individuals in the Rorya and Serengeti districts of the Mara region. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the research explores the extent of PWDs’ participation in governance and identifies key reasons influencing their inclusion. The findings reveal key factors of PWDs’ inclusion in local governance, with financial capacity, educational attainment, good reputation/character, nature of economic activities, and experiences of stigmatization identified as the primary reasons for their inclusion in governance. The study emphasizes that addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing PWDs’ participation in the processes, systems, and structures through which decisions are made and implemented within a society.
