Overlooked by nurses: A scoping review on health stressors, problems and coping of migrant domestic workers

Abstract

Aim: The first scoping review is to map and synthesize the stressors, problems and coping strategies surrounding the health issues of migrant domestic workers. Design: Scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. Methods: Ten electronic databases were systematically searched by keywords for literature published between January 1995 and December 2019. Data were extracted into tables and collated and summarized into themes for presentation. Results: Twenty-seven reports were included in the final review. Analysis revealed that stressors to health included abuse, poor health service accessibility, ongoing financial hardship despite demanding working conditions and social isolation. Physical and mental health problems were identified for which migrant domestic workers largely depended on social networks and religion to cope with stressors and health problems. Training para-professional peer leaders of migrant domestic workers by community nurses and including them in interprofessional teams is a possible way for nurses to promote their health and well-being.