Abstract:
Objectives: To estimate prevalence of stress, identify sources of stress, and
determine the coping mechanisms among legal Myanmar male migrant workers in
Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey on a purposive sample of 232 participants
selected from Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. They were interviewed using the
translated versions of 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and brief COPE
questionnaires.
Formal in-depth interviews in Myanmar language were conducted among 15
participants, recorded verbatim into written document and content analysis was
performed.
Results: The response rate was 89.2% with median age of respondents (29.5) years.
The mean PSS score was 12.58, 57.8% of respondents had low stress, 40.5% had
moderate and 4 participants (1.7%) had high stress level. The common coping
mechanisms were positive reframing (74-80%), self-distraction (53-60%),
acceptance (53-76%), planning (34-71%) and religion (50%). There was significant
but weakly positive correlation (r=0.138, p=0.035) between age and PSS scores. The
main sources of stressors were work-related conditions, social problems, family
problems and unsafe environment.
Conclusion: Though the stress was only mild and moderate level of stress many
stressors were identified. Measures should be undertaken by relevant authorities to
improve working and living conditions of migrant workers.
Key words: migrant workers, stress, coping mechanisms, Myanmar, Malaysia
