Common mental disorders among adult members of ‘left-behind’ international migrant worker families in Sri Lanka

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1632-6
• Publication Date: 2015-03-27T20:39:46Z
• Authors: Chesmal Siriwardhana; Kolitha Wickramage; Sisira Siribaddana; Puwalani Vidanapa...; Buddhini Jayasekara; Sulochana Weerawarna; Gayani Pannala; Anushka Adikari; Kaushalya Jayaweera; Sharika Pieris; Athula Sumathipala
• Keywords: Spouse; Depression

Nearly one-in-ten Sri Lankans are employed abroad as International migrant workers (IMW). Very little is known about the mental health of adult members in families left-behind. This study aimed to explore impact economic migration on (common disorders) left-behind Lanka.A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling was conducted six districts (representing 62% outbound IMW population) Lanka. Spouses and non-spouse caregivers (those providing substantial care for children) from migrants were recruited. Adult measured Patient Health Questionnaire. Demographic, socio-economic, migration-specific utilization information gathered.A total 410 recruited (response rate: 95.1%). Both spouse a caregiver 55 with 277 spouses 188 included. Poor general health, current diagnosed illness healthcare visit frequency higher group. Overall prevalence common disorder (CMD; Depression, somatoform disorder, anxiety) 20.7% (95%CI 16.9-24.3) 14.4% 10.3-18.6) among 29.8% 23.2-36.4) caregivers. Prevalence depression (25.5%; 95%CI 19.2-31.8) 11.7% 7.0-16.3) When adjusted age gender, non-returning family, primary education low in-bound remittance associated CMD while no education, poor increased visits significantly group.To our knowledge, this one first studies specific outcomes family through standardized diagnostic instruments Lanka South Asian region. Negative highlighted by considerably high adults families. A policy framework that enables protection whilst promoting development remains key challenge labour-sending nations.