Abstract
Purpose: This study was to explore situations that might put the middle-aged Korean-Chinese female migrant
workers at risk for work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs). At the development phase of a continuing
health project, the study aimed to clarify health promotion program needs of the migrant population. Methods:
A qualitative description research design was used with three focus groups of 23 Korean-Chinese female migrant workers. Each focus group interview was conducted for 70-minutes using semi-structured interview guidelines. The data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis techniques. Results: The majority of the participants were household workers and their work included heavy material handling, standing for a long time, and working in awkward postures. They experienced discrimination from employers, lack of control at work, limitations in open-communication, job insecurity, and acculturation. They had needs to have health promotion programs for preventing and managing chronic diseases, depression and menopause as well as WMSDs. Conclusion: The participants were situated in work environments with physical demanding tasks, acculturative and job-related stress and lack of opportunities to participate in health promotion programs. It is suggested to develop a comprehensive program to better meet the needs of middle-aged Korean-Chinese female migrant workers rather than targeting the reduction of WMSDs.
workers at risk for work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs). At the development phase of a continuing
health project, the study aimed to clarify health promotion program needs of the migrant population. Methods:
A qualitative description research design was used with three focus groups of 23 Korean-Chinese female migrant workers. Each focus group interview was conducted for 70-minutes using semi-structured interview guidelines. The data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis techniques. Results: The majority of the participants were household workers and their work included heavy material handling, standing for a long time, and working in awkward postures. They experienced discrimination from employers, lack of control at work, limitations in open-communication, job insecurity, and acculturation. They had needs to have health promotion programs for preventing and managing chronic diseases, depression and menopause as well as WMSDs. Conclusion: The participants were situated in work environments with physical demanding tasks, acculturative and job-related stress and lack of opportunities to participate in health promotion programs. It is suggested to develop a comprehensive program to better meet the needs of middle-aged Korean-Chinese female migrant workers rather than targeting the reduction of WMSDs.
| Translated title of the contribution | Experiences of Middle-aged Korean-Chinese Female Migrant Workers in Korea: With Focus on Risk Factors in Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases |
|---|---|
| Original language | Korean |
| Pages (from-to) | 185-194 |
| Journal | Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 Jun |