Experiences of Middle-aged Korean-Chinese Female Migrant Workers in Korea: With Focus on Risk Factors in Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases.
10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.2.185
- Author:
Hyeonkyeong LEE
1
;
Duckhee CHAE
;
Kyongeun LEE
;
Meenhye LEE
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. dheechae@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Musculoskeletal diseases;
Migrants;
Health promotion;
Acculturation
- MeSH:
Acculturation;
Chronic Disease;
Depression;
Discrimination (Psychology);
Family Characteristics;
Female;
Focus Groups;
Handling (Psychology);
Health Promotion;
Humans;
Menopause;
Musculoskeletal Diseases;
Posture;
Research Design;
Risk Factors;
Transients and Migrants
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing
2013;24(2):185-194
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
