J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2013 Jun;24(2):185-194. 10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.2.185.

Experiences of Middle-aged Korean-Chinese Female Migrant Workers in Korea: With Focus on Risk Factors in Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases

Affiliations
  • 1College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. dheechae@gmail.com

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.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal diseases; Migrants; Health promotion; Acculturation

MeSH Terms

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

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Hyeonkyeong Lee, Junghee Kim, Ri Yoo, Ja-yin Lee
J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs. 2016;27(3):284-298.    doi: 10.12799/jkachn.2016.27.3.284.


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