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Perceived Risk Factors for Suicide among Nepalese Migrant Workers in South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Madhu Sudhan Atteraya

    (Department of Social Welfare, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Nasser B. Ebrahim

    (Department of Public Health, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Shreejana Gnawali

    (Department of Sociology, The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), Seongnam-si 03172, Korea
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

Abstract

(1) Background: In South Korea, far from their homeland, Nepalese migrant workers often face tremendous challenges. The most severe outcome for migrant workers is death by suicide—a major cause of premature death among migrant workers. Nevertheless, in the literature, key factors associated with suicide among Nepalese migrant workers are not specifically identified. Thus, we aimed to delineate the main suicide risk factors for this group of migrants. (2) Methods: We used qualitative research methodology (sample = 20; male =17, female = 3) and employed nominal group techniques to identify the perceived primary risk factors for suicide. (3) Results: Study participants identified and ranked eight sources of distress and perceived risks for suicide, both from home and in the host country. Perceived risks for suicide include a complex set of socio-cultural, behavioral, occupational, physical, and mental health issues as well as communication barriers. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to design tailored mental health promotion programs for migrant workers before departure from Nepal as well as after arrival as migrant workers in South Korea.

Suggested Citation

  • Madhu Sudhan Atteraya & Nasser B. Ebrahim & Shreejana Gnawali, 2021. "Perceived Risk Factors for Suicide among Nepalese Migrant Workers in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6368-:d:573595
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Knox, K.L. & Conwell, Y. & Caine, E.D., 2004. "If Suicide Is a Public Health Problem, What Are We Doing to Prevent It?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(1), pages 37-45.
    2. Alberto Forte & Federico Trobia & Flavia Gualtieri & Dorian A. Lamis & Giuseppe Cardamone & Vincenzo Giallonardo & Andrea Fiorillo & Paolo Girardi & Maurizio Pompili, 2018. "Suicide Risk among Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities: A Literature Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Chandra Bhadra, 2007. "International Labor Migration of Nepalese Women: Impact of their Remittances on Poverty Reduction," Working Papers 4407, Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT), an initiative of UNESCAP and IDRC, Canada..
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