‘And when a certain health issue happen, they try to cover it’: Stakeholder perspectives on the health of temporary foreign workers and their families
Abstract
This study examines stakeholders’ perspectives on the health and well-being of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and their families in Alberta, Canada. Stakeholders involved in providing services to TFWs perceived that the workers experience (1) barriers in accessing mental health services, (2) mental health challenges, (3) family health challenges, (4) occupational health challenges, and (5) income and social status as a social determinant of health. Immigration and class status intersect to influence the health of this vulnerable population in Canada.
Notes
Community organizations
NA
Location
Alberta
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Key populations
Temporary foreign workers; Service providers
Key findings
Temporary Foreign Workers experience barriers in accessing mental health services; mental health challenges; family health challenges; and income and social status as a social determinant of health. Immigration and class status intersect to influence the health of this vulnerable population.
Gaps identified
There are service gaps for Temporary Foreign Workers with respect to accessing health care; mental health; occupational health and family health.
Key recommendations
Healthcare professionals including social workers must be knowledgeable about the relationship between immigration status and health as perceived by TFWs and provide care within that context; Closer attention should be given to the issue of mental health; Attention should be paid to family health and issues related to domestic violence; Health promotion policies should be designed with TFWs in mind; Legislation should be amended to ensure greater protection and enforcement of occupational health and safety.
Open-access – No