Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors among domestic workers

Abstract

Background: Due to urbanization and changes in family structure, the need for domestic workers has surged in many developing countries, including Rwanda. While being employed as a domestic worker presents financial benefits to many of them and their dependents, it also comes with risks and difficulties that might harm the domestic worker’s mental health. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicidal ideations, plans, and attempt(s)) among domestic workers in Rwanda. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data was captured from 884 domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda. Suicidal ideation was measured using questions from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), while suicide attempts and plans were measured using questions adopted from previous studies in the region. The methods used/plan to attempt suicide were also captured from individuals with a recent history of suicide plan/attempt(s). Three separate regression models were employed to ascertain the factors associated with suicidal behaviors. Results: The prevalence of past-year suicidal behaviors was 32.5% for suicidal ideations, 9.5% for suicide plans, and 7.8% for suicidal attempts. Being female and having a chronic medical illness were linked to a higher risk of participating in any form of suicidal behavior. Suicidal ideations were less likely to occur among those who attained secondary education. However, more years of working as a domestic worker were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideations. Having more than five dependents at work increased the likelihood of experiencing suicidal plans or attempts among domestic workers. For those who attempted suicide, overdosing with medications/drugs was the most common method of attempting. Conclusion: Domestic workers have prevalent suicide behaviors, especially among females and those with a chronic medical illness, more years of work experience, and those with many household members at work. Based on the present study, for domestic workers at risk, there is a critical need for focused mental health interventions and support networks in various sectors of the domestic labor force.