Prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among wives of international migrant workers: a community-based cross-sectional study in ward 5 of Gauradaha municipality, Jhapa, Nepal.

Abstract

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among wives of international migrant workers in Ward 5 of Gauradaha municipality, Jhapa, Nepal. Community-based cross-sectional study. Ward 5 of Gauradaha Municipality, Jhapa, Nepal. A total of 179 wives of international migrant workers, aged 20-49 years, whose husbands had been away for at least 6 months. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics, χ²/Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 54.7%, 53.1% and 60.9%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, frequency of remittance, debts incurred and daily communication with husbands were significantly associated with depression, anxiety and stress. Additionally, the wives' occupation was significantly associated with anxiety. More than half of the wives of international migrant workers experience depression, anxiety and stress. Interventions promoting financial security, facilitating regular communication with migrant spouses and providing occupation-related support may improve mental health outcomes in this population. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies and community programmes to support families left behind by international migrant workers in Nepal.