Anxiety and Depression Among Migrant Workers of Bangladesh Presenting with Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Introduction: This study was designed to see prevalence of anxiety and depression among migrant workers presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Material and method: Consecutive subjects working in middle-east countries attending at gastroenterology outpatient department were included. Psychiatric assessment of them was done using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) by trained interviewer under supervision of a senior psychiatrist. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20. Chi square test was done to see differences. Result: Total 426 patients, age from 18 years to 61 years (mean 36.96), 364 (85.44% from rural community, 353 (78.64%) married, and 390 (91.54%) working as laborer were included. Among them 66 (15.5%) and 45 (10.6%) had symptoms score consistent with anxiety and depression respectively. Anxiety was more prevalent among workers with lower level of education, higher age, shorter duration of migration and single marital status. Depression was more prevalent among married people, of lower educational and economic background and of older age. Abdominal pain, anorexia, loose motion, abdominal fullness, weight loss, constipation and incomplete bowel evacuation are common presenting symptoms. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common among Bangladeshi migrant workers in middle-eastern countries. Level of education, marital status, economic background and older age affect mental health. Depression was associated with higher numbers of physical complaints. Migrant workers are playing a vital role in our economy. So, issues of their mental health and psychiatric morbidity which might adversely affect their overall activity and foreign remittance, should not be neglected.