Perceptions of mental health and health-seeking behaviour among migrant workers in Bangladesh

Migration is a stressful process that can adversely affect the mental health of migrants. To develop effective policies for promoting mental health among migrants, it is essential to understand their level of awareness of mental health, their perception about the causes of mental illness, and their health-seeking behaviours. While numerous studies have examined how internal migrants living in urban areas and working in informal sectors perceive their mental health and the causes of mental illness, as well as their mental health-seeking behaviour, limited knowledge is available in the context of Bangladesh. Therefore, this study explores how migrant workers in Sylhet City, Bangladesh, perceive mental health and the causes of mental illness, and analyzes their mental health-seeking behaviours. This study applies a qualitative research method involving 48 purposively selected migrant workers. The results indicate that while some migrant workers in Bangladesh view mental health as distinct from physical health, others consider them to be the same. Some respondents also lack knowledge of mental health. The study further finds that respondents attribute mental health problems to economic hardships, family dynamics, divine will, fate, and evil spirits. Additionally, it reveals that respondents emphasize various treatment methods, including traditional belief systems, religion-based practices, local healing techniques, practical problem-solving within family and societal contexts, social support, and medical interventions. Finally, the paper offers several policy recommendations to address mental health promotion issues for migrant workers engaged in precarious work in urban areas of Bangladesh.