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BMC Women's Health

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

A qualitative study of Filipina immigrants’ stress, distress and coping: the impact of their multiple, transnational roles as women

Authors: Melanie L. Straiton, Heloise Marie L. Ledesma, Tam T. Donnelly

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Migration is associated with a number of stress factors which can affect mental health. Ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status can intertwine with and influence the process of migration and mental health. Philippine migration to Europe has increased in recent years and has become more feminised. Knowing more about the factors that influence immigrants’ mental health and coping can help aid health care delivery and policy planning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the contextual factors that influence the mental health of Filipinas living in Norway and their coping strategies.

Method

Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen Filipinas 24–49 years, living in Norway. The analysis was informed by the post-colonial feminist perspective in order to examine the process by which gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status interact with contextual factors in these women’s lives and influence their wellbeing.

Results

Data analysis revealed that all informants experienced some level of stress or distress. Two main factors: Sense of belonging and Securing a future contributed to the women’s level of distress associated with living abroad as an immigrant woman. Distress was heighted by the women’s multiple, transnational roles they occupied; roles as workers, breadwinners, daughters, wives and mothers. None of the women had sought professional help for their distress. Religion and informal support from friends and family appear to help these women cope with many of the challenges they face as immigrant women living and working abroad.

Conclusions

Filipinas face a number of challenges related to their status as immigrant women and the juggling of their transnational lives. Understanding the context of these women’s lives may aid the identification of mental health problems. Although the women show resilience and appear to cope successfully, some may benefit from professional help.

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Title: A qualitative study of Filipina immigrants’ stress, distress and coping: the impact of their multiple, transnational roles as women
Authors: Melanie L. Straiton
Heloise Marie L. Ledesma
Tam T. Donnelly
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-017-0429-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A qualitative study of Filipina immigrants’ stress, distress and coping: the impact of their multiple, transnational roles as women

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

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