Factors predicting anxiety and depression symptoms among migrant workers in the Greater China area during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A brief report (preprint)

This study briefly reported the prevalence and factors predicting anxiety and depression symptoms among migrant workers in the Greater China area. An online survey was conducted between February and March 2020 among Indonesian migrant workers in Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Data from 491 participants were analyzed using a series of hierarchical logistic regression. The prevalence rates for clinically meaningful symptoms of anxiety and depression were 31.8% and 26.9%, respectively. Factors predicting anxiety symptoms were age, marital status, income level, educational level, and Cantonese fluency. Older participants, married, have higher income and education, and are more fluent in Cantonese were less likely to experience anxiety than their counterparts. Factors predicting depression symptoms were age, marital status, English fluency, and Cantonese fluency. Older participants, married, and more fluent in English and Cantonese were less likely to experience depression than their counterparts. Stakeholders should consider these findings in public health planning to make it more inclusive for migrant workers.