Migrant domestic workers in Cyprus: An evaluation of their sexual and reproductive health needs. A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Literature suggests that the employment of female domestic workers is not based on the labour needs of the country, but mainly on the needs of working women. There are approximately 23,000 female migrant domestic workers in Cyprus. Objectives: To evaluate the sexual and reproductive health needs (SRH) of migrant domestic workers in Cyprus. Participants: The study sample consisted of 40 female domestic workers (30 from Philippines and 10 from Sri Lanka). Accidental sampling was used to collect participants from gathering areas of these particular ethnic groups in the main area of Nicosia (Cyprus). Participation was voluntary and participants signed an informed consent prior to the interview. Methods- Results: A semi-structured questionnaire designed based on a literature review on local research on domestic workers and international research on migrant’s health was used. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. This is a pilot study aiming to raise issues and develop the base for a larger study. Conclusions: Participants proposed the establishment and promotion of prevention and education/information campaigns for Sexual Transmitted Infections (Sexual Transmitted Infections) and Human Immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS) syndrome targeting migrant workers and the surrounding community as well as the need for education and training of migrant workers in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) as well as the provision of free medical and health services to domestic workers and lower fees for health and medical tests.