Health Literacy among Filipino Domestic Workers in Macao

Abstract

Migrant worker is a global phenomenon that is associated with the health of individuals and populations. Filipino workers constitute the largest group of non-Chinese migrant workers in Macao, they are mainly employed as domestic workers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of health literacy (HL) and associated factors among Filipino domestic workers in Macao. The study is a cross-sectional study. Chi square’s test and binary logistic regression models were used for data analyzing. Filipino who was employed by a family in Macao as a domestic worker within the valid contract period was eligible in the study. A total of 379 valid questionnaires were collected during December 2020 and March 2021. Health literacy was measured using the short-form Health Literacy Instrument (HLS-SF12). The results showed that only 37.4% of the respondents have sufficient health literacy. Age was an important factor that was associated with health literacy, with Filipino domestic workers younger than and equal to 30 years of age more likely to have inadequate health literacy. The results will help to make recommendations for further research and public health policy.