Hong Kong Med J 2025 Apr;31(2):130–8 | Epub 9 Apr 2025
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Migrant workers’ well-being after the rampant
sweep of the Omicron wave in Hong Kong
Kitty KY Lai, BSc1; Hong Qiu, BSc, PhD1,2; Eliza LY Wong, MPH, PhD1,2
1 The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
2 Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Corresponding author: Prof Eliza LY Wong (lywong@cuhk.edu.hk)

Abstract
Introduction: The impact of the coronavirus disease
2019 pandemic has rendered migrant workers a
vulnerable population susceptible to psychological
distress. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate
the prevalence of anxiety and examine associations
of perceived social support and working conditions
with anxiety among Filipina domestic workers
(FDWs) after the peak of the Omicron wave in Hong
Kong.
Methods: In total, 370 female FDWs were recruited
through convenience sampling in Central, Hong
Kong, during holiday gatherings from June to August
2022; social normalcy had begun to return during
this period after the peak of the Omicron pandemic.
Anxiety levels were assessed using the Generalised
Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Perceived social
support and working conditions were measured
using validated instruments. Socio-demographic
characteristics and health-related information were
recorded for consideration as covariates.
Results: The estimated prevalence of anxiety
(GAD-7 score ≥10) was 8.6% (95% confidence
interval [CI]=5.8%-11.5%). Multivariable logistic
regression demonstrated that greater satisfaction
with compensation and salary (adjusted odds ratio
[aOR]=0.825, 95% CI=0.728-0.935), increased free time and rest periods (aOR=0.878, 95% CI=0.780-0.987), and higher satisfaction with value orientation
(aOR=0.887, 95% CI=0.796-0.989) were associated
with lower anxiety risk.
Conclusion: Migrant workers constitute a vital
workforce but are often neglected in preventive care.
Based on these findings, preventive measures such
as labour protection, compensation for overtime
work, adequate rest periods, and improved working
conditions are crucial in mitigating anxiety. This
study highlights key areas for policy refinement and
governmental support to enhance migrant workers’
well-being.
New knowledge added by this study
- Overall, 8.6% of Filipina domestic workers (FDWs) experienced probable anxiety after the Omicron wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Hong Kong.
- Associations between anxiety and working conditions were identified, indicating potential factors that influence the mental well-being of FDWs.
- No significant association was observed between anxiety and perceived social support.
- The Hong Kong government could prioritise refining policies to support favourable working conditions for migrant workers, including negotiation of an increase in meal allowances and strict enforcement of regular working hours.
- Non-governmental organisations could tailor psychological interventions to migrant workers to address diverse mental health needs.
Introduction
Declared a public health emergency of international
concern by the World Health Organization,
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has
continuously posed a threat to both physical and
psychological health.1 Beginning in December 2021,
the Omicron variant triggered the fifth wave of the
pandemic in Hong Kong, endangering psychological well-being.1 2 Filipina domestic workers (FDWs),
the primary group of migrant domestic workers,
constitute >2.5% of the Hong Kong population3
and are considered a vulnerable population. Before
the Hong Kong government reiterated the rights of
migrant workers, many FDWs faced mistreatment,
including abuse, exploitation, and illegal dismissal
upon infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).4 5 6 Filipina
domestic workers were susceptible to both direct and
indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Migrant workers often experience poor
psychosocial conditions and substandard working
environments.4 5 6 7 8 However, few studies have
consistently examined the well-being of FDWs.8 9 10
Anxiety, a key indicator of well-being, commonly
coexists with other psychological conditions.
Considering the large number of domestic workers
in Hong Kong, efforts to safeguard the psychological
health of this minority population are essential to
prevent excessive strain on the healthcare system.11
Additionally, various aspects of working conditions
should be investigated in relation to anxiety.12
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of
anxiety and examine its relationships with perceived
social support and decent work among FDWs after
the peak of the Omicron wave during the COVID-19
pandemic in Hong Kong. Insights regarding the
psychosocial conditions encountered by FDWs
during the aftermath of the pandemic may contribute
to existing literature.
Methods
Study design
A cross-sectional survey, written in English, was
administered between June and August 2022. The
target population comprised FDWs. Eligibility
criteria included age ≥18 years, ability to read and understand English, and ability to provide informed
consent. Filipina domestic workers who began
employment on or after 1 February 2022 in Hong
Kong, as well as male FDWs, were excluded from
the present study. Because the majority of FDWs are
women (97.8%), the inclusion of a small sample of
male FDWs could compromise representativeness.3
Convenience sampling was utilised.
Recruitment was conducted at gathering places
in Central, Hong Kong, where a large proportion
of FDWs spend their days off. Data collection was
performed on rest days (Sundays and statutory
holidays). Support and clarifications were provided
to respondents who required assistance in
understanding the questions. Respondents were
offered a gratuity of HK$20 in cash as a token
of appreciation for their time and assistance.
According to Yeung et al,10 the prevalence of anxiety
among FDWs in Hong Kong at the beginning of the
pandemic was 25%. With a 95% confidence interval
(95% CI) and a desired margin of error of ±5%, the
minimum required sample size was estimated to be
289.
Data collection tool and measurement
The questionnaire consisted of four sections,
namely, anxiety, perceived social support, working
conditions, and potential covariates (eg, socio-demographic
and health-related factors). The
questionnaire was developed based on validated
instruments and a literature review of similar
contexts.12 13 14 15 16 17
The Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
scale was adopted to assess anxiety levels.13 The
total score ranges from 0 to 21; a threshold score
of ≥10 to identify self-reported anxiety provides
optimal sensitivity (89%) and specificity (82%).13 The
GAD-7 has demonstrated high internal consistency
in the general population (Cronbach’s alpha=0.92)
and among FDWs working in Chinese regions
(Cronbach’s alpha=0.80).18 19
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived
Social Support, using a 7-point Likert scale, was
used to measure perceived social support across
three domains, namely, significant others, family,
and peers.14 Each domain comprises four items. We
calculated a mean score for each domain ranging
from 1 to 7 and a total mean score averaged from the
three concerned domains to represent the total score
of perceived social support. A higher score indicates
a greater level of perceived social support. The
authors of the scale proposed multiple approaches
for interpreting perceived social support, one of
which involved analysing continuous data for the
three domains and the overall score.14 This scale has
been validated with high internal consistency among
Southeast Asian domestic workers in Hong Kong
(Cronbach’s alpha=0.96).16 20
The Decent Work Scale was adopted to
evaluate working conditions, including 15 items
grouped into five components, namely, physically
and interpersonally safe working conditions, access
to essential healthcare support, sufficient income,
adequate rest time, and alignment of working
settings with social values.12 Each item scored from
1 to 7, resulting in component scores ranging from 3
to 21 and a total score ranging from 15 to 105, with
higher scores indicating better working conditions.
This scale has been validated with high internal
consistency among the working population in the
US (Cronbach’s alpha=0.86).12
Data analyses
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
(Windows version 27.0; IBM Corp, Armonk [NY],
US). Confidence intervals were established at the
95% level, and P values <0.05 were considered
statistically significant. We computed 95% CIs for
anxiety prevalence. Socio-demographic variables
were compared between anxiety statuses using the
Chi squared test, whereas scores for perceived social
support and working conditions were compared
using the independent samples t test.
Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were computed
using a binary logistic regression model. For
univariable analysis, simple logistic regression was
conducted; perceived social support and working
conditions constituted the main independent
variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis
was performed to estimate the independent effects
of these variables while adjusting for potential
confounders.
The GAD-7 scores were categorised into
four levels of anxiety severity: minimal (0-4), mild
(5-9), moderate (10-14), and severe (15-21).13 We
conducted sensitivity analysis using the GAD-7 score
as an ordinal outcome and constructed an ordinal
logistic regression model to assess the robustness of
previously identified anxiety-associated factors.
Results
Among the 441 FDWs approached, 71 declined to
participate, yielding a response rate of 83.9% (Fig 1). Primary reasons for refusal were survey length
and time constraints. The distribution of GAD-7
scores was positively skewed (Fig 2). The estimated
prevalence of probable anxiety (GAD-7 score
≥10) was 8.6% (95% CI=5.8-11.5). Among the 370
respondents, approximately half were aged 35 to 44
years (51.1%) and married (48.4%). Most respondents
had attained a university-level education or higher
(60.3%), reported a monthly income ranging
from HK$4630 to HK$4999 (68.6%), and had
children residing in their home country (82.7%).
The proportions of respondents residing on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories
were evenly distributed. The median (interquartile
range) duration of employment in Hong Kong
was 5.0 years (interquartile range, 3.0-9.0). Most
respondents had no history of COVID-19 (81.9%)
and no chronic diseases (97.8%) [Table 1]. Table 2
shows that the mean scores for the three domains
of perceived social support ranged from 5.5 to 5.7
out of 7, whereas the mean score for decent work
was 78.1 out of 105. Among the five components of
working conditions measured by the Decent Work
Scale, the lowest mean score was observed for rest
periods (14.1); access to healthcare had the highest
mean score (17.1).
Participants with probable anxiety had a
higher proportion of chronic diseases relative to
those without anxiety (9.4% vs 1.5%; P=0.024) [Table 1]. Respondents with probable anxiety reported worse perceptions of social support and working
conditions; they had lower scores across all domains
relative to those of respondents without anxiety
(Table 2).
Associations of perceived social support and
working conditions with anxiety
Simple logistic regression analysis indicated that one
domain of perceived social support and multiple
subscales of working conditions were significantly
associated with anxiety (Table 3). Filipina domestic
workers with higher perceived social support from
significant others, better access to healthcare, greater
satisfaction with compensation and salary, increased
free time and rest periods, and higher satisfaction
with their employer’s value orientation exhibited a
lower likelihood of experiencing probable anxiety.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis—adjusted
for all relevant socio-demographic variables, health
status, and subscales of perceived social support and
working conditions—identified three variables that
remained statistically significant (Table 3). Greater
satisfaction with compensation and salary (adjusted
odds ratio [aOR]=0.825, 95% CI=0.728-0.935),
increased free time and rest periods (aOR=0.878,
95% CI=0.780-0.987), and higher satisfaction with
value orientation (aOR=0.887, 95% CI=0.796-0.989)
were associated with lower anxiety risk. Sensitivity
analysis, which examined the four levels of anxiety
as an ordinal outcome using an ordinal logistic
regression model, showed that effect estimates
were slightly attenuated. However, the findings
confirmed the association between anxiety levels
and inadequate compensation, while also identifying
a history of chronic diseases as a risk factor for
increased anxiety severity (Table 4).

Table 3. Associations of socio-demographic characteristics, health status, perceived social support, and working conditions of participants (n=370)

Table 4. Sensitivity analysis for the associations of socio-demographic characteristics, health status, perceived social support, and working conditions of participants (n=370)
Discussion
Estimated prevalence of anxiety
The observed prevalence of anxiety among FDWs was 8.6%, representing a lower proportion compared
with previous studies.10 11 21 22 The Omicron variant
led to an unprecedented surge in cases, which
peaked in early March 2022. Compared with a local
study conducted at the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic,10 the prevalence of probable anxiety
among FDWs declined from 25% to 8.6%. A
remarkably lower prevalence of anxiety was
observed when using the official cut-off score of ≥7
for the Anxiety subscale of the Depression, Anxiety,
and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21-A) in both the
general population of Hong Kong (14%)11 and the
Philippines (38.4%).21 In Singapore, 17.5% of migrant
workers exhibited probable anxiety (DASS-21-A
score ≥8).22 The discrepancy in anxiety prevalence
across studies may be attributed to differences in
study contexts and timeframes. Although the fifth
wave of COVID-19 had nearly subsided in Hong
Kong during the present study period, other regions
were still experiencing high caseloads. The relatively
low prevalence of anxiety among FDWs may indicate
the development of psychological resilience after
the Omicron pandemic. Additionally, information
dissemination and vaccine availability were more
established compared with the second and third
waves of the pandemic.10
In response to the fifth wave of the COVID-19
pandemic, the local government implemented
comprehensive public health policies to safeguard
rights and facilitate risk communication among
minority populations in Hong Kong. Coronavirus
disease 2019 and vaccine-related information were
made available in multiple languages, including
Tagalog and English, thereby improving access to
formal and accurate health information for FDWs.
Access to adequate and accurate health information is essential for mitigating psychological distress
and reducing anxiety levels associated with the
pandemic, as demonstrated by the findings of a
study conducted in the Philippines.21
Access to COVID-19 vaccines may partially
explain the findings. In Hong Kong, domestic
workers were designated as a priority group for vaccination within 1 month of launching the
COVID-19 vaccination programme.23 Furthermore,
the initial procurement of 22.5 million vaccine doses
ensured sufficient supply for the entire population,
allowing domestic workers to choose between
Sinovac and BioNTech vaccines at no cost. The high
effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination may have
contributed to anxiety reduction. As of August 2021,
the majority of sampled domestic workers (80%) had
received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.24
A study by McMenamin et al25 demonstrated the
substantial protective effect of COVID-19 vaccines
against severe or fatal outcomes (BioNTech: two
doses=83.9%; three doses=97.9%). Vaccination
significantly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19
complications, hospitalisation, and mortality, which
may have indirectly alleviated probable anxiety
among FDWs. This assumption is supported by
the results of a study examining the psychological
impact of COVID-19 vaccination, which revealed
lower anxiety levels among vaccinated individuals.26
However, the aforementioned local10 11 20 and
Singapore studies22 assessing the anxiety of migrant
workers were conducted during periods when no
pharmaceutical preventive measures were available.
Therefore, access to COVID-19 vaccines is a
plausible explanation for the lower prevalence of
probable anxiety among FDWs.
Additionally, job security may explain the
decline in probable anxiety. Some FDWs expressed
concerns regarding job insecurity and experienced
distress due to job loss.4 Amid increasing reports
of illegal contract terminations, the government
intervened to uphold FDWs’ employment rights.27
On 5 March 2022, a government spokesperson
emphasised zero tolerance for employers who
illegally dismissed FDWs exhibiting SARS-CoV-2
infection.27 Any violation of the Employment
Ordinance and related laws was subject to
prosecution and fines.27 Filipina domestic workers
exhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection or identified as
close contacts of individuals with COVID-19 receive
the same assistance and support as other Hong
Kong citizens, including quarantine and isolation
arrangements.27 Greater institutional support for
their employment may have contributed to the lower
prevalence of anxiety among FDWs.
Perceived social support and anxiety
The significant others domain of perceived social
support was negatively associated with anxiety in
univariable analysis but was no longer significant
according to multivariable regression. Significant
others are individuals that the respondents regard as
special persons.12 This finding contrasts with previous
studies that identified perceived social support as an
essential factor in coping with psychological distress
among migrant workers.8 9 This discrepancy may be
attributable to the small sample size. However, the
finding is consistent with results from a local study
conducted in a similar context.10
Filipina domestic workers migrate to foreign
countries to support their families’ livelihoods; they
are often portrayed as resilient and independent
figures by the Philippine Government. This narrative
may subtly reinforce the perception among FDWs
that they are the sole breadwinners responsible for
their families’ well-being.28 Consequently, although
FDWs may seek informal social support from
significant others, their self-disclosure remains
selective. Psychological concerns, in particular, may
be considered sensitive topics, leading to avoidance
of such discussions in an effort to protect their self-esteem.
This avoidance may explain the absence of
an observed association between perceived social
support and anxiety.
Working conditions and anxiety
Another key finding was that better working
conditions—including greater satisfaction with
compensation and salary, increased free time and
rest periods, and higher satisfaction with value
orientation—were associated with a lower likelihood
of probable anxiety. Working conditions are
recognised as social determinants of mental health.
Findings from the World Health Organization
suggest that jobs offering high rewards and a greater
sense of control serve as protective factors for mental
well-being, thereby reinforcing the importance of
favourable working conditions for employees.29
Consistent with the previous findings,30 high and
regular monetary compensation was linked to lower
probable anxiety in our study. According to the
Occupational Wages Survey in the Philippines,30 the
median monthly income was PHP13 646 (HK$1865,
US$239), whereas the minimum monthly wage in
Hong Kong was HK$4630 (US$594) during the study
period.31 Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong
earned at least 2.48-fold more than their counterparts
in the Philippines. Higher monthly earnings are
often allocated toward property purchases in the
Philippines, meeting family obligations, and fulfilling
roles and responsibilities. Thus, greater satisfaction
with compensation and salary may have contributed
to lower probable anxiety among FDWs. Although
this factor may explain the observed association, a
qualitative study would provide deeper insights into
the relationship between higher compensation and
reduced psychological distress.
Additionally, increased free time and rest
periods were associated with a lower risk of probable
anxiety. An occupational health study32 established
an inverse relationship between working hours and
sleep duration, where anxiety and depression scores
were higher among individuals working longer
hours. These findings suggest that increased free
time and rest periods can help reduce anxiety risk.
Notably, greater alignment between FDWs’
working environments and their social values
was associated with lower anxiety risk. Value
orientation refers to the principles an individual
upholds, including ethics, morality, and attitudes toward work. In the workplace, each aspect of the
working environment is interconnected with FDWs
and their employers, influencing the likelihood of
psychological distress. Employers are encouraged
to engage in discussions with FDWs regarding
working conditions—such as job demands and
task restructuring—to ensure alignment in value
orientation between both parties.
Other covariates
While chronic disease was not a statistically
significant predictor of anxiety in multivariable
logistic regression model, sensitivity analysis using
an ordinal outcome revealed that it remained a risk
factor for increased anxiety severity. Despite the
inconclusive findings regarding this association,
a systematic review33 indicated that a history of
chronic diseases is linked to higher anxiety levels.
The presence of chronic diseases has a negative
impact on mental health.33
Limitations and strengths
Some limitations were inherent in our sampling
method and study design. First, we could not establish
causality. Because cross-sectional study designs
provide only short-term data regarding associations,
longitudinal studies are needed to examine temporal
sequences and causal relationships. Second, the use
of convenience sampling may introduce selection
bias; therefore, generalisations of the findings
to the entire FDW population should be made
with caution. However, this bias is likely minimal
because all FDWs were approached, and none were
selectively invited based on specific characteristics;
also, the demographic distribution of the sample
closely resembled that of domestic workers recorded
in the Hong Kong Population Census.34 The age
distributions in the Census data34 and the study
sample were comparable: 18-34 years (29.8% vs
27.8%), 35-44 years (48.2% vs 51.1%), and ≥45 years
(22.0% vs 21.1%). Additionally, the respondents’
residence areas were evenly distributed across Hong
Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
These findings suggest high representativeness and
generalisability in the study sample. Furthermore,
monetary incentives were provided, which may have
contributed to higher-quality responses.
Conclusion
This study identified associations between optimal
working conditions and lower probable anxiety
among FDWs. The findings update the estimated
prevalence of anxiety in this population and suggest
that favourable working conditions may serve as
protective factors. The study provides insights
for the development and refinement of public
health measures and occupational policies related
to migrant workers, including compensation for
overtime work, job security, and adequate rest
periods. Psychological interventions tailored to
domestic workers should be developed to address
diverse mental health needs while incorporating
labour protection. Regular review and refinement of
occupational policies may be necessary. The Labour
Department could consider conducting large-scale
quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with
domestic workers to assess and accommodate their
occupational needs. Future studies should aim to
include domestic workers of various nationalities
and other migrant worker populations.
Author contributions
Concept or design: KKY Lai, ELY Wong.
Acquisition of data: KKY Lai.
Analysis or interpretation of data: All authors.
Drafting of the manuscript: KKY Lai.
Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: ELY Wong.
Acquisition of data: KKY Lai.
Analysis or interpretation of data: All authors.
Drafting of the manuscript: KKY Lai.
Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: ELY Wong.
All authors had full access to the data, contributed to the study, approved the final version for publication, and take responsibility for its accuracy and integrity.
Conflicts of interest
All authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgement
The authors thank Prof Marc KC Chong, Ms Annie WL
Cheung and Mr Jonathan CH Ma from the Centre for Health
Systems and Policy Research, The Jockey Club School of Public
Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong
Kong for their valuable comments on the study and support
in data analysis. The authors also thank all study respondents
for their valuable time in completing the questionnaires and
for their contributions as migrant workers in Hong Kong.
Funding/support
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Ethics approval
This research was approved by the Survey and Behavioural
Research Ethics Committee of The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Ref No.: 018-22). The study
was conducted in accordance with the principles of the
Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from
the participants prior to commencement of the survey.
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