Psychosocial problems, daily functioning and help-seeking behaviour of international migrant workers in the Netherlands: A qualitative study to inform the adaptation of a scalable stepped-care intervention

TL;DR

This study explores the challenges and help-seeking behaviors of international migrant workers in the Netherlands to adapt a mental health intervention for their specific needs.

Contribution

The study provides a culturally adapted, scalable psychological intervention tailored to the unique context of international migrant workers in the Netherlands.

Findings

International migrant workers face work, housing, and healthcare access issues, exacerbated by the pandemic.

Stigma and fear of job loss hinder help-seeking behaviors among migrant workers.

The intervention was adapted to be context-specific and offered remotely to better serve Polish migrant workers in the Netherlands.

Abstract

International migrant workers (IMWs) may face insecure work and housing, limited access to healthcare and increased risk of psychological problems. Two scalable, evidence-based interventions to support individuals experiencing psychological distress are Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (DWM) and Problem Management Plus (PM+). This study aimed to explore IMWs’ problems, daily functioning and help-seeking behaviour, to inform cultural adaptation of the DWM/PM+ stepped-care intervention in the Netherlands. Following the Design, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DIME) model, we conducted various qualitative interviews and a focus group discussion with IMWs (n = 30) and professionals (n = 18). Data were analysed thematically, and findings informed adaptations. Participants described problems related to work, housing, administration, finances, healthcare access and the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily routines focused on practical needs. Help-seeking was hindered by stigma, fear of job loss, low trust and reliance on informal or cross-border healthcare. Based on these results, the intervention was adapted to the needs of Polish IMWs in the Netherlands, regarding content and examples, which were tailored to their context; the intervention was offered remotely and collaboration with employers was avoided. These findings highlight the structural vulnerabilities of IMWs and demonstrate how qualitative insights can guide the cultural adaptation of a psychological intervention.

Figures