University of Sussex
Browse

Co-producing a culturally sensitive storytelling video intervention to improve psychosocial wellbeing: a multi-methods participatory study with Nepalese migrant workers

journal contribution
posted on 2025-02-04, 16:51 authored by Paudyal Priyamvada, Anjum MemonAnjum Memon, Carol Watts, Clio Berry, Jackie Cassell
Abstract Objective: This study aimed to co-produce a culturally adaptive storytelling intervention to support the psychosocial wellbeing of Nepalese migrant workers. Design: A mixed-methods participatory study involving three different but interconnected phases: (1) formative research involving a systematic review, pilot survey and stakeholder consultations; (2) exploration and analysis of Nepalese literature relevant to contemporary migration; and (3) co-production of a storytelling intervention, using participatory workshops. Participants and settings: Convenience sample of outgoing and returnee migrant workers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, their families, and other relevant stakeholders in Dhading District of Bagmati Province, Nepal. Results: The systematic review of 33 included studies identified five key health issues: mental health, occupational hazards; sexual health; healthcare access; and infectious diseases. In the survey (N=60), workers reported various health problems including fever/common cold (42%); mental health problems (25%); and verbal abuse (35%). Twenty interviewees identified issues related to physical health (e.g., pneumonia and kidney disease) as well as mental health (e.g. anxiety and depression). Nepalese literary resources primarily portrayed: separation; hopelessness and helplessness; and poor workplace environments. Drawing on these findings and iterative workshops with stakeholders, a culturally sensitive storytelling intervention was co-produced to support the psychosocial wellbeing of Nepalese migrant workers in GCC countries. The intervention used an animated video format with audio narration and subtitles, presenting a story centred around the struggles of an archetypal male migrant worker and their use of coping strategies for dealing with adversities. Conclusions: This is a feasibility study conducted in a single district of Nepal; as such, the findings should be generalised cautiously. Despite these limitations, the project testifies to the value of participatory methods in the development of culturally sensitive public health interventions for marginalised groups, and points to the utility of co-produced storytelling formats in migrant health contexts. Future research is needed to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of the intervention as well as the outcomes and experiences of migrant workers who engaged with the video.

Funding

IDCF1 Co-producing a culturally adaptive storytelling intervention with migrants and families : UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX | IDCF1

History

Publication status

  • Accepted

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

BMJ Open

ISSN

2044-6055

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications
  • BSMS Publications

Institution

University of Sussex