Psychological Distress among migrant labourers during the COVID-19 lockdown in a Southern state of India – A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The imposition of the lockdown as a measure to contain the exponential progression of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a massive reverse migration of labourers from the “destination” to “source” in large parts of the country and has hit the unskilled and semi-skilled labourers the most. This study assessed psychological distress among migrant labourers who were heading back home due to lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 migrant labourers who were placed in five Government run shelters in a 2^nd biggest city in Southern state of Karnataka. These migrant labourers were assessed for Psychological Distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data was analysed using Chi square tests, Fisher’s exact tests and Poisson regression analysis. Results: Mild psychological distress was reported among 26.67%, moderate distress among 24.44% and severe distress among 15.56% of migrant labourers. Older age, being married, having more number of children were significantly associated with psychological distress (p < 0.05). Migrant labourers who experienced psychological distress were mostly working as unskilled labourers with a lesser pay than the labour laws of the country. Increasing severity of psychological distress was associated with higher odds of these correlates. Conclusions: Significant psychological distress was found in migrant labourers during reverse migration due to lockdown imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychological wellbeing should also be considered on same lines of physical health while providing care in Government run shelter home for migration worker.