Title: Reproductive health services for female Laotian migrant workers in Mukdahan Province
Author: Yukiko Aida
Year: 2006
Keywords: N/A
Theme: Migration
Advisor(s): Supang Chantavanich
The full thesis available here.
Abstract: Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, reproductive health has become a key element of health development strategies. Promoting reproductive health significantly influences women's autonomy, birth choices, and the provision of high-quality healthcare services for all women of reproductive age without discrimination in Thailand. Migrant workers from neighboring countries can address and fulfill the demand for unskilled labor in various industries under continuous economic expansion. However, due to limited job markets in Laos, more young Laotians are migrating to Thailand, resulting in a steadily increasing female-male labor force. The demand for Laotian workers in the service and domestic sectors is relatively high due to their similar cultural and linguistic characteristics to Thais. Nevertheless, in reality, access to healthcare services remains largely undisclosed due to the significant number of undocumented migrant workers. This research aimed to examine the reproductive health status, awareness, and knowledge of Lao migrant women in Thailand; to study the causes of reproductive health risks among Lao female workers; and to explore reproductive health services for Lao female workers. The study also included an analysis of information and service provision systems by the government, private organizations, and international organizations. Data collection involved secondary data, structured interviews with Lao migrant women in Mukdahan province, and interviews with key informants. The findings revealed that Lao female workers have low levels of knowledge and awareness regarding reproductive health, despite facing lower risks compared to workers in other occupations, such as those indirectly involved in sex work. However, they remain at risk in their daily lives. The study also found inadequate reproductive health services, coupled with local beliefs and values that discourage contraception choices in Laos. Furthermore, employers exhibit significant influence on female workers' health, and spouses and friends play crucial roles in promoting access to health services. The illegal status of these workers poses risks and obstacles to accessing necessary services. Since the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 in Cairo, reproductive health has become an important component of health development strategy. The promotion of reproductive health has been known to have significant influence on the autonomy of women. Reproductive choice, especially access to high quality reproductive health services, must be secured for every woman without discrimination. In Thailand, migrant workers from neighboring countries fill unskilled labor needs of many industries. Due to a scarcity of jobs within their country, many young Laotians migrate to Thailand. It is estimated that females consist of more than half of total Laotian workers. The demand for service and domestic work is high for Laotians due to their cultural and linguistic similarity with Thais. However, in reality, access to health services is unknown since there are substantial numbers of undocumented migrant workers. The following are the research objectives. Firstly, the study examines the status of reproductive health, the awareness and knowledge of female Lao migrant workers in Thailand. Secondly, the causes of vulnerability among female Lao migrants are examined. Thirdly, this study investigates reproductive health care services which are available to female Lao migrants. Finally, the reproductive health care and information delivery systems of the government, NGO and international agencies are analyzed. Secondary data analysis, structured interviews with Laotian migrant service workers in Mukdahan province and interviews with key-informants were adopted as research techniques. The research found that low levels of knowledge and a lack of awareness on concerning reproductive health existed among Laotian female workers. Although their vulnerability is less serious when compared to workers in other occupations, such as indirect sex workers; they are still at risk in their daily lives. This study also found poor availability of reproductive health service, local beliefs and norms against contraceptive choice in Laos. Furthermore, the influence that employers have on health maintenance of migrants is also confirmed from the findings. Partners and friends were identified to play a significant role in improving access to the health services. The illegal status of workers makes them vulnerable and causes difficulty in accessing public health service at their destination of work.