Tailoring mental health surveys for Indonesian migrant domestic workers: Insights from a participatory co-design study

This study explores the mental health challenges faced by Indonesian migrant domestic workers (IMDWs) caring for older adults, using a co-design methodology to develop culturally sensitive research instruments. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the research began with translations and cognitive interviews with IMDW union leaders, followed by a pilot survey of 34 IMDWs. Feedback emphasised the need to use familiar language, to be sensitive to content, and to be flexible in administering the survey. The pilot results showed acceptable internal consistency for most scales, demonstrating the effectiveness of the co-design and cognitive interviewing processes. These methods proved essential in producing relevant and methodologically sound instruments, thereby enhancing the accuracy of future research on the mental health of IMDWs in caring roles.