A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LIFE SATISFACTION, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRESS IN INDIANS VERSUS INDIAN EXPATRIATES WORKING IN OMAN
Abstract
Objective
Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Indian migrants in the country of Oman. The Indians working and living there are diverse in terms of the economic strata; therefore, the living and working conditions are also very different. There is a lack of studies focusing on the Indian population, working in abroad more specifically on their lifestyle and its impact on mental and physical health. Hence a need was felt to understand the mental and physical aspect and life satisfaction of the Indian population working and living in Oman.
Methodology
200 (Office Workers in India-52, Office Workers in Oman-52, Labors in India-48, Labors in Oman-48)
- 1. Perceived Stress Scale
- 2. Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)
- 3. Musculoskeletal Discomfort Form
- Researcher’s Assisted Questionnaire
Results: The findings of present study show that among the total 104 office workers, 66% of office workers in India had higher stress level as compared to 34% of Indian office workers in Oman, in case of life satisfaction, 62% of Indian office workers in Oman were better satisfied with life as compared to 38% of office workers in India. Considering the labor population, among the total 96 labors 53% of Indian labor in Oman had high stress level as compared to 47% of labors in India, in case of life satisfaction, 57% of labors in India were better satisfied with life as compared to 43% of Indian labors in Oman. Office workers reported discomfort in the neck and back region whereas the labor population reported discomfort in knee, shoulder and ankle regions. Providing support to family, dissatisfaction with the job and heavy workload are some of the reasons that the Indian population recognized as factors contributing to their stress and level of life satisfaction. The non-resident population acknowledged facts such as having family support, good living conditions and job satisfaction as factors contributing to their stress and satisfaction with life.
Conclusion: Considering mental stress, the office workers in India have high stress level as compared to the office workers in Oman. On the other hand, the labors working both in India and Oman are facing high stress levels. It was found that in case of life satisfaction, the office workers in Oman are more satisfied with life than the office workers in India whereas, the labors working in Oman are less satisfied with life as compared to the labors working in India. It was found that the neck and lower back areas are more affected among the office workers and the knees, shoulders and ankles are the areas of discomfort among the labors.
Keywords
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