International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Vol 15, No 2: June 2026

Migrant worker mental health in Southeast Asia: a bibliometric analysis of public health research (2005–2025)

Suamuang Ruangrit (Mediterranean College (Affiliated with the University of Derby)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

Southeast Asia hosts an estimated 10-14 million intraregional labor migrants who face disproportionate mental health burdens. No bibliometric study has systematically mapped the intellectual landscape or knowledge gaps of migrant worker mental health research specific to this region. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on peer-reviewed literature indexed in Web of Science and Scopus (January 2005-December 2025), following the BIBLIO checklist. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (R v4.4) were used for keyword co-occurrence network mapping and publication trend analysis, respectively. A total of 487 eligible records were identified. Annual output grew from fewer than 10 publications per year before 2010 to over 60 per year from 2021 onward. Thailand dominated as the primary study setting (38.6%) and top-producing country (31.4%). Five thematic clusters emerged: i) depression and anxiety screening, ii) occupational stressors, iii) acculturation and social support, iv) healthcare access barriers, and v) social determinants of health. Symptom-prevalence research declined from 68% to 31% while equity-focused research grew from <1% to 14% over two decades. The field has grown substantially but remains geographically concentrated. Equity-focused, structurally informed research agendas are urgently needed to reduce mental health disparities among the region's most vulnerable workers.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJPHS

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions

Description

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes material on all aspects of public health science. This IJPHS provides the ideal platform for the discussion of more sophisticated public health research and practice for authors and readers world ...