CGPH FACULTY: Lia Fernald, Karen Sokal-Gutierrez
DATE OF PUBLICATION: August 2015
REGION: Latin America
REFERENCE: Burmaster KB, Landefeld JC, Rehkopf DH, Lahiff M, Sokal-Gutierrez K, Adler-Milstein S, Fernald LC. Impact of a private sector living wage intervention on depressive symptoms among apparel workers in the Dominican Republic: a quasi-experimental study. BMJ Open. 2015 Aug 3;5(8):e007336. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007336.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Poverty reduction interventions through cash transfers and microcredit have had mixed effects on mental health. In this quasi-experimental study, we evaluate the effect of a living wage intervention on depressive symptoms of apparel factory workers in the Dominican Republic. Policymakers have long grappled with how best to improve mental health among populations in low-income and middle-income countries. We find that providing a living wage and workplace improvements to improve income and well-being in a disadvantaged population is associated with reduced depressive symptoms.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed