Mental Stress among Climate Migrant Older Women in Dhaka City

Abstract

Climate change-induced displacement is a growing issue in Bangladesh, where frequent climate-related disasters force thousands of people to migrate annually. Older women, in particular, face compounded vulnerabilities due to the intersection of gender, age, and displacement, resulting in significant psychosocial stress. This study aims to investigate the mental stress experienced by climate-induced migrant women aged 60 and above, residing in Dhaka's urban slums, focusing on their migration journeys from rural to urban settings and exploring the psychosocial challenges they face before, during, and after displacement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to explore the lived experiences of displaced older women, while the quantitative component utilized the Dhaka Stress Scale-Adult (DSS-A) to assess mental stress levels and examine its effects on the women’s well-being, alongside an evaluation of their living conditions. The quantitative findings indicated that 95% of respondents, all elderly climate migrant women, scored 301 or above, indicating severe levels of stress whereas qualitative findings discovered that Elderly climate migrant women in the Korail slum rely heavily on family support, particularly from sons, but face financial struggles, suboptimal living conditions, and significant psycho-social challenges, with repeated exposure to climatic events and disruptions in family structures creating chronic vulnerability. Findings also revealed that displacement disrupts established social networks and traditional coping mechanisms, exacerbating mental health vulnerabilities. Women reported feelings of loss, isolation, and anxiety about an uncertain future. Additionally, mental stress levels were significantly higher among displaced women, and their needs were often overlooked by both governmental and non-governmental support systems. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including community-based mental health services, policies to promote social inclusion, and support programs specifically designed for older women affected by climate-induced displacement. These interventions should address the unique needs of this marginalized population to mitigate the negative impacts of displacement. This research provides essential insights for policymakers and practitioners, advocating for more inclusive and responsive approaches to climate-induced displacement.