HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong is actively seeking ways to enhance health awareness among parish communities serving foreign domestic workers. This plan was made following a health check-up day at St. Stephen’s Church, Kwai Chung, co-organised by Health In Action, the parish and the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development on August 10.
The alarming findings from this event highlighted the interplay of limited exercise, unhealthy eating patterns, and psychological stress as contributing factors to the prevalent health issues among domestic workers, as well as an urgent need for community efforts to improve health outcomes for this often-overlooked group.
The small-scale survey revealed disturbing trends as over 70 per cent of the 30 participants from 35 to 61 years old were classified as obese, while around 60 per cent exhibited high blood pressure—numbers that far exceed average health statistics for women in Hong Kong.
Alarmingly, less than a third were taking medication for high blood pressure. The findings also indicated that over half of the participants had low levels of good cholesterol, putting them at heightened risk for chronic health issues.
This result has garnered attention from the diocese. On October 28, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing and vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, met with Dr. Fan Ning, founder of Health In Action, and other representatives to strategise on improving health support for foreign domestic workers within the Church.
The small-scale survey revealed disturbing trends as over 70 per cent of the 30 participants from 35 to 61 years old were classified as obese, while around 60 per cent exhibited high blood pressure—numbers that far exceed average health statistics for women in Hong Kong
Discussions included the possibilities of community health checks, health exercises prior to church gatherings, coordinated responses during influenza season, prayers for the health of community members as well as cooperations with medical associations.
Susanna Lee of the commission, expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of Health in Action in helping the vulnerable in society. The commission is looking for opportunities to conduct further health tests in other parishes in cooperation with them.
While migrant communities contributed a lot through various services, she emphasised the importance of serving one another equally in the Church, and bringing together Chinese and English-speaking groups, following Pope Francis’ appeal for unity among different groups in the Jubilee Year.
Lifestyle issues to be addressed
Senior community nurse, Bowie Kwong of Health In Action, along with parish volunteers, conducted the assessments in August, beginning with blood tests early in the morning followed by individual explanations of the results after 10:00am.
According to Kwong, many participants interviewed expressed concerns about their limited food options and lack of time for physical activities in conversations with the health professionals. She hopes that the check up can help improve their self-awareness and monitor their own health situations.
On October 28, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing and vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, met with Dr. Fan Ning, founder of Health In Action, and other representatives to strategise on improving health support for foreign domestic workers within the Church
Dr. Joyce Ching Tak-kwan, chairperson of Health In Action, attributed the health concerns to several lifestyle factors. She emphasised that the nature of domestic work—often consisting of long hours of physical labour—might create the illusion of adequate exercise, but in fact, household chores lack the intensity required to meet health fitness standards.
“Many workers reported that extended work hours further reduced their opportunity for physical activity, which can lead to a lower metabolic rate, increased obesity, and a higher risk of chronic diseases,” she said.
Furthermore, she observed that foreign domestic workers often struggle with poor dietary habits and overall health awareness as their eating patterns are influenced by their employers’ preferences, limiting access to fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins.
Budget constraints on holidays lead them to opt for cheaper, nutrient-poor processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, which negatively impacts their health.
Additionally, they face significant psychological stress due to cultural differences with employers, heavy workloads, and prolonged separation from family. She believes the stress can sometimes lead to overeating or sleep issues, while a lack of health knowledge and resources further exacerbates health inequalities.
Furthermore, she observed that foreign domestic workers often struggle with poor dietary habits and overall health awareness as their eating patterns are influenced by their employers’ preferences, limiting access to fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins
Ching noted the crucial role domestic workers play as primary caregivers, suggesting that empowering them with health knowledge can positively influence the health practices of entire households.
She urged employers to support their employees in accessing health checks and managing their wellness, reaffirming that such support would enhance both the workers’ well-being and the overall harmony within their employers’ families.
Given that churches serve as a second home for many of these workers, she hopes more community initiatives, such as health-themed workshops, supportive prayer meetings and health checks, can be held in parishes and her group is happy to go on with its support.
