Mediating Role of Social Support on the Relationship Between Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health among Women Domestic Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health among women domestic workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected from 385 women domestic workers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using partial least squaresstructural equation modelling (PLSSEM) to test hypothesised relationships between variables. Gender-based violence was significantly positively associated with social support (β= 0. 629; tvalue = 18. 779; p < 0. 000); social support was significantly positively associated with mental health (β= 0. 293; t-value = 6. 290; p<0. 000); and social support partially mediated the relationship between GBV and mental health (β= 0. 184; t-value = 6. 067; p< 0. 000); in other words, it was protective against the negative effects of GBV on mental health. The results indicate that social support acts as a buffer to mitigate the psychological effects of GBV on this vulnerable group. This study recommends targeted interventions to strengthen social support networks and policy interventions to address GBV and improve mental well-being among women domestic workers. This study contributes to the literature on GBV and mental health in low-resource settings by highlighting the need for context-specific interventions for marginalised groups.