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A total of 290 female Filipino domestic helpers residing in Hong Kong completed a concurrent cross sectional survey designed to provide an initial report of basic data which measured mental health symptoms, health-related behaviors, health locus of control and social support. The four top ranking symptoms of mental distress reported included waking in the early hours, loneliness, worry and taking a long time to get to sleep. In general, the level of health related behaviors was high, with a satisfactory diet and low rates of alcohol, nicotine and coffee consumption. However, few women surveyed had previously had a Pap smear. There were also low scores for other preventive health practices. Reinforcement for health behaviors was seen as either a matter of chance or being influenced by powerful others for two thirds of the women. The conclusion highlights the intersection between gender, immigration and …