Migrant Workers and Physical Health: an Umbrella Review

Abstract

Migrants are mainly employed in "3D Jobs" dirty, dangerous, difficult, characterized by monotony, intense rhythms, in sectors at higher risk as construction, heavy industry, agriculture. Aim of this study is to elaborate a systematic review, in order to identify the main occupational risks and occupational diseases of this category. Research included articles published from 2013 to 2018 on the major online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus), using a combination of some keywords (migrant workers, expatriates, physical health, diseases, illnesses, travel, travelers, work and occupational). The online search indicated 1.109 references. We excluded 977 studies, because unrelated to physical health and 64 due to duplication. They were analyzed 68 articles, including 6 reviews and 62 original article. The main risk emerged are to developing infectious diseases, metabolic cardiovascular diseases and to manifesting a lower quality of life, in particular due to difficulties in accessing local health services. It will be crucial to implement the role of occupational medicine in order to introduce multilevel interventions designed to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and to promote healthier working environments.

“Looking for Better (Job) Opportunities”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Occupational Health of Immigrants in Southern Spain

“…In fact, immigrants’ job opportunities in Spain are usually accompanied by factors that may impact their quality of life and working conditions such as working in irregular and illegal situations, occupying jobs in small businesses where supervision and protection of occupational risks are limited (Mucci et al, 2019), have been living in the host country for a short time (Ronda-Pérez et al, 2019), and extensive working days and temporary or part-time jobs (Simkhada et al, 2018). The rates of unemployment, the lack of access to health services, the lack of social support, ethno-cultural and language differences, ignorance of labor rights and security measures, and family economic dependence (Ronda-Pérez et al, 2014; van Tubergen, 2011; Yanar et al, 2018) are some of the factors that motivate these immigrants to accept these jobs and poor labor conditions.…”

“…These problems mentioned above become even more important over time, when the immigrant population, previously healthy, started to increase the morbidity and mortality rates as compared with the native population (Mehmood et al, 2018; Pocock et al, 2016; Ronda-Pérez et al, 2014). Concerning OHS, the rates of trauma in construction sector, respiratory and dermatological diseases in the agricultural sector, or those derived from lack of hygiene and exposure to high temperatures in the eating establishments are frequent (Mucci et al, 2019). The long working hours seem to intensify these risks (Ronda-Pérez et al, 2014), increasing disease vulnerability (Ahonen et al, 2007; Moyce & Schenker, 2018).…”

The Effect of Subjective Perception of Work in Relation to Occupational and Demographic Factors on the Mental Health of Polish Nurses

“…However, while studies carried out in other countries confirm the negative effect of occupational stress on the mental health of nurses ( 43 ), the effect and interaction of other factors is different. For example, some researchers show interaction with the type of ward or seniority ( 9 , 21 , 44 , 45 ).…”

“…The high social expectations and professional demands placed on nurses by hospital management, juxtaposed to the low salaries constitute a perfect match for testing the aforementioned stress theories. Based on numerous studies, it is known that stressors at work have a negative effect on employee health ( 21 , 22 ). Somatic and mental stress-related disease rates are higher among nurses than in the general population ( 2 ).…”

Sexual Behaviours among Oil and Gas Workers in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria: Assessing the Impact of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs

“…5,6 Some factors associated with unsafe behavioural changes such as unsafe sexual activities, excessive drinking, migration, mobility, and separation from family. 1,7 The risk of heterosexual HIV transmission is greater among workers in rural communities due to their lack of access to HIV treatment and prevention or inadequate facilities, exposure to sex workers and work situations. 1 In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the rural communities, the definition of sexual activities is determined by cultural belief, social and economic context.…”