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Hagose M, Burton-Jeangros C, Fakhoury J, Consoli L, Refle JE, Jackson Y. Working Conditions and Self-Reported Health Among Undocumented and Newly Regularized Migrants in Geneva: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606394. [PMID: 38125708 PMCID: PMC10730670 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Most undocumented migrants are employed in so-called "dirty jobs" or "3D jobs" (dangerous, dirty and degrading) due to their lack of legal status. This study aimed to describe the self-reported health of undocumented and newly regularized migrants in relation to their working conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected during the first phase of the Parchemins study (2017-18), a survey that monitors the socioeconomic and health impact of a regularization scheme for undocumented workers in Geneva, Switzerland. The sample consists of 395 undocumented and newly regularized migrants. Results: Overall, 147 (37.2%) rated their health as very good or excellent. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that work-related factors associated with better self-reported health included higher satisfaction with working conditions, while legal status regularization showed only a borderline association. By contrast, workers performing very demanding tasks and having more difficulties finding a new job were less likely to report very good or excellent health. Conclusion: Findings show that work-related factors had a stronger influence on self-reported health compared to legal status change. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of regularization on working conditions and self-rated health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munire Hagose
- Faculté des Sciences de la Société, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- Faculté des Sciences de la Société, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre Interfacultaire de Gérontologie et d’Études des Vulnérabilités, Université de Genève, Carouge, Switzerland
| | - Julien Fakhoury
- Faculté des Sciences de la Société, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre Interfacultaire de Gérontologie et d’Études des Vulnérabilités, Université de Genève, Carouge, Switzerland
| | - Liala Consoli
- Faculté des Sciences de la Société, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre Interfacultaire de Gérontologie et d’Études des Vulnérabilités, Université de Genève, Carouge, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Erik Refle
- LIVES Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre Interfacultaire de Gérontologie et d’Études des Vulnérabilités, Université de Genève, Carouge, Switzerland
| | - Yves Jackson
- Division de Médecine de Premier Recours, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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Refle JE, Fakhoury J, Burton-Jeangros C, Consoli L, Jackson Y. Impact of legal status regularization on undocumented migrants’ self-reported and mental health in Switzerland. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101398. [PMID: 37123558 PMCID: PMC10130692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Undocumented migrants face cumulative difficulties like precarious living and working conditions or exclusion from health services that might negatively influence their health. Little is known about the evolution of undocumented migrants' self-reported health (SRH) and mental health after they get documented. This study aims to observe the effect of legal status regularization on SRH and mental health in a cohort of migrants undergoing regularization in Geneva, Switzerland. We evaluate SRH with the first item of the Short Form Survey (SF12) and depression as a proxy of mental health with the PHQ-9 questionnaire over four years among 387 undocumented and newly documented migrants. Using hybrid linear models, our data show that regularization has no direct effect on SRH, but has direct positive effects on mental health in a longitudinal perspective, even when controlling for competing factors. The arrival of the pandemic did not alter these effects. Migrants tend to evaluate their subjective health status more positively than the prevalence of screened depression shows. Those findings point towards better targeted policies that could reduce the burden of depression among undocumented migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Erik Refle
- LIVES, Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Fakhoury
- LIVES, Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- LIVES, Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liala Consoli
- LIVES, Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yves Jackson
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1211, 14 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Agudelo-Suárez AA, Vargas-Valencia MY, Vahos-Arias J, Ariza-Sosa G, Rojas-Gutiérrez WJ, Ronda-Pérez E. A qualitative study of employment, working and health conditions among Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e2782-e2792. [PMID: 35023594 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the perceptions of the Venezuelan immigrant population in Medellín, Colombia, regarding their employment, working and health conditions (physical, mental and psychosocial). A qualitative study was conducted (focused ethnography perspective). Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 31 Venezuelans and 12 key informants from different social organisations that work with the immigrant population. A narrative content analysis was carried out (Atlas.Ti 8.0 software). The migratory process for Venezuelans is caused for political, economical and social aspects in Venezuela and Colombia is offered as the first destination for labour establishing. Access to the labour market is limited to certain occupations, in many cases in the informal economy. Participants referring low salaries, working long hours and reduced social benefits. Occupational risks are evidenced by low experience in the labour market. Some health problems are perceived, and a good part of the interviewed population referred to signs and symptoms related to mental health problems. Barriers to access health and social protection services were found. Finally, future expectations depend on their adaptation to Colombia, the improvement of social conditions in Venezuela or having chances of improving their social and living conditions in another country. A high labour and social vulnerability were found in Venezuelan participants that impact on physical and mental health. Political and strategies from a public health perspective are required and the implementation of systems for monitoring and evaluating the labour and health situation in the working immigrant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés A Agudelo-Suárez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Mary Y Vargas-Valencia
- The National Training Service (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje-SENA), Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Elena Ronda-Pérez
- Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Bazzoli A, Probst TM. Vulnerable workers in insecure jobs: A critical meta‐synthesis of qualitative findings. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Delgado-Cáceres FM, Silva-Parra KA, Torres-Slimming PA. Association between time of residence and self-perception of distress, interpersonal relationships, and social role in Venezuelan immigrants in Lima, Peru 2018-19: mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1093. [PMID: 35650547 PMCID: PMC9157030 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13459-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immigrants arriving in a new country face changes that affect their social, employment, and migratory status. We carried out a mixed-methods study in the rapidly growing Venezuelan immigrant population in Lima, Peru. The objective was to determine whether there was an association between time in Peru and self-perception of symptom distress (SD), interpersonal relationships (IR), and social role (SR). METHODS The quantitative central component consisted of a cross-sectional study, surveying 152 participants using the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2 (OQ-45.2). The qualitative component, based on phenomenology, explored experiences and challenges during the migration process. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in 16 informants. RESULTS An association that was observed was the increase in the risk of clinically significant SR score with additional years of age. All informants mentioned having witnessed or experienced xenophobia in Peru. Every informant stated that significant labor differences existed between the countries. The most reported somatic symptoms were symptoms of anxiety and alterations of sleep. Additionally, no informant expressed a desire to remain in Peru long term. CONCLUSIONS A minority of participants registered a clinically significant total score and in each of the three domains of SD, IR, and SR. No association between months in Lima and the self-perception of distress was found. However, this could be due to the short amount of time spent in Peru and any change in self-perception might only be perceived after years or decades spent in Peru. This study is one of the first to use mixed-methods to explore the mental health of the immigrant Venezuelan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Milton Delgado-Cáceres
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Alameda San Marcos cuadra 2, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Peru
| | - Kevin Angel Silva-Parra
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Alameda San Marcos cuadra 2, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Peru
| | - Paola A Torres-Slimming
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Alameda San Marcos cuadra 2, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Peru. .,Red Internacional América Latina, África, Europa, El Caríbe (ALEC) "Territorio(s), Poblaciones Vulnerables y Políticas Públicas." Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France.
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Fakhoury J, Burton-Jeangros C, Consoli L, Duvoisin A, Jackson Y. Association Between Residence Status Regularization and Access to Healthcare for Undocumented Migrants in Switzerland: A Panel Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:832090. [PMID: 35664122 PMCID: PMC9160788 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Switzerland has a universal healthcare system. Yet, undocumented migrants face barriers at different levels that hinder their access to healthcare services. The aim of this study is to assess whether undocumented migrants' healthcare utilization improves with residence status regularization. Methods We used two-wave panel data from the Parchemins study, a study exploring the impact of regularization on undocumented migrants' health in Geneva, Switzerland. First wave data were collected between 2017 and 2018, second wave data between 2019 and 2020. At baseline, the sample consisted of 309 undocumented migrants, recruited after the implementation of a temporary regularization policy in Geneva. We distributed them into two groups according to their residence status 12 months before the second data collection [regularized vs. undocumented (controls)]. Using as dependent variable the number of medical consultations within two distinct 12-months periods (the first before regularization, the second after regularization), we conducted multivariable regression analyses applying hurdle specification to identify factors enhancing healthcare utilization. Then, we estimated first-difference panel models to assess change in healthcare utilization along regularization. Models were adjusted for demographic, economic and health-related factors. Results Of the 309 participants, 68 (22%) were regularized. For the 12 months before regularization, these migrants did not significantly differ in their healthcare utilization from the controls. At this stage, factors increasing the odds of having consulted at least once included being a female (aOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.37–5.30) and having access to a general practitioner (aOR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.62–6.13). The factors associated with the number of consultations apart from underlying health conditions were the equivalent disposable income (aIRR per additional CHF 100.-: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–1.00) and having access to a general practitioner (aIRR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09–1.92). For the 12 months after regularization, being regularized was not associated with higher odds of having consulted at least once. However, among participants who consulted at least once, regularized ones reported higher counts of medical consultations than controls (3.7 vs. 2.6, p = 0.02), suggesting a positive impact of regularization. Results from the first-difference panel models confirmed that residence status regularization might have driven migrants' healthcare utilization (aβ: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.31-1.77). Conclusions This study supports the hypothesis that residence status regularization is associated with improved healthcare utilization among undocumented migrants. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which regularization improves undocumented migrants' use of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fakhoury
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) “LIVES – Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Julien Fakhoury
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) “LIVES – Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liala Consoli
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) “LIVES – Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Sociological Research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Duvoisin
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) “LIVES – Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yves Jackson
- Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Duque T, Aceros JC, Paloma V. Sociopolitical development of female migrant domestic workers in Southern Spain: A qualitative study of a pathway against injustice. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Duque
- Department of Social Psychology University of Seville Seville Spain
| | - Juan C. Aceros
- Escuela de Trabajo Social Universidad Industrial de Santander Bucaramanga Colombia
| | - Virginia Paloma
- Department of Social Psychology University of Seville Seville Spain
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Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Perceptions of Health, Work Environment and Experiences of Work-Related Symptoms Among Cleaning Workers. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 24:1398-1407. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01328-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study explored racial and ethnic differences in perception of work environment, safe work practices, general health status, experience of work-related injury or illness and subsequent symptom reporting and health care seeking behaviors among cleaning workers. This study analyzed cross-sectional data obtained from 183 cleaning workers employed in a university hospital or a health sciences campus in Northern California. The sample included 120 Asians (65.6%), 37 Hispanics (20.2%), and 27 other ethnicities (14.2%); 85.7% were foreign-born. Asian workers perceived lower job control and supervisor support and higher job strain than other workers. The odds of perceiving general health as excellent or very good were lower among Asians compared to Hispanics and Others. Asians who experienced chemical-related symptoms were less likely than Hispanics and others to report the symptoms to their supervisor or seek healthcare. Our study findings indicated racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of work and general health, seeking healthcare, and reporting behaviors among cleaning workers. Asian workers, specifically, may need special attention to improve their experiences of work environments and health in the workplace.
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Aktas E, Bergbom B, Godderis L, Kreshpaj B, Marinov M, Mates D, McElvenny DM, Mehlum IS, Milenkova V, Nena E, Glass DC. Migrant workers occupational health research: an OMEGA-NET working group position paper. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:765-777. [PMID: 34661721 PMCID: PMC8521506 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01803-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aims of the study were: (1) to clarify the definitions of “migrant” used in occupational health research; (2) to summarize migrant workers’ industry sectors, occupations and employment conditions; (3) to identify the occupational health and safety services available to migrant workers; (4) to summarize work-related health problems found among migrant workers; (5) to identify the methodological challenges to research into occupational health of migrant workers; and (6) to recommend improvements in migrant occupational health research. Methods This position paper was prepared by researchers from several European countries and Australia, working within the EU COST Action OMEGA-NET. The paper drew on two recent systematic reviews on the occupational health of international migrant workers and other literature, and also identified uncertainties and gaps in the research literature. Migrants may, for example, be temporary or permanent, moving for specific jobs migrants or other reasons. Their ethnicity and language capabilities will affect their work opportunities. Results The occupational health literature seldom adequately identifies the heterogeneity or characteristics of the migrant group being studied. Migrants tend to work in more physically and mentally demanding environments with higher exposures than native workers. Migrants tend to have an increased risk of physical and mental ill health, but less access to health care services. This has been demonstrated recently by high rates of COVID-19 and less access to health care. There have been a number of cross-sectional studies of migrant health but few long-term cohort studies were identified. Other study designs, such as registry-based studies, surveys and qualitative studies may complement cross-sectional studies. Mixed-methodology studies would be valuable in research on migrants’ occupational health. Language and lack of trust are barriers to migrant research participation. Conclusion Targeted research, especially longitudinal, identifying how these economically important but often-vulnerable workers can be best assisted is needed. Researchers should identify the characteristics of the migrant workers that they are studying including visa/migration circumstances (temporary, permanent, undocumented), racial and ethnic characteristics, existing skills and language abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Aktas
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bertina Kreshpaj
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mario Marinov
- South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Dana Mates
- The National Institute of Public Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Damien M McElvenny
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.,University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Evangelia Nena
- Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Deborah C Glass
- MonCOEH, Monash University, 553 ST Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
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Aceros JC, Duque T, Paloma V. Psychosocial benefits and costs of activism among female migrant domestic workers in southern Spain. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 49:2905-2921. [PMID: 34096622 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Economic migrant women often experience oppressive living and working conditions in the receiving societies. Activism is a liberatory behavior these women may employ to transform such situations. This study explores the activism experience of female migrant domestic workers from Latin America settled in southern Spain, in terms of its psychosocial benefits and costs. A purposeful sample of eleven activist migrant women engaged in a grassroots organization of domestic workers and eight members of social organizations supporting their activities were interviewed in-depth individually. After a qualitative content analysis approach to the data, the study presents activism as a community engagement behavior with benefits such as the strengthening of social ties, sense of community, opportunities for sharing stories of oppression, and psychological empowerment. Activism also emerged as a demanding activity requiring high investments in time by activists and producing interpersonal conflicts, hopelessness, and burnout in some cases. Such costs may pose limits to its potential to produce well-being and liberation, implying challenges for research, intervention, and activism sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Aceros
- Escuela de Trabajo Social, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Tatiana Duque
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Virginia Paloma
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Precarious employment and health: A qualitative study in Venezuelan immigrant population in Colombia. J Migr Health 2021; 1-2:100009. [PMID: 34405164 PMCID: PMC8352164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2020.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Precarious employment constitutes an axis of analysis of health inequalities in vulnerable populations, such as immigrants. Most studies have focused on migratory movements between countries with different levels of wealth (SouthNorth contexts). The Venezuelan immigrant population is in a situation of precarious employment and high vulnerability. Precarious employment impacts immigrants’ health conditions and increases their exposure to occupational risks.
Background Employment and working conditions are considered as an element that impacts on health inequalities, especially among vulnerable groups such as the immigrant population. This study aims to describe the characteristics of precarious employment in the Venezuelan immigrant population in Medellín (Colombia) according to its theoretical model and its relationship with the perception of their physical, mental, and psychosocial health. Methods A qualitative study was conducted with a focused ethnography perspective. 31 people with Venezuelan origin and work experience were interviewed in the city of Medellin and its metropolitan area and 12 key informants from different formal and informal social organizations that work with the immigrant population. A narrative content analysis was carried manually and by using the Atlas.Ti 8.0 software. The principles of analytical induction were applied to carry out a thematic analysis of the main categories defined in the precarious employment framework. Results The following characteristics of precarious employment were found: instability in employment conditions, work in the informal or submerged economy, limited empowerment, absence of social benefits, high vulnerability, low income, and a limited capacity for exercising labor rights. This situation affects mental health conditions, access to health services, and the presence of risks due to the work they perform. Conclusions The Venezuelan working population in Medellín is found in a precarious employment situation. Inclusive social strategies and policies that take into account the reality of this population are required.
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Fakhoury J, Burton-Jeangros C, Guessous I, Consoli L, Duvoisin A, Jackson Y. Self-rated health among undocumented and newly regularized migrants in Geneva: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1198. [PMID: 34162363 PMCID: PMC8220781 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe, knowledge about the social determinants of health among undocumented migrants is scarce. The canton of Geneva, Switzerland, implemented in 2017–2018 a pilot public policy aiming at regularizing undocumented migrants. We sought to test for associations between self-rated health, proven eligibility for residence status regularization and social and economic integration. Methods This paper reports data from the first wave of the Parchemins Study, a prospective study whose aim is to investigate the effect of residence status regularization on undocumented migrants’ living conditions and health. The convenience sample included undocumented migrants living in Geneva for at least 3 years. We categorized them into those who were in the process of receiving or had just been granted a residence permit (eligible or newly regularized) and those who had not applied or were ineligible for regularization (undocumented). We conducted multivariate regression analyses to determine factors associated with better self-rated health, i.e., with excellent/very good vs. good/fair/poor self-rated health. Among these factors, measures of integration, social support and economic resources were included. Results Of the 437 participants, 202 (46%) belonged to the eligible or newly regularized group. This group reported better health more frequently than the undocumented group (44.6% versus 28.9%, p-value < .001), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for social support and economic factors (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–1.87). Overall, better health was associated with larger social networks (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.04–2.64). This association remained significant even after adjusting for health-related variables. Conclusion At the onset of the regularization program, access to regularization was not associated with better self-rated health. Policies aiming at favouring undocumented migrants’ inclusion and engagement in social networks may promote better health. Future research should investigate long-term effects of residence status regularization on self-rated health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11239-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fakhoury
- Swiss NCCR Lives, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Centre interfacultaire de gerontologie et d'etudes des vulnerabilites (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liala Consoli
- Swiss NCCR Lives, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Centre interfacultaire de gerontologie et d'etudes des vulnerabilites (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Duvoisin
- Swiss NCCR Lives, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Centre interfacultaire de gerontologie et d'etudes des vulnerabilites (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yves Jackson
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Fakhoury J, Burton-Jeangros C, Consoli L, Duvoisin A, Courvoisier D, Jackson Y. Mental health of undocumented migrants and migrants undergoing regularization in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:175. [PMID: 33794822 PMCID: PMC8012741 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undocumented migrants live and work in precarious conditions. Few studies have explored the mental health consequences of such environment. The objective of this study is to describe the mental health of migrants at different stages of a regularization program. METHODS This cross-sectional study included migrants undocumented or in the process of regularization. We screened for symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance using validated tools. We created a composite outcome of altered mental health including these components plus self-report of a recent diagnosis of mental health condition by a health professional. RESULTS We enrolled 456 participants of whom 246 (53.9%) were undocumented. They were predominantly women (71.9%) with a median age of 43.3 (interquartile range: 15.5) years, from Latin America (63.6%) or Asia (20.2%) who had lived in Switzerland for 12 (IQR: 7) years. Overall, 57.2% presented symptoms of altered mental health. Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance were 36% (95% confidence interval: 31.6-40.6%), 45.4% (95% CI: 40.8-50.1%) and 23% (95% CI: 19.2-27.2), respectively. Younger age (adjusted odd ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9 for each additional decade), social isolation (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4-4.2), exposure to abuse (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.5), financial instability (aOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4-3.7) and multi-morbidity (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7-6.5) were associated with increased risk of having altered mental health while being in the early stages of the process of regularization had no effect (aOR: 1.3: 95% CI: 0.8-2.2). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need for multi-pronged social and health interventions addressing the various domains of undocumented migrants living difficulties as complement to legal status regularization policies. Protection against unfair working conditions and abuse, access to adequate housing, promoting social integration and preventive interventions to tackle the early occurrence of chronic diseases may all contribute to reduce the burden of altered mental health in this group. More research is needed to assess the long-term impact of legal status regularization on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fakhoury
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Swiss NCCR “LIVES - Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Institute of sociological research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liala Consoli
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Swiss NCCR “LIVES - Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Duvoisin
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Swiss NCCR “LIVES - Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives”, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Delphine Courvoisier
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yves Jackson
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1211, 14, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Briones-Vozmediano E, Rivas-Quarneti N, Gea-Sánchez M, Bover-Bover A, Carbonero MA, Gastaldo D. The Health Consequences of Neocolonialism for Latin American Immigrant Women Working as Caregivers in Spain: A Multisite Qualitative Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218278. [PMID: 33182437 PMCID: PMC7664865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Spain, most jobs available for Latin American immigrant women are in intimate labour (caregiving and domestic work). This work is usually performed under informal employment conditions. The objective of this study was to explain how the colonial logic mediates the experiences of Latin American women working in intimate labour in Spain, and the effects of such occupation on their health and wellbeing, using a decolonial theoretical framework. A multi-site secondary data analysis of qualitative data from four previous studies was performed utilizing 101 interviews with Latin American immigrant women working as caregivers in Spain. Three interwoven categories show how the dominant colonial logic in Spain creates low social status and precarious jobs, and naturalizes intimate labour as their métier while producing detrimental physical and psychosocial health consequences for these immigrant caregivers. The caregivers displayed several strategies to resist and navigate intimate labour and manage its negative impact on health. Respect and integration into the family for whom they work had a buffering effect, mediating the effects of working conditions on health and wellbeing. Based on our analysis, we suggest that employment, social, and health protection laws and strategies are needed to promote a positive working environment, and to reduce the impact of caregiving work for Latin American caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Briones-Vozmediano
- GESEC Group, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Grup de Recerca en Cures de la Salut, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Global Migration and Health Initiative, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (N.R.-Q.); (D.G.)
| | - Natalia Rivas-Quarneti
- Global Migration and Health Initiative, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (N.R.-Q.); (D.G.)
- Health Sciences Department (Occupational Therapy), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gea-Sánchez
- GESEC Group, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Grup de Recerca en Cures de la Salut, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Global Migration and Health Initiative, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (N.R.-Q.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andreu Bover-Bover
- Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Illes Balears, 07122 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Maria Antonia Carbonero
- Department of Philosophy and Social Work, University of Illes Balears, 07122 Mallorca, Spain;
| | - Denise Gastaldo
- Global Migration and Health Initiative, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (N.R.-Q.); (D.G.)
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
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15
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de Diego-Cordero R, Vega-Escaño J, Tarriño-Concejero L, García-Carpintero-Muñoz MÁ. The Occupational Health of Female Immigrant Caregivers: A Qualitative Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217807. [PMID: 33113817 PMCID: PMC7663160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In general, immigrants suffer poor working conditions. This is particularly true in the case of women, who constitute 48% of international migrants, and these poor conditions are closely linked to the sectors they mainly occupy, such as domestic and care-giving services. The aim of the present study was to investigate the working conditions of the female immigrant population living in southern Spain and how these conditions may affect their health. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and discussion groups was conducted over one year in 2019, with 61 immigrant women recruited. The sectors occupied by immigrant women were caregiving for dependent people and domestic services. Most of the female immigrants interviewed were working (63.94%), although the majority were employed in an irregular situation, with a very long working day. Among the main risks identified were biological risks, physical attacks, falls, wounds and musculoskeletal complaints related to handling patients and carrying out household chores. Most of them had not taken an occupational health test and did not report accidents occurring in the workplace for fear of losing their jobs. The main health problems were related to physical and mental health (such as musculoskeletal diseases and stress). These findings highlight the importance of making a major change in our perspective regarding the social value of including immigrant women in the labour market and the different aspects related to their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío de Diego-Cordero
- Research Group CTS 969 Innovation in HealthCare and Social Determinants of Health, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Juan Vega-Escaño
- Research Group CTS 1054 Interventions and Health Care, Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross Nursing School, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.V.-E.); (L.T.-C.)
| | - Lorena Tarriño-Concejero
- Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
- Correspondence: (J.V.-E.); (L.T.-C.)
| | - María Ángeles García-Carpintero-Muñoz
- Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
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Arici C, Ronda-Pérez E, Tamhid T, Absekava K, Porru S. Occupational Health and Safety of Immigrant Workers in Italy and Spain: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224416. [PMID: 31718048 PMCID: PMC6888464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to summarize the available literature on the topic of occupational health and safety (OH&S) among immigrant workers (IMWs) in Italy and Spain. We conducted a scoping review, searching Medline, Social Sciences Citation Index, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, SciELO, and EMBASE for peer-reviewed articles, published in English, Italian, or Spanish, between 1999–2018. 34 studies were included, 28 with quantitative methodology and 6 with qualitative. Main findings were that, compared to natives, IMWs in Italy and Spain showed higher prevalence of low-skilled jobs and of perceived discrimination at work; higher physical demands, poorer environmental working conditions, and more exposure to occupational risks (e.g., ergonomic and psychosocial hazards); a greater risk of occupational injuries; worse general and mental health; and a plausible worsening of their health status, especially in Spain, as a result of the economic crisis. The findings of the present scoping review constitute warning signs that indicate the need for a holistic global response to ensure that adverse OH&S outcomes among IMWs workers are improved and that equitable access to health care is guaranteed. Such a response will require a concrete and evidence-based approach to prevent and monitor occupational risk factors and associated outcomes in the workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Arici
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
- University Research Center “Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health”, Universities of Verona, Brescia and Milano Bicocca, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-812-8266; Fax: +39-045-812-4974
| | - Elena Ronda-Pérez
- Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tishad Tamhid
- Postgraduate School of Occupational Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (T.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Katsiaryna Absekava
- Postgraduate School of Occupational Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (T.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Stefano Porru
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Occupational Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
- University Research Center “Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health”, Universities of Verona, Brescia and Milano Bicocca, 37134 Verona, Italy
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17
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Adhikary P, Keen S, van Teijlingen E. Workplace Accidents Among Nepali Male Workers in the Middle East and Malaysia: A Qualitative Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 21:1115-1122. [PMID: 30073437 PMCID: PMC6726709 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There are many Nepali men working in the Middle East and Malaysia and media reports and anecdotal evidence suggest a high risk of workplace-related accidents and injuries for male Nepali workers. Therefore, this study aims to explore the personal experiences of male Nepali migrants of unintentional injuries at their place of work. In-depth, face-to-face interviews (n = 20) were conducted with male Nepali migrant workers. Study participants were approached at Kathmandu International Airport, hotels and lodges around the airport. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Almost half of study participants experienced work-related accident abroad. The participants suggested that the reasons behind this are not only health and safety at work but also poor communication, taking risks by workers themselves, and perceived work pressure. Some participants experienced serious incidents causing life-long disability, extreme and harrowing accounts of injury but received no support from their employer or host countries. Nepali migrant workers would appear to be at a high risk of workplace unintentional injuries owing to a number of interrelated factors poor health and safety at work, pressure of work, risk taking practices, language barriers, and their general work environment. Both the Government of Nepal and host countries need to be better policing existing policies, introduce better legislation where necessary, ensure universal health (insurance) coverage for labour migrants, and improve preventive measures to minimize the number and severity of accidents and injuries among migrant workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Keen
- International Care Network, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Edwin van Teijlingen
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.
- Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Nobel College, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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18
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Machado Susseret N, Briceno‐Ayala L, Radon K. Prevalence of low back pain in migrant construction workers in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:777-782. [PMID: 31270847 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to compare employment conditions, psychosocial working conditions, and prevalence of low back pain among migrant and local construction workers in Argentina. METHODS In a cross-sectional study among workers from three contracting and eight subcontracting companies as well as 26 construction sites in the region of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 134 out of 150 local (89% response) and 141 out of 150 migrant construction workers (94% response) answered a validated questionnaire. Psychosocial working conditions were evaluated based on an imbalance between efforts and rewards (ERI). RESULTS Compared to local workers, migrants were younger, more likely to work without a contract (57% vs 8%), to report ERI (81% vs 18%) and to suffer from low back pain during the 7-days before study (80% vs 42%) (all P < .0001). After mutual adjustment, being a migrant (prevalence ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-3.0) and working without a contract (1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1) were statistically significant risk factors for low back pain. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the precarious situation of migrant workers in the Argentinian construction industry and the potential health consequences. Provision of formal employment relations might help to better protect migrant workers' safety and health. Prospective studies are needed to assess the causes and effects of the findings we describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Machado Susseret
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Center for International HealthHospital of the Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich Germany
- Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and DesignNational University of Mar del Plata Mar del Plata Argentina
| | | | - Katja Radon
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Center for International HealthHospital of the Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich Germany
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Chang E, Chin H, Lee J, Chung K. More than Money: The Importance of Social Exchanges for Temporary Low‐Skilled Migrant Workers’ Workplace Satisfaction. INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/imig.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Jackson Y, Courvoisier DS, Duvoisin A, Ferro-Luzzi G, Bodenmann P, Chauvin P, Guessous I, Wolff H, Cullati S, Burton-Jeangros C. Impact of legal status change on undocumented migrants' health and well-being (Parchemins): protocol of a 4-year, prospective, mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028336. [PMID: 31154311 PMCID: PMC6549650 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Migrants without residency permit, known as undocumented, tend to live in precarious conditions and be exposed to an accumulation of adverse determinants of health. Only scarce evidence exists on the social, economic and living conditions-related factors influencing their health status and well-being. No study has assessed the impact of legal status regularisation. The Parchemins study is the first prospective, mixed-methods study aiming at measuring the impact on health and well-being of a regularisation policy on undocumented migrants in Europe. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Parchemins study will compare self-rated health and satisfaction with life in a group of adult undocumented migrants who qualify for applying for a residency permit (intervention group) with a group of undocumented migrants who lack one or more eligibility criteria for regularisation (control group) in Geneva Canton, Switzerland. Asylum seekers are not included in this study. The total sample will include 400 participants. Data collection will consist of standardised questionnaires complemented by semidirected interviews in a subsample (n=38) of migrants qualifying for regularisation. The baseline data will be collected just before or during the regularisation, and participants will subsequently be followed up yearly for 3 years. The quantitative part will explore variables about health (ie, health status, occupational health, health-seeking behaviours, access to care, healthcare utilisation), well-being (measured by satisfaction with different dimensions of life), living conditions (ie, employment, accommodation, social support) and economic situation (income, expenditures). Several confounders including sociodemographic characteristics and migration history will be collected. The qualitative part will explore longitudinally the experience of change in legal status at individual and family levels. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Geneva, Switzerland. All participants provided informed consent. Results will be shared with undocumented migrants and disseminated in scientific journals and conferences. Fully anonymised data will be available to researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Jackson
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Delphine S Courvoisier
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Duvoisin
- Institute of sociological research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Ferro-Luzzi
- Haute Ecole de Gestion, University of applied sciences of Western Switzerland, Carouge, Switzerland
- Geneva School of Economics and Management, Universite de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Chauvin
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Inserm, UMRS 1136, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Paris, France
- UMRS 1136, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hans Wolff
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Cullati
- Institute of sociological research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss NCCR LIVES, Universite de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudine Burton-Jeangros
- Institute of sociological research, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss NCCR LIVES, Universite de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
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Sterud T, Tynes T, Mehlum IS, Veiersted KB, Bergbom B, Airila A, Johansson B, Brendler-Lindqvist M, Hviid K, Flyvholm MA. A systematic review of working conditions and occupational health among immigrants in Europe and Canada. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:770. [PMID: 29925349 PMCID: PMC6011510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A systematic attempt to summarize the literature that examines working conditions and occupational health among immigrant in Europe and Canada. Methods We established inclusion criteria, searched systematically for articles included in the Medline, Embase and Social Sciences Citation Index databases in the period 2000–2016 and checked the reference lists of all included papers. Results Eighty-two studies were included in this review; 90% were cross-sectional and 80% were based on self-report. Work injuries were consistently found to be more prevalent among immigrants in studies from different countries and in studies with different designs. The prevalence of perceived discrimination or bullying was found to be consistently higher among immigrant workers than among natives. In general, however, we found that the evidence that immigrant workers are more likely to be exposed to physical or chemical hazards and poor psychosocial working conditions is very limited. A few Scandinavian studies support the idea that occupational factors may partly contribute to the higher risk of sick leave or disability pension observed among immigrants. However, the evidence for working conditions as a potential mediator of the associations between immigrant status and poor general health and mental distress was very limited. Conclusion Some indicators suggest that immigrant workers in Europe and Canada experience poorer working conditions and occupational health than do native workers. However, the ability to draw conclusions is limited by the large gaps in the available data, heterogeneity of immigrant working populations, and the lack of prospectively designed cohort studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5703-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sterud
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - T Tynes
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - K B Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Bergbom
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Airila
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - B Johansson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Brendler-Lindqvist
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Hviid
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M-A Flyvholm
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Relationships among Safety Climate, Safety Behavior, and Safety Outcomes for Ethnic Minority Construction Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018. [PMID: 29522503 PMCID: PMC5877029 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In many countries, it is common practice to attract and employ ethnic minority (EM) or migrant workers in the construction industry. This primarily occurs in order to alleviate the labor shortage caused by an aging workforce with a lack of new entrants. Statistics show that EM construction workers are more likely to have occupational fatal and nonfatal injuries than their local counterparts; however, the mechanism underlying accidents and injuries in this vulnerable population has been rarely examined. This study aims to investigate relationships among safety climate, safety behavior, and safety outcomes for EM construction workers. To this end, a theoretical research model was developed based on a comprehensive review of the current literature. In total, 289 valid questionnaires were collected face-to-face from 223 Nepalese construction workers and 56 Pakistani construction workers working on 15 construction sites in Hong Kong. Structural equation modelling was employed to validate the constructs and test the hypothesized model. Results show that there were significant positive relationships between safety climate and safety behaviors, and significant negative relationships between safety behaviors and safety outcomes for EM construction workers. This research contributes to the literature regarding EM workers by providing empirical evidence of the mechanisms by which safety climate affects safety behaviors and outcomes. It also provides insights in order to help the key stakeholders formulate safety strategies for EM workers in many areas where numerous EM workers are employed, such as in the U.S., the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Middle East.
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Mora DC, Arcury TA, Quandt SA. Good job, bad job: Occupational perceptions among Latino poultry workers. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:877-86. [PMID: 27195478 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immigrant workers frequently take jobs that are physically demanding, provide low wages, and result in injuries (e.g., poultry production and processing). Through a qualitative approach, this paper elicits poultry workers' evaluations of their jobs and set them in the larger context of their lives. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 65 poultry workers in western North Carolina. Workers were asked to discuss job characteristics, physical and psychological impacts of their employment, and perceived health risks. RESULTS Immigrant workers valued the stability, benefits, upward mobility, and pay offered. They disliked the physical demands, the potential perceived effects of the job on their health, and the interactions with bosses and peers. CONCLUSIONS Workers' willingness to endure dirty, dangerous, and demanding (3-D) conditions of poultry must be understood in the context of other employment options, structural violence, and their focus on immediate family needs that positive aspects of these jobs can fulfill. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:877-886, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C. Mora
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina
- Center for Worker Health; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Center for Worker Health; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina
- Division of Public Health Sciences; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention; Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina
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Panikkar B, Brugge D, Gute DM, Hyatt RR. "They See Us As Machines:" The Experience of Recent Immigrant Women in the Low Wage Informal Labor Sector. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142686. [PMID: 26600083 PMCID: PMC4657936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the organization of work and occupational health risk as elicited from recently immigrated women (n = 8) who have been in the US for less than three years and employed in informal work sectors such as cleaning and factory work in the greater Boston area in Massachusetts. Additional interviews (n = 8) with Community Key Informants with knowledge of this sector and representatives of temporary employment agencies in the area provides further context to the interviews conducted with recent immigrant women. These results were also compared with our immigrant occupational health survey, a large project that spawned this study. Responses from the study participants suggest health outcomes consistent with being a day-laborer scholarship, new immigrant women are especially at higher risk within these low wage informal work sectors. A difference in health experiences based on ethnicity and occupation was also observed. Low skilled temporary jobs are fashioned around meeting the job performance expectations of the employer; the worker's needs are hardly addressed, resulting in low work standards, little worker protection and poor health outcomes. The rising prevalence of non-standard employment or informal labor sector requires that policies or labor market legislation be revised to meet the needs presented by these marginalized workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Doug Brugge
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David M. Gute
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States of America
| | - Raymond R. Hyatt
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Nieuwenhuijsen K, Schene AH, Stronks K, Snijder MB, Frings-Dresen MHW, Sluiter JK. Do unfavourable working conditions explain mental health inequalities between ethnic groups? Cross-sectional data of the HELIUS study. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:805. [PMID: 26289668 PMCID: PMC4546028 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethnic inequalities in mental health have been found in many high-income countries. The purpose of this study is to test whether mental health inequalities between ethnic groups are mediated by exposure to unfavourable working conditions. Methods Workers (n = 6278) were selected from baseline data of the multi-ethnic HELIUS study. Measures included two indices of unfavourable working conditions (lack of recovery opportunities, and perceived work stress), and two mental health outcomes (generic mental health: MCS-12 and depressive symptoms: PHQ-9). Mediation of the relationships between ethnicity and mental health by unfavourable working conditions was tested using the bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals technique. Linear models with and without the mediators included, and adjusted for gender and age. Attenuation was calculated as the change in B between the models with and without mediators. Results The sample comprised Dutch (1355), African Surinamese (1290), South-Asian Surinamese (1121), Turkish (1090), Ghanaian (729), and Moroccan (693) workers. After controlling for age and gender, all ethnic minorities had a higher risk of mental health problems as compared to the Dutch host population, with the exception of Ghanaians in the case of depressive symptoms, and African Surinamese workers with regard to both outcomes. The Turkish group stands out with the lowest mental health on both mental health indices, followed by Moroccan and South-Asian Surinamese workers. A lack of recovery opportunities mediated the relationship between ethnic group and a higher risk of mental health problems. Perceived work stress did not contribute to the explanation of ethnic inequalities. Conclusions The higher risk of mental health problems in ethnic minority groups can be partly accounted for by a lack of recovery opportunities at work, but not by perceived work stress. This may imply that workplace prevention targeting recovery opportunities have the potential to reduce ethnic inequalities, but ethnic-specific experiences at the workplace need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Nieuwenhuijsen
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Aart H Schene
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 6, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marieke B Snijder
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique H W Frings-Dresen
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Judith K Sluiter
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Arcury TA, Grzywacz JG, Chen H, Mora DC, Quandt SA. Work organization and health among immigrant women: Latina manual workers in North Carolina. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:2445-52. [PMID: 24432938 PMCID: PMC4232132 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to describe work organization attributes for employed immigrant Latinas and determine associations of work organization with physical health, mental health, and health-related quality of life. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 319 employed Latinas in western North Carolina (2009-2011). Measures included job demands (heavy load, awkward posture, psychological demand), decision latitude (skill variety, job control), support (supervisor control, safety climate), musculoskeletal symptoms, mental health (depressive symptoms), and mental (MCS) and physical component score (PCS) health-related quality of life. RESULTS Three fifths reported musculoskeletal symptoms. Mean scores for depression, MCS, and PCS were 6.2 (SE = 0.2), 38.3 (SE = 0.5), and 42.8 (SE = 0.3), respectively. Greater job demands (heavy load, awkward posture, greater psychological demand) were associated with more musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms and worse MCS. Less decision latitude (lower skill variety, job control) was associated with more musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. Greater support (supervisor's power and safety climate) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better MCS. CONCLUSIONS Work organization should be considered to improve occupational health of vulnerable women workers. Additional research should delineate the links between work organization and health among vulnerable workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Arcury
- Thomas A. Arcury and Joseph G. Grzywacz are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Haiying Chen is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dana C. Mora and Sara A. Quandt are with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine
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Woodward A, Howard N, Wolffers I. Health and access to care for undocumented migrants living in the European Union: a scoping review. Health Policy Plan 2014; 29:818-30. [PMID: 23955607 PMCID: PMC4186209 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czt061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature on health and access to care of undocumented migrants in the European Union (EU) is limited and heterogeneous in focus and quality. Authors conducted a scoping review to identify the extent, nature and distribution of existing primary research (1990-2012), thus clarifying what is known, key gaps, and potential next steps. METHODS Authors used Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage scoping framework, with Levac, Colquhoun and O'Brien's revisions, to review identified sources. Findings were summarized thematically: (i) physical, mental and social health issues, (ii) access and barriers to care, (iii) vulnerable groups and (iv) policy and rights. RESULTS Fifty-four sources were included of 598 identified, with 93% (50/54) published during 2005-2012. EU member states from Eastern Europe were under-represented, particularly in single-country studies. Most study designs (52%) were qualitative. Sampling descriptions were generally poor, and sampling purposeful, with only four studies using any randomization. Demographic descriptions were far from uniform and only two studies focused on undocumented children and youth. Most (80%) included findings on health-care access, with obstacles reported at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Major access barriers included fear, lack of awareness of rights, socioeconomics. Mental disorders appeared widespread, while obstetric needs and injuries were key reasons for seeking care. Pregnant women, children and detainees appeared most vulnerable. While EU policy supports health-care access for undocumented migrants, practices remain haphazard, with studies reporting differing interpretation and implementation of rights at regional, institutional and individual levels. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review is an initial attempt to describe available primary evidence on health and access to care for undocumented migrants in the European Union. It underlines the need for more and better-quality research, increased co-operation between gatekeepers, providers, researchers and policy makers, and reduced ambiguities in health-care rights and obligations for undocumented migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniek Woodward
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK, King's International Development Institute and King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK and Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, 1007 MB, the Netherlands Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK, King's International Development Institute and King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK and Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, 1007 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Natasha Howard
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK, King's International Development Institute and King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK and Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, 1007 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Ivan Wolffers
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK, King's International Development Institute and King's Centre for Global Health, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK and Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, 1007 MB, the Netherlands
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Panikkar B, Woodin MA, Brugge D, Desmarais AM, Hyatt R, Gute DM. Occupational health outcomes among self-identified immigrant workers living and working in Somerville, Massachusetts 2006-2009. J Immigr Minor Health 2014; 15:882-9. [PMID: 22976795 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9702-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the burden of occupational health risks among a convenience sample of three immigrant worker populations (Brazilian, Haitian, and El Salvadoran) in Somerville, Massachusetts. In this community based research initiative (n = 346), logistic regression is used to analyze immigrant occupational health survey data collected from 2006 to 2009. In this study, injuries at work were significantly associated with lower English proficiency (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.1-3.0), workers between the ages of 46 and 65 (OR = 2.7, 95 % CI 1.0-7.0), service workers (OR = 13.8, 95 % CI 1.8-105.2), production workers (OR = 10.8, 95 % CI 1.3-90.1), construction workers (OR: 21.7, 95 % CI 2.8-170.9) and immigrants with no health insurance (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.0-3.1). Injuries were negatively associated with years in the US with more established immigrants in the US >15 years reporting more injuries at work. Older immigrants who have been in the US longer but are less proficient in English, and are still employed in low-wage occupations with no health insurance suffered more injuries than recent immigrants. Further validation of this result is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
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Robert G, Martínez JM, García AM, Benavides FG, Ronda E. From the boom to the crisis: changes in employment conditions of immigrants in Spain and their effects on mental health. Eur J Public Health 2014; 24:404-9. [PMID: 24632339 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant workers have been one of the groups most affected by the economic crisis. This study evaluates the influence of changes in employment conditions on the incidence of poor mental health of immigrant workers in Spain, after a period of 3 years, in context of economic crisis. METHODS Follow-up survey was conducted at two time points, 2008 and 2011, with a reference population of 318 workers from Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco and Romania residing in Spain. Individuals from this population who reported good mental health in the 2008 survey (n = 214) were interviewed again in 2011 to evaluate their mental health status and the effects of their different employment situations since 2008 by calculating crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for sociodemographic and employment characteristics. FINDINGS There was an increased risk of poor mental health in workers who lost their jobs (aOR = 3.62, 95%CI: 1.64-7.96), whose number of working hours increased (aOR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.02-5.44), whose monthly income decreased (aOR = 2.75, 95%CI: 1.08-7.00) or who remained within the low-income bracket. This was also the case for people whose legal status (permission for working and residing in Spain) was temporary or permanent compared with those with Spanish nationality (aOR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.15-9.58) or illegal (aOR = 17.34, 95%CI: 1.96-153.23). In contrast, a decreased risk was observed among those who attained their registration under Spanish Social Security system (aOR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.02-0.48). CONCLUSION There was an increase in poor mental health among immigrant workers who experienced deterioration in their employment conditions, probably influenced by the economic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Robert
- 1 CiSAL, Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miguel Martínez
- 1 CiSAL, Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain2 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Ana M García
- 1 CiSAL, Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain2 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain3 Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando G Benavides
- 1 CiSAL, Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain2 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Elena Ronda
- 1 CiSAL, Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain2 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain4 Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Premji S. Mécanismes d’inégalités en santé et sécurité : modèle conceptuel et agenda de recherche. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.3963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Premji S. Mechanisms of inequalities in health and safety : conceptual model and research agenda. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.3825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Differences in exposure to occupational health risks in Spanish and foreign-born workers in Spain (ITSAL Project). J Immigr Minor Health 2013; 15:164-71. [PMID: 22739799 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9664-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Migrant workers usually show higher rates of work-related health problems than natives. However, little information is available about their exposure to occupational risks. We describe self-reported working exposure in Spanish and foreign-born workers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of the ITSAL Project. Data on sociodemographic and self-reported occupational exposure in 1,841 foreign-born and 509 Spanish workers were collected through face-to-face interviews. Prevalence and adjusted odds ratios-aOR- (by age, education, type of contract) were calculated. Foreign-born men in non-services sectors and those in manual occupations perceived exposure to occupational risks with lower prevalence than Spanish workers. Foreign-born women reported higher prevalence of exposure than Spanish female workers. By occupation, foreign-born female workers were more likely than Spanish workers to report working many hours/day (aOR2.68; 95 % CI 1.06-6.78) and exposure to extreme temperatures (aOR2.19; 95 % CI 1.10-4.38). Some groups of migrant workers may need increased protection regarding some occupational exposures.
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Grzywacz JG, Lipscomb HJ, Casanova V, Neis B, Fraser C, Monaghan P, Vallejos QM. Organization of work in the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector in the US southeast: implications for immigrant workers' occupational safety and health. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:925-39. [PMID: 23532742 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is widespread agreement that work organization is an important element of occupational safety and health, but the health effects of many aspects of work organization are likely to vary considerably across different sectors of work and geographies. METHODS We examined existing employment policies and work organization-related research relevant specifically to immigrant workers in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) Sector of the US workforce focusing, when possible, on the southeastern US. RESULTS A number of specific aspects of work organization within AgFF subsectors have been described, but most of this literature exists outside the purview of occupational health. There are few studies that directly examine how attributes of work organization relevant to the AgFF Sector affect workers', much less immigrant workers', occupational health exposures and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the broader literature, research linking occupational health outcomes to work organization in the AgFF Sector is limited and weak. A systematic program of research and intervention is needed to develop strategies that eliminate or substantially mitigate the deleterious health effects of occupational exposures whose origins likely lie in the organization of AgFF work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Grzywacz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem; North Carolina
| | - Hester J. Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Duke University Medical Center; Durham; North Carolina
| | - Vanessa Casanova
- Labor Studies and Employment Relations; Rutgers; The State University of New Jersey; Camden; New Jersey
| | - Barbara Neis
- Department Sociology; SafetyNet Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research; Memorial University of Newfoundland; St. Johns; Newfoundland; Canada
| | - Clermont Fraser
- North Carolina Justice Center; Immigrants Legal Assistance Project; Raleigh; North Carolina
| | - Paul Monaghan
- Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; University of Florida; Gainesville; Florida
| | - Quirina M. Vallejos
- Department of Family and Community Medicine; Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem; North Carolina
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Sevillano V, Basabe N, Bobowik M, Aierdi X. Health-related quality of life, ethnicity and perceived discrimination among immigrants and natives in Spain. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2013; 19:178-197. [PMID: 23679137 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2013.797569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study compares subjective mental and physical health among native Spaniards and immigrant groups, and examines the effects of ethnicity and perceived discrimination (PD) on subjective health in immigrants. DESIGN Two random samples of 1250 immigrants to Spain from Colombia, Bolivia, Romania, Morocco, and Sub-Saharan Africa and 500 native Spaniards, aged between 18 and 65, were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Several hierarchical regression analyses of ethnicity and PD on subjective mental and physical health (assessed using the health-related quality of life items, HRQLSF-12) were carried out separately for men and women. RESULTS Male immigrants from Colombia and Sub-Saharan Africa showed better physical health than natives, controlling for age and socioeconomic and marital status. The immigrants - except for the Colombians - had poorer mental health than natives, especially African men and Bolivian women. Socioeconomic status had no impact on these differences. Among immigrants, PD was the best predictor of physical and mental health (controlling for socio-demographic variables). African men, Bolivian women and women without legal status exhibited the poorest self-rated mental health. CONCLUSION Clear differences in health status among natives and immigrants were recorded. The self-selection hypothesis was plausible for physical health of Colombians and Sub-Saharan African men. Acculturation stress could explain poorer mental health in immigrants compared with natives. The association between ethnicity and poor self-reported mental health appears to be partially mediated by discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Sevillano
- a Department of Social Psychology and Methodology , Autónoma University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
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Panikkar B, Woodin MA, Brugge D, Desmarais AM, Hyatt R, Goldman R, Pirie A, Goldstein-Gelb M, Galvão H, Chianelli M, Vasquez I, McWhinney M, Dalembert F, Gute DM. Occupational health and safety experiences among self-identified immigrant workers living or working in Somerville, MA by ethnicity, years in the US, and English proficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:4452-69. [PMID: 23222180 PMCID: PMC3546771 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9124452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this community based research initiative, we employed a survey instrument predominately developed and administered by Teen Educators to assess occupational health risks for Haitian, Salvadoran, and Brazilian immigrants (n = 405) in Somerville, MA, USA. We demonstrate that a combined analysis of ethnicity, years in the US, and English proficiency better characterized the occupational experience of immigrant workers than considering these variables individually. While years in the US (negatively) and English proficiency (positively) explained the occurrence of health risks, the country of origin identified the most vulnerable populations in the community. Brazilians, Salvadorans, and other Hispanic, all of whom who have been in the US varying length of time, with varying proficiency in English language had twice the odds of reporting injuries due to work compared to other immigrants. Although this observation was not significant it indicates that years in the US and English proficiency alone do not predict health risks among this population. We recommend the initiation of larger studies employing c community based participatory research methods to confirm these differences and to further explore work and health issues of immigrant populations. This study is one of the small number of research efforts to utilize a contemporaneous assessment of occupational health problems in three distinct immigrant populations at the community level within a specific Environmental Justice context and social milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-617-776-3153; Fax: +1-617-627-3994
| | - Mark A. Woodin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Doug Brugge
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Anne Marie Desmarais
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
| | - Raymond Hyatt
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Rose Goldman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Alex Pirie
- Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Marcy Goldstein-Gelb
- Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, Dorchester, MA 02122, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Heloisa Galvão
- 697 Cambridge St. Suite 106 Brighton, MA 02135, USA; E-Mails: (H.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Monica Chianelli
- 697 Cambridge St. Suite 106 Brighton, MA 02135, USA; E-Mails: (H.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Ismael Vasquez
- Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mails: (I.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Melissa McWhinney
- Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mails: (I.V.); (M.M.)
| | | | - David M. Gute
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
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What are the living conditions and health status of those who don't report their migration status? A population-based study in Chile. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:1013. [PMID: 23170824 PMCID: PMC3537744 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Undocumented immigrants are likely to be missing from population databases, making it impossible to identify an accurate sampling frame in migration research. No population-based data has been collected in Chile regarding the living conditions and health status of undocumented immigrants. However, the CASEN survey (Caracterizacion Socio- Economica Nacional) asked about migration status in Chile for the first time in 2006 and provides an opportunity to set the base for future analysis of available migration data. We explored the living conditions and health of self-reported immigrants and respondents who preferred not to report their migration status in this survey. Methods Cross-sectional secondary analysis of CASEN survey in Chile in 2006. Outcomes: any disability, illness/accident, hospitalization/surgery, cancer/chronic condition (all binary variables); and the number of medical/emergency attentions received (count variables). Covariates: Demographics (age, sex, marital status, urban/rural, ethnicity), socioeconomic status (education level, employment status and household income), and material standard of living (overcrowding, sanitation, housing quality). Weighted regression models were estimated for each health outcome, crude and adjusted by sets of covariates, in STATA 10.0. Results About 1% of the total sample reported being immigrants and 0.7% preferred not to report their migration status (Migration Status - Missing Values; MS-MV). The MS-MV lived in more deprived conditions and reported a higher rate of health problems than immigrants. Some gender differences were observed by health status among immigrants and the MS-MV but they were not statistically significant. Regressions indicated that age, sex, SES and material factors consistently affected MS-MVs’ chance of presenting poor health and these patterns were different to those found among immigrants. Great heterogeneity in both the MS-MV and the immigrants, as indicated by wide confidence intervals, prevented the identification of other significantly associated covariates. Conclusion This is the first study to look at the living conditions and health of those that preferred not to respond their migration status in Chile. Respondents that do not report their migration status are vulnerable to poor health and may represent undocumented immigrants. Surveys that fail to identify these people are likely to misrepresent the experiences of immigrants and further quantitative and qualitative research is urgently required.
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Vives A, Vanroelen C, Amable M, Ferrer M, Moncada S, Llorens C, Muntaner C, Benavides FG, Benach J. Employment precariousness in Spain: prevalence, social distribution, and population-attributable risk percent of poor mental health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2012; 41:625-46. [PMID: 22053526 DOI: 10.2190/hs.41.4.b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of labor market flexibilization, nonstandard employment has expanded and standard employment has declined. In many cases, these transformations are best described as an evolution toward precarious employment, which is considered a major determinant of health and health inequalities. Using the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES), this study aims to determine the prevalence of precarious employment in the waged and salaried workforce in Spain, to describe its distribution across social groups defined by occupational class, gender, age, and immigrant status, and to estimate the proportion of cases of poor mental health potentially attributable to employment precariousness. Data are from the Psychosocial Work Environment Survey conducted in 2004-5 on a representative sample of the Spanish workforce. Findings indicate a high prevalence of employment precariousness, affecting nearly 6.5 million workers, with almost 900,000 of them exposed to high precariousness. These estimates are higher than the proportion of fixed-term employment reported in regular statistical sources but may today be an underestimation, given the current economic crisis. Additionally, a significant proportion of cases of poor mental health are potentially attributable to employment precariousness. Both the proportion of cases of poor mental health attributable to and the prevalence of employment precariousness were highly unequally distributed across the study sample, indicating that this may be a significant contributor to social inequalities in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Vives
- Health Inequalities Research Group, Employment Conditions Network, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ronda Pérez E, Benavides FG, Levecque K, Love JG, Felt E, Van Rossem R. Differences in working conditions and employment arrangements among migrant and non-migrant workers in Europe. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2012; 17:563-577. [PMID: 23534504 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2012.730606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine migrant workers' exposure to select occupational risks and compare it with that of non-migrant workers in Europe. DESIGN Based on the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS-2005, n=29,654 workers, 31 countries) we examined differential prevalence amongst migrant and non-migrant workers' primary paid jobs in terms of employment arrangements (working >10 hours/day, working >5 days/week, on Sundays, without a contract, changes in the work schedule and not free to decide when to take holidays or days off) and working conditions (exposure to hazards including chemical, physical agents, physical load and psychological conditions). For the purpose of this study, a migrant is defined as a person without nationality of the country of residence (n=926). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for age, economic sector and education were calculated. RESULTS Differences in employment arrangements and working conditions were noted by migration status, gender and occupational status. Among non-manual workers, migrant males are more exposed than non-migrant males to negative psychosocial conditions--working at a very high speed (aPR 1.23; 95% CI 1.07-1.42) and shift work (aPR 1.66; 95% CI 1.27-2.17)--and adverse employment arrangements: working on Sundays (aPR 1.91; 95% CI 1.42-2.55), variable starting/finishing times (aPR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04-1.32) and changes in work schedule (aPR 1.56; 95% CI 1.30-1.88). Compared with non-migrant males, male migrant manual workers are the group with a greater number of disparities in terms of exposure to negative working conditions. Female migrant non-manual workers are more exposed to psychosocial conditions - working at very high speed (aPR 1.26; 95% CI 1.10-1.44) and shift work (aPR 1.61; 95% CI 1.29-2.01) while female manual migrant workers were more likely to report standing or walking (aPR 2.43; 95% CI 1.98-2.97), not having a contract (aPR 2.94; 95% CI 2.07-4.10) and not being free to decide days off and holidays (aPR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07-1.48) than non-migrants. CONCLUSION Migrant workers across Europe are more likely to be exposed to certain working and employment arrangements that may place them at higher risk of future health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ronda Pérez
- CISAL, Research Centre in Occupational Health, Parc Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Font A, Moncada S, Llorens C, Benavides FG. Psychosocial factor exposures in the workplace: differences between immigrants and Spaniards. Eur J Public Health 2011; 22:688-93. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Fujishiro K, Landsbergis PA, Diez-Roux AV, Stukovsky KH, Shrager S, Baron S. Factorial invariance, scale reliability, and construct validity of the job control and job demands scales for immigrant workers: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. J Immigr Minor Health 2011; 13:533-40. [PMID: 20582720 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immigrants have a different social context from those who stay in their home country or those who were born to the country that immigrants now live. Cultural theory of risk perception suggests that social context influences one's interpretation of questionnaire items. We examined psychometric properties of job control and job demand scales with US- and foreign-born workers who preferred English, Spanish, or Chinese (n = 3,114, mean age = 58.1). Across all groups, the job control scale had acceptable Cronbach's alpha (0.78-0.83) and equivalent factor loadings (ΔCFI < 0.01). Immigrants had low alpha (0.42-0.65) for the job demands scale regardless of language, education, or age of migration. Two job-demand items had different factor loadings across groups. Among immigrants, both scales had inconsistent associations with perceived job stress and self-rated health. For a better understanding of immigrants' job stress, the concept of job demands should be expanded and immigrants' expectations for job control explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Fujishiro
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Pkwy (R-15), Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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Agudelo-Suárez AA, Ronda-Pérez E, Gil-González D, Vives-Cases C, García AM, Ruiz-Frutos C, Felt E, Benavides FG. The effect of perceived discrimination on the health of immigrant workers in Spain. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:652. [PMID: 21849020 PMCID: PMC3201027 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discrimination is an important determinant of health inequalities, and immigrants may be more vulnerable to certain types of discrimination than the native-born. This study analyses the relationship between immigrants' perceived discrimination and various self-reported health indicators. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted (2008) amongst a non-random sample of 2434 immigrants from Ecuador, Morocco, Romania and Colombia in four Spanish cities: Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia. A factorial analysis of variables revealed three dimensions of perceived discrimination (due to immigrant status, due to physical appearance, and workplace-related). The association of these dimensions with self-rated health, mental health (GHQ-12), change in self-rated health between origin and host country, and other self-reported health outcomes was analysed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for potential confounders (aOR-95%CI). Subjects with worsening self-reported health status potentially attributable to perceived discrimination was estimated (population attributable proportion, PAP %). RESULTS 73.3% of men and 69.3% of women immigrants reported discrimination due to immigrant status. Moroccans showed the highest prevalence of perceived discrimination. Immigrants reporting discrimination were at significantly higher risk of reporting health problems than those not reporting discrimination. Workplace-related discrimination was associated with poor mental health (aOR 2.97 95%CI 2.45-3.60), and the worsening of self-rated health (aOR 2.20 95%CI 1.73- 2.80). 40% (95% CI 24-53) PAP of those reporting worse self-rated health could be attributable to discrimination due to immigrant status. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination may constitute a risk factor for health in immigrant workers in Spain and could explain some health inequalities among immigrant populations in Spanish society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés A Agudelo-Suárez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Calle 64 N° 52-59. Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
- Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elena Ronda-Pérez
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
- Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
| | - Diana Gil-González
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
- Observatory of Health Policies and Health, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
| | - Carmen Vives-Cases
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
| | - Ana M García
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia. Av. Tarongers s/n, Valencia, 46022, Spain
- Trade Union Institute for Work, Environment and Health (ISTAS), C/Ramon Gordillo 7-1, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Environmental Biology and Public Health, University of Huelva. Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas, S/N. Huelva, 21071, Spain
| | - Emily Felt
- Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Fernando G Benavides
- Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Spain
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Abstract
The increasing importance and complexity of migration globally also implies a global increase in return migration, and thus an increased interest in the health of returning migrants. The health of returning migrants is impacted by the cumulative exposure to social determinants and risk factors of health during the migration process, during the return movement, and following return. Circular migration often occurs among the diaspora, which can result in the transfer of knowledge and skills that contribute to development, including health system strengthening. Migrants with dual nationality often return to countries with better health services than their country of origin when they are sick and can not get care at home. To maintain and improve the health of returning migrants, multi-sectoral policies at global and national levels should facilitate access to appropriate and equitable health services, social services, and continuity of care across and within borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita A Davies
- Migration Health Division, Department of Migration Management, International Organization for Migration, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Agudelo-Suárez AA, Benavides FG, Felt E, Ronda-Pérez E, Vives-Cases C, García AM. Sickness presenteeism in Spanish-born and immigrant workers in Spain. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:791. [PMID: 21190564 PMCID: PMC3022860 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that immigrant workers face relatively worse working and employment conditions, as well as lower rates of sickness absence than native-born workers. This study aims to assess rates of sickness presenteeism in a sample of Spanish-born and foreign-born workers according to different characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst a convenience sample of workers (Spanish-born and foreign-born), living in four Spanish cities: Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia (2008-2009). Sickness presenteeism information was collected through two items in the questionnaire ("Have you had health problems in the last year?" and "Have you ever had to miss work for any health problem?") and was defined as worker who had a health problem (answered yes, first item) and had not missed work (answered no, second item). For the analysis, the sample of 2,059 workers (1,617 foreign-born) who answered yes to health problems was included. After descriptives, logistic regressions were used to establish the association between origin country and sickness presenteeism (adjusted odds ratios aOR; 95% confidence interval 95%CI). Analyses were stratified per time spent in Spain among foreign-born workers. Results All of the results refer to the comparison between foreign-born and Spanish-born workers as a whole, and in some categories relating to personal and occupational conditions. Foreign-born workers were more likely to report sickness presenteeism compared with their Spanish-born counterparts, especially those living in Spain for under 2 years [Prevalence: 42% in Spanish-born and 56.3% in Foreign-born; aOR 1.77 95%CI 1.24-2.53]. In case of foreign-born workers (with time in Spain < 2 years), men [aOR 2.31 95%CI 1.40-3.80], those with university studies [aOR 3.01 95%CI 1.04-8.69], temporary contracts [aOR 2.26 95%CI 1.29-3.98] and salaries between 751-1,200€ per month [aOR 1.74 95% CI 1.04-2.92] were more likely to report sickness presenteeism. Also, recent immigrants with good self-perceived health and good mental health were more likely to report presenteeism than Spanish-born workers with the same good health indicators. Conclusions Immigrant workers report more sickness presenteeism than their Spanish-born counterparts. These results could be related to precarious work and employment conditions of immigrants. Immigrant workers should benefit from the same standards of social security, and of health and safety in the workplace that are enjoyed by Spanish workers.
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García AM. Mercado laboral y salud. Informe SESPAS 2010. GACETA SANITARIA 2010; 24 Suppl 1:62-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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López-Jacob MJ, Safont EC, García AM, Garí A, Agudelo-Suárez A, Gil A, Benavides FG. Participation and influence of migrant workers on working conditions: a qualitative approach. New Solut 2010; 20:225-38. [PMID: 20621886 DOI: 10.2190/ns.20.2.g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Workers participation in the management of employment and working conditions is an important determinant of both positive and negative effects of work on human health. Through a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the degree of control and influence that migrant workers in different Spanish cities have over their own working conditions (Immigration, Work, and Health [ITSAL] Project). Results showed that migrant workers had little influence on employment and working conditions. Immigrant workers are mostly interested in issues such as salaries, hiring, and hours of work. Fear of dismissal makes immigrant workers reluctant to demand improved working conditions. We received limited information about immigrant workers' understanding of their rights and their perceptions of the possibilities to influence working conditions through trade union activity. Informal social networks play an essential role in disseminating information on workers' rights, although the effect is not always positive. Unions need to increase attention to and adapt measures for this particularly vulnerable group of workers.
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Sousa E, Agudelo-Suárez A, Benavides FG, Schenker M, García AM, Benach J, Delclos C, López-Jacob MJ, Ruiz-Frutos C, Ronda-Pérez E, Porthé V. Immigration, work and health in Spain: the influence of legal status and employment contract on reported health indicators. Int J Public Health 2010; 55:443-51. [PMID: 20401513 PMCID: PMC2941080 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-010-0141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the relationship of legal status and employment conditions with health indicators in foreign-born and Spanish-born workers in Spain. Methods Cross-sectional study of 1,849 foreign-born and 509 Spanish-born workers (2008–2009, ITSAL Project). Considered employment conditions: permanent, temporary and no contract (foreign-born and Spanish-born); considered legal statuses: documented and undocumented (foreign-born). Joint relationships with self-rated health (SRH) and mental health (MH) were analyzed via logistical regression. Results When compared with male permanently contracted Spanish-born workers, worse health is seen in undocumented foreign-born, time in Spain ≤3 years (SRH aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.09–6.56; MH aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.15–4.42); in Spanish-born, temporary contracts (SRH aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.04–5.53); and in foreign-born, temporary contracts, time in Spain >3 years (MH: aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13–3.38). In females, highest self-rated health risks are in foreign-born, temporary contracts (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.13–4.91) and without contracts, time in Spain >3 years (aOR 4.63, 95% CI 1.95–10.97). Conclusions Contract type is a health determinant in both foreign-born and Spanish-born workers. This study offers an uncommon exploration of undocumented migration and raises methodological issues to consider in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sousa
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Agudelo-Suárez AA, Ronda-Pérez E, Gil-González D, Vives-Cases C, García AM, García-Benavides F, Ruiz-Frutos C, López-Jacob MJ, Porthé V, Sousa E. [The migratory process, working conditions and health in immigrant workers in Spain (the ITSAL project)]. GACETA SANITARIA 2009; 23 Suppl 1:115-21. [PMID: 19880220 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the migratory process (reasons for migrating, time of residence), legal status and the personal, working and health characteristics of the immigrants with work experience in Spain. METHODS We performed a cross sectional survey in a sample stratified by country of origin (Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco and Romania), legal status and sex. Personal interviews were conducted with 2434 workers (57.4% men). Information on the migratory process, working conditions, health profile, and work and life expectations was analyzed. A frequency comparison by country of origin was carried out. RESULTS Ninety percent of the sample was aged<45 years and most had secondary education (51%). Most of the people surveyed had migrated for economic and working reasons and 63% had economic dependents. They were working in jobs that were below their educational level and reported problems concerning the type of contract, salaries, and the length of the working week, which was often more than 40 hours. The immigrants frequently reported general health problems (18%), mental health problems (27%), absence from work due to health problems (48%) and occupational injuries requiring medical care (23%). A 51% of them wanted to stay in Spain and 48% reported that their expectations of emigration to Spain had been met. CONCLUSIONS The immigrant workers included in this study had limited opportunities for work and experienced precarious conditions and social vulnerability. The data varied by country of origin. The special needs of this collective should be taken into account to establish public health policies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés A Agudelo-Suárez
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Area de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, España; Fundación Carolina, Madrid, España.
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