Health Inequality between Migrant and Non-Migrant Workers in an Industrial Zone of Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam has experienced massive internal migration waves from rural to industrialized zones. However, little efforts have been made to understand differences in health conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between local and migrant industrial workers. This study aimed to examine the inequality in health status and HRQOL between these workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 289 Vietnamese workers at three industrial areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. Self-reported health status and HRQOL were measured using the EuroQOL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Sociodemographic, working, and environmental factors were also investigated. Overall, the mean EQ-5D index was 0.74 (SD = 0.21) and the average number of health problems in the last 12 months in our sample was 1.91 (SD = 1.63) problems. Migrant people had a lower EQ-5D index (β = −0.08, p < 0.01) and more health problems (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) compared to local workers. Those being male, working in the same posture more than 60 min, and exposed to more hazards at work were correlated with a lower EQ-5D index and higher number of health problems. The results highlighted inequalities in health status and HRQOL between migrant and local workers. Reinforcing regular health check-ups, ensuring sufficient protective equipment and working conditions may help improve the health outcomes of the workers.

Characterize health and economic vulnerabilities of workers to control the emergence of COVID-19 in an industrial zone in Vietnam

“…Main findings are presented in Table 1. The result showed that underlying health problems were common among industrial workers (Pham et al, 2019;Tran et al, 2019b;Tran et al, 2019c), with many suffering occupational diseases (Quynh Nguyen et al, 2017;Tran et al, 2016) and/or work-related injuries (Marucci-Wellman et al, 2010;Phung et al, 2008;Ratnasingam et al, 2012). A high prevalence of respiratory system problems was also reported (Chien et al, 2002).…”

Characterizing Unsafe Sexual Behavior among Factory Workers in the Context of Rapid Industrialization in Northern Vietnam

“…Migrant workers are often subjected to harassment, exploitation, and violence, which may lead to poor health outcomes, and they may also face barriers to health care in the host country, such as limited or lack of health insurance and entitlement to statutory health care [3]. Migration, mobility, and family separation all relate to having a greater sense of anonymity, which might further facilitate unsafe behavioral changes, such as hazardous drinking and high-risk sexual practices [4,5]. In fact, among mobile worker populations in selected provinces in Vietnam in 2002, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence was relatively low except among border traders in An Giang and Dong Thap provinces, which saw 2.5% and 2.1% prevalence, respectively [6].…”

Overview of Stigma against Psychiatric Illnesses and Advancements of Anti-Stigma Activities in Six Asian Societies

“…Asian immigrants often experience depression and stigma in western countries [142,143]. Although migrant workers often experience depression and health inequality in Asian societies [144,145], this topic is not well studied in Asia.…”