Health issues affecting female internal migrant workers: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundEconomic contribution by internal migrant workers, in particular the workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Sri Lanka, is well recognized, yet the social and health consequences are unknown. ObjectiveTo systematically review the health issues affecting female internal migrant workers in EPZ in Sri Lanka MethodsA literature review was conducted through electronic databases and hand searches of grey literature. Studies eligible for inclusion were those reported health or social issues among females employed in an industry within EPZ from 1978 to 2012. Studies were selected using a defined checklist for their methodological quality and in relation to measurement of health status. ResultsOf the 550 studies identified, eight publications were included for the review. The respondents were relatively young and educated females, and the large majority have migrated predominantly from rural areas to work in garment factories located in urban centers. These studies described health issues related to nutrition, reproductive health, mental health, musculo-skeletal disorders and gender issues. The review identified high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies such as underweight and anaemia; risky sexual behavior; and psychological disorders among female factory workers. Migrant workers had higher prevalence of anaemia and psychological depression than their nonmigrant counterparts. As a positive effect, women experienced empowerment through gaining income and new knowledge. ConclusionsFemale migrant workers generally tend to exhibit some disadvantage due to health risks, and are more likely to be subject to ill-health than non-migrants. More rigorous research is needed to determine true health impacts within this population.

‘Aches and Pains’ of Filipino Migrant Workers in Malaysia: A Profile of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…Pain related to MSDs affecting the shoulder is significantly higher among Filipino migrant workers in Korea (3.8%) [3], among Cambodian fruit workers (21.6%) [14] and manufacturing industry workers (55%) from Sri Lanka [16]. Heavy manual tasks, high workload and poorly designed work stations are known factors for shoulder pain [2].…”

“…Pain in the neck region among Filipino migrant workers is slightly higher among hotel service workers and cleaners in the United States (43%) [14] and among Cambodian fruit workers (23.9%) in Thailand [14]. However, it is lower than Sri Lankan manufacturing industry workers (55%) [16]. Manual tasks requiring the arms to be placed at or above the shoulder level, as well as static flexed posture of the neck, increases tension at the posterior neck structures, thereby predisposing an individual to neck pain [2].…”

“…A systematic review among female factory workers in Sri Lanka reported a total prevalence of neck and shoulder pain of 55%. This was probably due to contextual attributes related with workforce, ergonomics and access to occupational health services [16]. Occupations requiring stooped postures, exposure to vibrations and jarring motions are more prone to chronic pain in the low back [17].…”

Health Beyond Borders: Migration and Precarity in South Asia

“…In our review, studies examining the health of migrant workers in the construction sector in India (Adsul et al, 2011) and the garment/textile sectors in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (Solinap et al, 2019;Senarath et al, 2016) report that a majority develop respiratory problems, jaundice, gastro-intestinal illnesses, kidney ailments and musculo-skeletal problems. These effects were attributed to dangerous working conditions and poor safety standards observed.…”