Health-related practices of urban migrant workers in Metro Manila: Determinants and outcomes

• Main Author: Jimeno, Kenneth Jim Joseph M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Rural health > Philippines > Manila Metropolitan Area; Rural-urban migration > Philippines > Manila Metropolitan Area; Migration; Internal > Philippines > Manila Metropolitan Area
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5387
• Institution: De La Salle University

The rapid urbanization in developing countries presents new opportunities and challenges especially to migrants who face multiple health vulnerabilities. This cross-sectional study aims to describe the health-related practices of urban migrant workers in Metro Manila and their associated personal characteristics. It also ascertains the correlation of their health condition with related practices and work performance level. Filipino migrant workers (n=119) were mainly selected from peri-urban areas of Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal through purposive sampling. Main inclusion criteria were (1) working regularly in Metro Manila and (2) living outside Metro Manila or returning weekly to place of origin. The mean age of the respondents is 25 (SD=3) ranging from 18 to 41 years. Majority were males (57%), not married (93%), college-educated (79%), white-collar workers (58%), living with family (76%), and earning median monthly income of 16 000 PHP (~320 USD). A 53-item self-administered survey questionnaire was developed and distributed for a period of two weeks in October 2016. The primary outcome was score rating on a five-point Likert scale indicating frequency of engagement. Cramers V and Spearmans rank correlation coefficient (rs) were utilized in the analysis of data. Education and occupation are major determinants of health-related practices among urban migrant workers in Metro Manila. Sleep tends to have the most impact on health while interpersonal relationships affect work performance. Healthy migrant hypothesis appears true for this population and the results can be attributed to resiliency, family-oriented values, and importance of harmonious relationships in Filipino culture. The findings of this study can be used in developing migrant-sensitive health system in cities and further inquiry in this emerging research field.