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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9664-9
- Authors
- Elena Ronda, Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez, Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Ana M. García, Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Maria José López-Jacob, Trade Union Institute for Work, Environment and Health (ISTAS), Valencia, Madrid, Spain
- Carlos Ruiz-Frutos, Department of Environmental Biology and Public Health, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Fernando G. Benavides, Centre for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912