Factors associated with access to health services among migrant workers, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thailand is experiencing an increase in migrant workers from neighboring countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, who play a crucial role in driving the country's economy and society. However, many migrant workers still face challenges in accessing health services due to language barriers, legal constraints, economic status, and a lack of awareness about their rights and benefits. These factors not only affect the health of migrant workers but also pose obstacles to overall economic development. Access to health services is a key determinant of health service utilization; when migrant workers can easily access healthcare, they are more likely to use it. Therefore, studying and addressing these challenges are essential to promoting equitable healthcare access and ensuring the well-being of migrant workers.
OBJECTIVE: To study the factors associated with access to health services among migrant workers in Mae Sai District, Chiangrai Province.
METHODS A cross-sectional study among migrant workers in Mae Sai District, Chiangrai Province, conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2024, analyzed data using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS General demographic of the sample group revealed that 70.91% were female, with an average age of 43 ±10.71 years. A total of 53.64% were stateless persons, and 83.64% belonged to ethnic minority groups. Regarding marital status, 67.88% were single. Additionally, 83.64% were uneducated. In terms of employment, 93.03% were engaged in general labor and agricultural work, with an average duration of employment of 9.98 ±9.46 years. The mean monthly income was 7,326.36 ±4,731.79 THB. A total of 53.64% resided in rented housing. Regarding health status, 70.91% didn’t have underlying disease, and 75.15% were covered by a health insurance scheme. Access to health services was reported by 65.76% of the study population. The levels of access to health services were categorized as high 50.61%, moderate 34.21%, and low 15.15%. Factors associated with access to health services include age, nationality, ethnicity, marital status (single), work duration of ≤15.50 years, monthly income of ≤5,000 THB, presence of a caregiver when sick, non-smoking status, absence of underlying disease, possession of healthcare rights, exemption from medical expenses, awareness of health insurance registration, and knowledge of healthcare registration sources. These associations were statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The study found that various factors influence access to healthcare services among migrant workers. Statistically significant factors include age, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, work duration, monthly income, caregiver when sick, smoking behavior, underlying disease, healthcare rights, medical costs, awareness of health registration, and sources of health registration information. Further studies are needed in other areas, including among migrant workers without documentation, to reduce disparities in access to healthcare services. Additionally, educational activities about health rights should be provided through accessible media, and efforts should be made to improve healthcare entitlement policies to ensure more comprehensive coverage and promote equitable access to healthcare services.
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