The study of problems and obstacles in accessing to health services of migrant workers in the Special Economic Zones Chiang Rai Province, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong District

Abstract

Chiang Rai Special Economic Zone Chiang Rai Province is accepted zone aiming to distribute economic wealth to the countryside as well as encouraging border investment. This project leads to an increase of worker moving from neighboring countries to both formal and informal economic sectors. Moving of the large number of labors affects border areas in economic, social, culture and public health aspects. In particular, public health also involves human rights, for example, being regarded as devalued groups. This leads them to be exploited, become vulnerable groups, and lack of confidence in their daily living. When being ill, they are reluctant to access formal health care services because of limitation in language, culture, and income. Moreover, they also lack understanding regarding medical right and welfare system. The study of problems and obstacles in accessing to health services of migrant workers, therefore, is essential to examine causes, problems, and obstacles in accessing to health services; right perception; receiving of health service among migrant workers. In addition, relationships of factors affecting problems and obstacles in accessing to health services was also analyzed. Data collection of this mixed method study was performed by using questionnaires and in-depth interview.

The study found that factors associated with problems and obstacles in accessing health services were: age (X²= 22.898, P-value = ≤0.001), education (X²= 5.146,
P-value = ≤0.001), marital status (X²= 31.676, P-value = ≤0.001), expenditure (X²=10.308,
P-value=0.036), and Thai language skill (X²=106.293, P-value=0.036). In conclusion, factors related to problems and obstacles in accessing health services for migrant workers are age, education, marital status, expenditure, and Thai language skill.