Factors Influencing of Occupational Health Literacy among International Migrant Workers in Rayong Province.

Abstract

Occupational health literacy is a key determinant of healthy workers. Language
barriers contribute factors to miscommunication and unsafe behaviors and consequently
face high risk of work-related accidents and diseases. Since International migrant workers
(IMWs) have been permitted to work in heavy industries, Thailand. In addition, They are
exposed to occupational health and safety risks. The purposes of the study were to
identify level of health literacy and factors influencing health literacy of IMWs. Descriptive
survey was performed with 380 legal IMWs (Lao, Myanmar and Cambodia) using stratified
simple random sampling in Rayong Province in 2015. Data were collected by OHNs in
health screening and structure interview by IMWs translators. Descriptive statistics, and
stepwise regression was tested.
The results of the study the majority of them were Myanmar (65.3 %) having junior
high school education (55.8 %) with a mean of working experiences in Thailand of 2 years
(SD = 1.23 years). Their health literacy was at a moderate level (59.2%), which most of
them were poor speaking and listening skills (75.8 % and 70% respectively).Lao workers
and large factory had health literacy higher than others. Factors influencing health literacy
were education, experience (years), length of stay in Thailand and listening skill (r2=.315
F=10.275 p-value <.001).
Conclusion. The intervention to improve health literacy should be conducted for
IMWs in factories, especially by improving the listening skill of Thai language. In addition
,The government and employers should pay attention to education/training of
occupational safety and health for migrant workers from countries of origin to eliminate
unsafe behavior and make appropriate health decisions.