A17033 Cardio-Metabolic Disease Risk Factors Among South Asian Labour Migrants to Middle East: A Call for Action

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

10-1-2018

Publication Title

Journal of Hypertension

Volume

36

Issue

3

First page number:

339

Last page number:

339

Abstract

Objectives: This study explores the burgeoning cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic disease (MD) risk factor burden among South Asian labor migrants to the Middle East. Methods: This study conducted a qualitative synthesis of literature using PubMed/Medline and grey literature searches. We reviewed the literatures on the burden of risk factors in migrants themselves, and subsequently among the sending and receiving countries. To make it policy relevant, we discussed it with policy documents from South Asian countries. Results: We found a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors among the migrants, as well as populations in the sending and receiving countries. Only Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have some provisions related to screening of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) before labor migration. Further analysis of policy papers showed that none of the documents are specific for screening any cardiometabolic diseases, but NCDs were used generically, failing to specify specific screening target. Conclusion: Given the high burden of risk factors, migrants’ health should become an urgent priority. It is also urgent from a human rights perspective, as these risk factors would increase the risk of CV, stroke and kidney related deaths. The lack of specific focus on screening during different stages of labor migration should receive attention. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Office for Migration (IOM), through their country coordination teams should engage local stakeholders to create policies and plans to address this concern. Similarly, there is a need for the receiving country to become an equal partner in these efforts, as migrant's better cardiometabolic health is in the benefit of both receiving and sending countries.

Disciplines

Community Health

Language

English

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