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Senthanar S, Koehoorn M, Tamburic L, Premji S, Bültmann U, McLeod CB. Differences in Modified-Return-to-Work by Immigration Characteristics Among a Cohort of Workers in British Columbia, Canada. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:341-351. [PMID: 36308629 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction To investigate differences in modified-return-to work (MRTW) within the first 30 days of a work-related, short-term disability injury by immigration characteristics. This question was part of a program of research investigating differences in work and health experiences among immigrant workers and explanations for longer work disability durations. Methods Workers' compensation claims, immigration records and medical registry data were linked to identify a sample of workers in British Columbia, Canada with a short-term disability claim for a work-related back strain, concussion, limb fracture or connective tissue injury occurring between 2009 and 2015. Multivariable logistic regressions, stratified by injury type, investigated the odds of MRTW, defined as at least one day within the first 30 days on claim, associated with immigration characteristics, defined as a Canadian-born worker versus a worker who immigrated via the economic, family member or refugee/other humanitarian classification. Results Immigrant workers who arrived to Canada as a family member or as a refugee/other immigrant had a reduced odds of MRTW within the first 30 days of work disability for a back strain, concussion and limb fracture, compared to Canadian-born workers. Differences in MRTW were not observed for immigrant workers who arrived to Canada via the economic classification, or for connective tissue injuries. Conclusion The persistent and consistent finding of reduced MRTW for the same injury for different immigration classifications highlights contexts (work, health, social, language) that disadvantage some immigrants upon arrival to Canada and that persist over time even after entry into the workforce, including barriers to MRTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Senthanar
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lillian Tamburic
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher B McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Senthanar S, Dali N, Khan TH. A scoping review of refugees' employment integration experience and outcomes in Canada. Work 2023; 75:1165-1178. [PMID: 36776088 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees involuntarily arrive to Canada to escape unfavourable conditions in their home country. Employment is an important marker of integration and a foundational determinant of health yet; little is known about the employment integration experiences of refugees as a distinct group of workers in Canada. OBJECTIVE This scoping review was completed to explore the employment experience and outcomes of refugees in Canada and to identify gaps in the literature. METHODS Three databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English over a 25-year period, 1993 to 2018, for research on refugees and employment in the Canadian context. The research team reviewed all articles, including abstract screening, full text review and data extraction; consensus on inclusion was reached for all articles. Relevant articles were synthesized for overarching themes. RESULTS The search strategy identified 2,723 unique articles of which 16 were included in the final sample. There was a mix of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies which reported on employment rates of refugees, the quality of jobs secured, gendered differences in employment experience and differential impacts of under/unemployment on health and well-being. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that refugees in Canada do not secure jobs that are in line with their previous skills and experience leading to downward occupational mobility and poorer health with refugee women experiencing these outcomes more acutely. Research in this area with long-term outcomes and contextualized experiences is needed, as well as studies that include equity considerations such as racialization and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Senthanar
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nada Dali
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tauhid Hossain Khan
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Sociology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Senthanar S, Koehoorn M, Tamburic L, Premji S, Bültmann U, McLeod CB. Differences in Work Disability Duration for Immigrants and Canadian-Born Workers in British Columbia, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11794. [PMID: 34831550 PMCID: PMC8625680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate differences in work disability duration among immigrants (categorized as economic, family member or refugee/other classification upon arrival to Canada) compared to Canadian-born workers with a work-related injury in British Columbia. Immigrants and Canadian-born workers were identified from linked immigration records with workers' compensation claims for work-related back strain, connective tissue, concussion and fracture injuries requiring at least one paid day of work disability benefits between 2009 to 2015. Quantile regression investigated the relationship between immigration classification and predicted work disability days (defined from injury date to end of compensation claim, up to 365 days) and modeled at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of the distribution of the disability days. With a few exceptions, immigrants experienced greater predicted disability days compared to Canadian-born workers within the same injury cohort. The largest differences were observed for family and refugee/other immigrant classification workers, and, in particular, for women within these classifications, compared to Canadian-born workers. For example, at the 50th percentile of the distribution of disability days, we observed a difference of 34.1 days longer for refugee/other women in the concussion cohort and a difference of 27.5 days longer for family classification women in the fracture cohort. Economic immigrants had comparable disability days with Canadian-born workers, especially at the 25th and 50th percentiles of the distribution. Immigrant workers' longer disability durations may be a result of more severe injuries or challenges navigating the workers' compensation system with delays in seeking disability benefits and rehabilitation services. Differences by immigrant classification speak to vulnerabilities or inequities upon arrival in Canada that persist after entry to the workforce and warrant further investigation for early mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Senthanar
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (S.S.); (L.T.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (S.S.); (L.T.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Lillian Tamburic
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (S.S.); (L.T.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Stephanie Premji
- School of Labour Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4, Canada;
| | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Christopher B. McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (S.S.); (L.T.); (C.B.M.)
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Abstract
Workers who experience language barriers are more likely to get injured or sick because of their work and have poorer claim and return-to-work outcomes compared to other workers. To better understand the systemic factors that shape access to compensation in contexts of language barriers, we compared language accommodation policies and practices in the Quebec and Ontario workers’ compensation systems. We uncovered gaps limiting access to professional interpreters in both provinces, although gaps were more pronounced in Quebec where workers were responsible for the cost of interpreters. We argue that simply improving the linguistic competence of workers’ compensation systems is not sufficient to tackle access barriers and must be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of social and economic inequities for workers who experience language barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Premji
- School of Labour Studies, 3710McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Momtaz Begum
- 7966Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Medley
- Faculty of Common Law, 6363University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Premji S, Begum M, Medley A, MacEachen E, Côté D, Saunders R. Le retour au travail dans un contexte de barrières linguistiques : Une étude comparative des politiques et des pratiques d’indemnisation des victimes de lésion professionnelle au Québec et en Ontario. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2021. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.7007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Premji S, Begum M, Medley A, MacEachen E, Côté D, Saunders R. Return-to-Work in a Language Barrier Context : Comparing Quebec’s and Ontario’s Workers’ Compensation Policies and Practices. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2021. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.7144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Kammogne CL, Marchand A. [Ethnicity and immigration status: How are they associated with work and depressive symptoms?]. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2021; 69:145-153. [PMID: 33744031 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this research is to determine whether, in the Canadian workforce, cultural identity traits, particularly ethnicity and immigrant status, might modify the association of work with depressive symptoms. METHOD Data were derived from the nine cycles of the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) conducted by Statistics Canada. Based on a sample of 6477 workers, multilevel regression models were brought into being. Analyses were adjusted for family-related factors, non-work social support, and personal characteristics. RESULTS After accounting for potential confounders, ethnicity and work-related factors were distinctly and directly associated with depressive symptoms. Workers belonging to visible minorities had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts. Unlike Caucasians, they were more often overqualified, less in a position to use their skills, and largely without decision-making authority. On the other hand, all analyses having to do with immigrant status led to inconclusive results. CONCLUSION Ethnicity seems to have some bearing on the association of work with depressive symptoms among members of the Canadian workforce. It might be beneficial to carry out targeted interventions aimed at improving working conditions according to ethnicity and situations involving professional overqualification.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Kammogne
- The School of Industrial Relations, University of Montreal, Montréal (Quebec), Observatory on workplace health and well-being (OSMET), Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, École de relations industrielles CP 6128, H3C 3J7 Succursale Centre-ville Montréal QC, Canada.
| | - A Marchand
- The School of Industrial Relations, University of Montreal, Montreal (Quebec), Public health research institute of the University of Montreal, Montreal (Quebec), Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, École de relations industrielles CP 6128, H3C 3J7 Succursale Centre-ville Montréal QC, Canada
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8
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Sampson AK, Hassani-Mahmooei B, Collie A. Lack of English proficiency is associated with the characteristics of work- related injury and recovery cost in the Victorian working population. Work 2020; 67:741-752. [PMID: 33164979 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant workers have been identified in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia as a particularly vulnerable working population with a higher risk of work-related injury and mortality compared to non-migrant workers. Lack of English language proficiency is associated with an increased risk of work-related injury. Whether lack of English proficiency influences post-injury recovery or return to work outcomes remains unknown. OBJECTIVE Using administrative data from a population based workers' compensation dataset in the state of Victoria, Australia, we aimed to examine work-related injury rates, worker characteristics and compensation outcomes in workers who were not proficient in English. We hypothesized that the use of an interpreter service would be associated with a poorer post-injury recovery profile and worse return to work outcomes. METHODS WorkSafe Victoria accepted non-fatal claims for injuries and illnesses reported between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012 by workers aged 15 to 74 (n = 402, 828 claims) were analysed. Consistent with prior research, we selected "use of an interpreter service" as the indicator of English language proficiency. The total and categorical compensable cost of recovery was used as recovery outcomes. RESULTS Of these claims, 16,286 (4%) involved the use of an interpreter service (LOTE workers). Our analysis revealed that Victorian injured LOTE workers have significantly different demographic, occupational and injury characteristics compared to non-LOTE injured workers. Furthermore, we present novel evidence that LOTE status was associated with poorer long-term injury outcomes, observed as a greater healthcare utilisation and larger paid income benefits, after controlling for occupation, employment status and injury type compared to non-LOTE injured workers. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that English language proficiency is associated not only with the risk of work-related injury but also to the long-term recovery outcomes. We conclude that despite access to language interpreter services, injured LOTE workers experience English language proficiency dependent, and injury severity independent, recovery barriers which need to be overcome to improve long term recovery outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Sampson
- Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Alex Collie
- Insurance, Work and Health Group, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Varghese BM, Hansen AL, Williams S, Bi P, Hanson-Easey S, Barnett AG, Heyworth JS, Sim MR, Rowett S, Nitschke M, Di Corleto R, Pisaniello DL. Determinants of heat-related injuries in Australian workplaces: Perceptions of health and safety professionals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137138. [PMID: 32086083 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hot workplace environments can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to a range of injuries. However, there is limited contextual understanding of heat-related injury occurrence. Gaining the perspectives of occupational health and safety professionals (HSPs) may elucidate the issue and inform targeted interventions. METHODS A cross-sectional national online survey was conducted in Australia to characterise HSP perceptions of heat-related injuries; current preventive measures; training, policies and guidelines; and perspectives on barriers for prevention. Results were analysed descriptively and a log-Poisson regression model was used to identify risk factors associated with HSP reported injury occurrence, assessed through prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS Of the 307 HSP survey participants, 74% acknowledged the potential for increased risk of occupational injuries in hot weather. A variety of injury types and mechanisms were reported, including manual handling injuries, hand injuries, wounds or lacerations, and loss of control of power tools. Correlates of reported heat-related injuries included working in the sun without shade [PR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07-1.48] and too few rest breaks [PR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44]. Other factors of significance were inadequate hydration; issues with personal protective equipment (PPE) and poor supervision of workers. Only 42% reported that adequate heat training was available and 54% reported the provision for outdoor work to cease in extreme temperatures. It was acknowledged that the frequency of injuries could be reduced with wider adoption of self-pacing, and work/rest regimes. Perceived barriers for prevention included: lack of awareness of physical injury risks, and management concerns about productivity loss and/or deadlines. CONCLUSION The findings indicate a range of potentially modifiable work and organisational risk factors such as more suitable PPE and better supervision. More attention to these factors, in conjunction with traditional interventions to reduce heat effects, could enhance injury prevention and labour productivity in people working in hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blesson M Varghese
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alana L Hansen
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Susan Williams
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Scott Hanson-Easey
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adrian G Barnett
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jane S Heyworth
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Shelley Rowett
- SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia, 33 Richmond Road, Keswick, SA, Australia
| | - Monika Nitschke
- Department for Health and Wellbeing, Government of South Australia, 11 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Dino L Pisaniello
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia.
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10
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Kang JY, Kwon J, Sohn CH, Kim YJ, Lim HW, Lee SJ, Kim WY, Kim N, Seo DW. Big Data-Driven Approach for Health Inequalities in Foreign Patients with Injuries Visiting Emergency Rooms. Healthc Inform Res 2020; 26:34-41. [PMID: 32082698 PMCID: PMC7010947 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2020.26.1.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Foreign patients are more likely to receive inappropriate health service in the emergency room. This study aimed to investigate whether there is health inequality between foreigners and natives who visited emergency rooms with injuries and to examine its causes. Methods We analyzed clinical data from the National Emergency Department Information System database associated with patients of all age groups visiting the emergency room from 2013 to 2015. We analyzed data regarding mortality, intensive care unit admission, emergency operation, severity, area, and transfer ratio. Results A total of 4,464,603 cases of injured patients were included, of whom 67,683 were foreign. Injury cases per 100,000 population per year were 2,960.5 for native patients and 1,659.8 for foreign patients. Foreigners were more likely to have no insurance (3.1% vs. 32.0%, p < 0.001). Serious outcomes (intensive care unit admission, emergency operation, or death) were more frequent among foreigners. In rural areas, the difference between serious outcomes for foreigners compared to natives was greater (3.7% for natives vs. 5.0% for foreigners, p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for serious outcomes for foreign nationals was 1.412 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.336–1.492), and that for lack of insurance was 1.354 (95% CI, 1.314–1.394). Conclusions Injured foreigners might more frequently suffer serious outcomes, and health inequality was greater in rural areas than in urban areas. Foreign nationality itself and lack of insurance could adversely affect medical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinhee Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Hwan Sohn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Won Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Won Young Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Namkug Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Seo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,UCSD Health Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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11
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Premji S, Kosny A, Yanar B, Begum M. Tool for the Meaningful Consideration of Language Barriers in Qualitative Health Research. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:167-181. [PMID: 31274054 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319856303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Individuals who experience language barriers are largely excluded as participants from health research, resulting in gaps in knowledge that have implications for the development of equitable policies, tools, and strategies. Drawing on the existing literature and on their collective experience conducting occupational health research in contexts of language barriers, the authors propose a tool to assist qualitative researchers and representatives from funding agencies and ethics review boards with the meaningful consideration of language barriers in research. There remain gaps and debates with respect to the relevant ethical and methodological guidance set forth by funding agencies and institutions and proposed in the scientific literature. This article adds to knowledge in this area by contributing our experiences, observations, and recommendations, including around the issue of conducting research in contexts of more or less linguistic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Kosny
- Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, Toronto, Canada
| | - Basak Yanar
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Momtaz Begum
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Kazi MR, Ferdous M, Rumana N, Vaska M, Turin TC. Injury among the immigrant population in Canada: exploring the research landscape through a systematic scoping review. Int Health 2019; 11:203-214. [PMID: 30452624 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihy086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries are the leading cause of death among younger Canadians and represent a large economic burden on the Canadian population. Although immigrants comprise more than 20% of the Canadian population, the research landscape on injury in this group is unclear. We conducted a scoping review to summarize existing research regarding injuries among Canadian immigrants to identify research gaps and future research opportunities. METHODS Relevant electronic databases of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature were systematically searched. Original articles were selected based on predefined criteria. Relevant information from the articles was extracted and reported in the review. RESULTS After a comprehensive search, screening and full-text evaluation, 28 articles were selected for the synthesis. Of the injuries that have been studied among Canadian immigrants, the majority focused on occupational injuries, followed by road traffic accidents. Of the 28 studies, 16 were quantitative and 12 were qualitative. The research themes among occupational injury papers centred on factors leading to injury, factors leading to delayed reporting and compensation of injury and post-occupational injury experiences. Language barriers, informal training and the mismatch between education and occupation among immigrants were found to be the most frequent determinants of injury risk. CONCLUSIONS The synthesized knowledge in this scoping review offers an understanding of the current research landscape on injury among immigrants that can be used to assist policymakers, service providers, employers and researchers regarding injuries in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashrur Rahman Kazi
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Room G012F, Health Sciences Center, 3330 Hospital Drive Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahzabin Ferdous
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Room G012F, Health Sciences Center, 3330 Hospital Drive Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nahid Rumana
- Sleep Center, Foothills Medical Center, University of Calgary, 1403 29 St Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marcus Vaska
- Knowledge Resource Service, Alberta Health Services, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanvir C Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Room G012F, Health Sciences Center, 3330 Hospital Drive Northwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Kosny A, Yanar B, Begum M, Al-khooly D, Premji S, Lay MA, Smith PM. Safe Employment Integration of Recent Immigrants and Refugees. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-019-00685-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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14
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Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability of Recent Immigrants and Refugees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15092004. [PMID: 30223449 PMCID: PMC6165099 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15092004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Recent immigrants and refugees have higher rates of work-related injuries and illnesses compared to Canadian-born workers. As a result, they are often labelled as vulnerable workers. This study explored the factors that contribute to occupational health and safety (OHS) vulnerability of recent immigrants and refugees with a focus on modifiable factors such as exposure to hazards and access to workplace protections, awareness of OHS and worker rights, and empowerment to act on those rights. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with 110 recent immigrants and refugees about their experiences looking for work and in their first jobs in Canada. A thematic content analysis was used to organize the data and to identify and report themes. The jobs described by participants typically involved poor working conditions and exposure to hazards without adequate workplace protections. Most participants had limited knowledge of OHS and employment rights and tended to not voice safety concerns to employers. Understanding OHS vulnerability from the lens of workplace context can help identify modifiable conditions that affect the risk of injury and illness among recent immigrants and refugees. Safe work integration depends on providing these workers with information about their rights, adequate job training, and opportunities for participating in injury prevention.
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15
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Sterud T, Tynes T, Mehlum IS, Veiersted KB, Bergbom B, Airila A, Johansson B, Brendler-Lindqvist M, Hviid K, Flyvholm MA. A systematic review of working conditions and occupational health among immigrants in Europe and Canada. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:770. [PMID: 29925349 PMCID: PMC6011510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A systematic attempt to summarize the literature that examines working conditions and occupational health among immigrant in Europe and Canada. Methods We established inclusion criteria, searched systematically for articles included in the Medline, Embase and Social Sciences Citation Index databases in the period 2000–2016 and checked the reference lists of all included papers. Results Eighty-two studies were included in this review; 90% were cross-sectional and 80% were based on self-report. Work injuries were consistently found to be more prevalent among immigrants in studies from different countries and in studies with different designs. The prevalence of perceived discrimination or bullying was found to be consistently higher among immigrant workers than among natives. In general, however, we found that the evidence that immigrant workers are more likely to be exposed to physical or chemical hazards and poor psychosocial working conditions is very limited. A few Scandinavian studies support the idea that occupational factors may partly contribute to the higher risk of sick leave or disability pension observed among immigrants. However, the evidence for working conditions as a potential mediator of the associations between immigrant status and poor general health and mental distress was very limited. Conclusion Some indicators suggest that immigrant workers in Europe and Canada experience poorer working conditions and occupational health than do native workers. However, the ability to draw conclusions is limited by the large gaps in the available data, heterogeneity of immigrant working populations, and the lack of prospectively designed cohort studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5703-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sterud
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - T Tynes
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - K B Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Bergbom
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Airila
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - B Johansson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Brendler-Lindqvist
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Hviid
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M-A Flyvholm
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Tiruneh A, Siman-Tov M, Radomislensky I, Peleg K. Characteristics and circumstances of injuries vary with ethnicity of different population groups living in the same country. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2017; 22:49-64. [PMID: 27323908 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2016.1196647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether characteristics and circumstances of injuries are related to ethnicity. DESIGN The study was based on the Israeli National Trauma Registry data for patients hospitalized between 2008 and 2011. Data included demographics, injury, hospital resource utilization characteristics and outcome at discharge. Univariate analysis followed by logistic regression models were undertaken to examine the relationship between injury and ethnicity. RESULTS The study included 116,946 subjects; 1% were Ethiopian Born Israelis (EBI), 11% Israelis born in the Former Soviet Union (FSUBI) and 88% the remaining Israelis (RI). EBI were injured more on street or at work place and had higher rates of penetrating and severe injuries. However, FSUBI were mostly injured at home, and had higher rates of fall injuries and hip fracture. Adjusted analysis showed that EBI and FSUBI were more likely to be hospitalized because of violence-related injuries compared with RI but less likely because of road traffic injuries. Undergoing surgery and referral for rehabilitation were greater among FSUBI, while admission to intensive care unit was greater among EBI. CONCLUSION Targeted intervention programmes need to be developed for immigrants of different countries of origin in accordance with the identified characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Tiruneh
- a Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine , Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy , Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Maya Siman-Tov
- a Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine , Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy , Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Irina Radomislensky
- a Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine , Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy , Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Kobi Peleg
- a Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine , Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy , Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan , Israel
- b Department of Disaster Management, School of Public Health , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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17
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Effects of Social Determinants on Chinese Immigrant Food Service Workers' Work Performance and Injuries: Mental Health as a Mediator. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 57:806-13. [PMID: 26147549 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effects of social discrimination, job concerns, and social support on worker mental health and the influence of mental health on occupational health outcomes have been documented intermittently. We propose an integrated, theory-driven model to distinguish the impact of social determinants on work performance and injuries and the mediating effects of mental health problems. METHODS The US Chinese immigrant food service workers (N = 194) completed a multimeasure interview; we tested the integrated model using structural equation modeling. RESULTS Mental health problems, which were associated with decreased work performance and increased injuries, also mediated relationships between job/employment concerns and both work performance and injuries but did not mediate the influences of discrimination and social support. CONCLUSIONS This research reveals mechanisms by which social determinants influence immigrant worker health, pointing to complementary strategies for reducing occupational health disparities.
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18
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Syed IU. Labor Exploitation and Health Inequities Among Market Migrants: A Political Economy Perspective. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-015-0427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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19
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Kosny A, MacEachen E, Lifshen M, Smith P. Another Person in the Room: Using Interpreters During Interviews With Immigrant Workers. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 24:837-845. [PMID: 24823318 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314535666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cross-language research poses many challenges. When researchers and participants do not speak the same language, meanings expressed by participants might not be understood in the same way by researchers, and the richness of participants' experiences might be lost. This can lead to the misrepresentation and silencing of issues faced by these participants, especially newcomers. In this article, we critically examine our experience conducting qualitative interviews with injured immigrant workers with the help of professional interpreters. Using examples from our field notes and transcripts, we outline some of the key difficulties we faced: varying styles of interpretation, breeches of interview conventions, and miscommunications with interpreters. We discuss how these issues affected our study design, rapport with participants and, ultimately, data quality. We end with a discussion of how to improve cross-language and cross-cultural research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Smith
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir : développement d’une trousse d’outils en santé et sécurité du travail (SST) pour les nouveaux immigrants qui utilisent les services d’établissement e. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.5776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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21
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Premji S. Mécanismes d’inégalités en santé et sécurité : modèle conceptuel et agenda de recherche. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.3963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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22
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Premji S. Mechanisms of inequalities in health and safety : conceptual model and research agenda. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.3825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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23
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Kosny A, Lifshen M, Smith P, Saunders R, Rhooms R. Prevention Is the Best Medicine : Development of a Work and Health Toolkit for New Immigrants Using Settlement Services in Ontario. PERSPECTIVES INTERDISCIPLINAIRES SUR LE TRAVAIL ET LA SANTÉ 2014. [DOI: 10.4000/pistes.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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24
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Premji S, Lewchuk W. Racialized and gendered disparities in occupational exposures among Chinese and white workers in Toronto. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2013; 19:512-528. [PMID: 24147741 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2013.848843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined disparities in hazardous employment characteristics and working conditions among Chinese and white workers in Toronto, Canada. DESIGN We used self-administered questionnaire data from a 2005-2006 population-based survey (n = 1611). Using modified Poisson regression, we examined the likelihood for Chinese workers of experiencing adverse exposures compared to whites. Models were stratified by sex and adjusted for differences in human capital. Work sector was conceptualized as a mediating variable. RESULTS Chinese workers were generally more likely to report adverse exposures. In many cases, disparities were only evident or more pronounced among women. The shorter length of time in Canada of Chinese relative to whites accounted for some of the observed disparities. Meanwhile, the higher educational level of Chinese compared to whites provided them with no protection from adverse exposures. The risk of experiencing discrimination on the labor market and at work was more than 50% higher among Chinese men and women as compared to whites, and those disparities, though reduced, persisted after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination is far more prevalent among Chinese than among whites and may explain their disproportionate exposure to other hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Premji
- a Labour Studies/Health, Aging & Society , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
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25
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Tsai JHC, Thompson EA. Impact of social discrimination, job concerns, and social support on Filipino immigrant worker mental health and substance use. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:1082-94. [PMID: 23794397 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The personal and social impact of mental health problems and substance use on workforce participation is costly. Social determinants of health contribute significantly to health disparities beyond effects associated with work. Guided by a theory-driven model, we identified pathways by which social determinants shape immigrant worker health. METHOD Associations between known social determinants of mental health problems and substance use (social discrimination, job and employment concerns, and social support) were examined using structural equation modeling in a sample of 1,397 immigrants from the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Study. RESULTS Social discrimination and low social support were associated with mental health problems and substance use (P < 0.05). Job and employment concerns were associated with mental health problems, but not substance use. CONCLUSIONS The integration of social factors into occupational health research is needed, along with prevention efforts designed for foreign-born ethnic minority workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing; University of Washington; Seattle; Washington
| | - Elaine Adams Thompson
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing; University of Washington; Seattle; Washington
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26
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Dunlavy AC, Rostila M. Health inequalities among workers with a foreign background in Sweden: do working conditions matter? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:2871-87. [PMID: 23846669 PMCID: PMC3734464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10072871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Employment and working conditions are key social determinants of health, yet current information is lacking regarding relationships between foreign background status, working conditions and health among workers in Sweden. This study utilized cross-sectional data from the 2010 Swedish Level of Living Survey (LNU) and the Level of Living Survey for Foreign Born Persons and their Children (LNU-UFB) to assess whether or not health inequalities exist between native Swedish and foreign background workers and if exposure to adverse psychosocial and physical working conditions contributes to the risk for poor health among foreign background workers. A sub-sample of 4,021 employed individuals aged 18-65 was analyzed using logistic regression. Eastern European, Latin American and Other Non-Western workers had an increased risk of both poor self-rated health and mental distress compared to native Swedish workers. Exposure to adverse working conditions only minimally influenced the risk of poor health. Further research should examine workers who are less integrated or who have less secure labor market attachments and also investigate how additional working conditions may influence associations between health and foreign background status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Dunlavy
- Centre for Health Equity Studies, Stockholm University/Karolinska Institute, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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27
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Panikkar B, Woodin MA, Brugge D, Desmarais AM, Hyatt R, Goldman R, Pirie A, Goldstein-Gelb M, Galvão H, Chianelli M, Vasquez I, McWhinney M, Dalembert F, Gute DM. Occupational health and safety experiences among self-identified immigrant workers living or working in Somerville, MA by ethnicity, years in the US, and English proficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:4452-69. [PMID: 23222180 PMCID: PMC3546771 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9124452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this community based research initiative, we employed a survey instrument predominately developed and administered by Teen Educators to assess occupational health risks for Haitian, Salvadoran, and Brazilian immigrants (n = 405) in Somerville, MA, USA. We demonstrate that a combined analysis of ethnicity, years in the US, and English proficiency better characterized the occupational experience of immigrant workers than considering these variables individually. While years in the US (negatively) and English proficiency (positively) explained the occurrence of health risks, the country of origin identified the most vulnerable populations in the community. Brazilians, Salvadorans, and other Hispanic, all of whom who have been in the US varying length of time, with varying proficiency in English language had twice the odds of reporting injuries due to work compared to other immigrants. Although this observation was not significant it indicates that years in the US and English proficiency alone do not predict health risks among this population. We recommend the initiation of larger studies employing c community based participatory research methods to confirm these differences and to further explore work and health issues of immigrant populations. This study is one of the small number of research efforts to utilize a contemporaneous assessment of occupational health problems in three distinct immigrant populations at the community level within a specific Environmental Justice context and social milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-617-776-3153; Fax: +1-617-627-3994
| | - Mark A. Woodin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Doug Brugge
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Anne Marie Desmarais
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
| | - Raymond Hyatt
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA; E-Mails: (D.B.); (R.H.)
| | - Rose Goldman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Alex Pirie
- Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Marcy Goldstein-Gelb
- Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, Dorchester, MA 02122, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Heloisa Galvão
- 697 Cambridge St. Suite 106 Brighton, MA 02135, USA; E-Mails: (H.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Monica Chianelli
- 697 Cambridge St. Suite 106 Brighton, MA 02135, USA; E-Mails: (H.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Ismael Vasquez
- Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mails: (I.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Melissa McWhinney
- Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville, MA 02143, USA; E-Mails: (I.V.); (M.M.)
| | | | - David M. Gute
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; E-Mails: (M.A.W.); (A.M.D.); (D.M.G.)
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