Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors among Interstate Migrant Workers employed in Construction sector, Chengalpattu District

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with migratory workers at a disproportionate risk due to socioeconomic vulnerability, work related stress, and inadequate healthcare access.  However, there is very little evidence of CVD among migrant construction workers in India.

Objectives : The objectives were to (i) estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses among daily-wage migrant construction workers in Tamil Nadu, and (ii) investigate the socio-demographic, behavioral, and occupational factors of CVD.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study of 500 male migrant construction workers was undertaken using simple random sampling.  A systematic, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic traits, lifestyle behaviors, and workplace exposures.  Self-reported physician-diagnosed CVD was used as the outcome variable.  Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to find independent predictors of CVD.  Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented.

Results: The prevalence of CVD among older workers increased from 1.16% (18-24 years) to 33.33% (≥50 years).  Logistic regression found significant relationships between alcohol use (AOR = 2.42), smokeless tobacco use (AOR = 5.44), longer work experience (AOR = 4.28 for ≥11 years), and high-risk occupations like plumbing/electrical work (AOR = 12.14).  Language-based heterogeneity was noteworthy, with Tamil/Telugu-speaking migrants at significantly higher risk (AOR = 13.06).  Education, caste, and per capita income were not found to be significant predictors.

Conclusion: The study identifies a significant burden of cardiovascular disease among migrant construction workers, which is driven by behavioral and occupational risk factors.  The findings emphasize the importance of targeted workplace health programs, routine cardiovascular screening, tobacco and alcohol cessation initiatives, and enhanced industrial safety measures.  Addressing the particular hazards that migrant subgroups face is critical to lowering CVD inequalities and improving long-term health outcomes in this vulnerable workforce.