Occupational risks, discrimination and mental health: a comparison between Brazilian and Haitian migrant workers in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare working conditions, experiences of discrimination and suspected cases of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Haitian and Brazilian migrant workers in the same production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted using a nonprobabilistic convenience sample of Brazilian and Haitian migrant workers aged over 18 years from the capital of the Brazilian Midwest, evaluated from October 2018 to May 2019. Individual and face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire consisting of three instruments: health and work (questions of the Health and Work Survey: Inquérito Saúde e Trabalho), the experience of discrimination score and the self-reporting questionnaire.

Findings

In total, 165 workers were evaluated: 99 Haitians (58 from the service sector and 41 from the construction sector) and 66 Brazilians (37 from the service sector and 29 from the construction sector). Male workers of both nationalities were predominant. Deafening noise and dust or gas exposure were more prevalent among Brazilians than among Haitians. Chemical agents and radiation exposure have been reported more frequently among Haitians. Discrimination related to nationality or race was nine times more common among Haitians (10.1%) than among Brazilians (1.5%). Perceived discrimination at work was higher among Haitians (16.2%) than among Brazilians (3.0%). The prevalence of suspected CMDs among Haitians and Brazilians were 24.0% and 4.5%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitation regarding convenience sampling and the high number of Brazilians who refused to participate in the interviews, this paper brings contributions and recommendations. First, considering that comparisons in health outcomes between migrants and nonmigrant are challenging, this study sheds light on the knowledge of work-health relations between migrant populations and host populations.

Practical implications

This study’s results have attempted to show the importance of protecting health in the workplace as a right to be defended. In this regard, a matter of great concern is the recent loss of labor rights in Brazil and the Brazilian decision to leave the Migratory Pact, which aims to strengthen migrants’ rights, contributing to sustainable development

Social implications

Also, work is identified as a powerful determinant of health and a place that should protect and promote health. There is an urgent need to monitor and proceed with workers’ health surveillance to grasp the impacts of work on migrant’s health, develop health-work indicators and trigger plans and programs in health services.

Originality/value

Haitians are at a disadvantage compared to Brazilians, mainly related to discrimination due to nationality and skin color. Experiences of discrimination and a higher prevalence of suspected cases of CMDs were observed among Haitian workers.

Citation

e Silva, K.L.B., Muraro, A.P. and Leão, L.H.d.C. (2022), "Occupational risks, discrimination and mental health: a comparison between Brazilian and Haitian migrant workers in Brazil", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 243-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-01-2021-0007