Influence of Work-Related Factors on Work Ability Among Young Cambodian Migrant Workers in Thailand

Asia Pac J Public Health. 2018 Jul;30(5):437-446. doi: 10.1177/1010539518786521. Epub 2018 Jul 9.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the effects of work-related factors on work ability among young Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. The participants consisted of 258 Cambodian migrant workers working in farms in the northeast region of Thailand. Work-related factors consisted of a general work environment and a psychosocial factor. General work environment was assessed by perception of subjects on biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic factors. The psychosocial factor was assessed by the Job Content Questionnaire. The Work Ability Index was used to evaluate their work ability. Logistic regression analysis was applied to test the association between work-related factors and work ability. The results indicate that a chemical work environment and psychosocial factor associated with Work Ability Index among young Cambodian migrant workers, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. These findings suggest that improving the work environment would be the most effective way to increase the work ability of Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand.

Keywords: Cambodia; Thailand; migrant; work ability; work environment; young worker.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cambodia / ethnology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thailand
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Work Capacity Evaluation*
  • Young Adult