Behavioural Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases Among Returnee Sri Lankan Migrant Workers from Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are rising among South Asian migrant populations. Despite Sri Lanka’s over 1.5 million temporary migrant workforce, there’s insufficient data on Behavioural Risk Factors (BRFs) for NCDs among returnee migrant workers. This study aims to describe the prevalence of BRFs for NCDs and associated factors among returnee Sri Lankan migrant workers from Middle-East. Methods: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 680 returnee Middle East migrant workers in the Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka selected using multi-staged cluster sampling. Pretested Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire was utilized for the data collection. The analysis encompasses descriptive statistics and logistic regression using SPSS version 26. Results: Response rate was 94.4% (n=642). Estimated prevalence of BRFs included daily smoking 12.3% (95%CI 9.8-15.1), current alcohol uses 20.1% (95%CI 17.0-23.4), inadequate fruits and vegetables consumption 89.3% (95%CI 86.6-91.6), and physical inactivity 31.4% (95%CI 27.8-35.2). Significant associations were identified, such as daily smoking with extended post-return period (AOR 0.58, 95%CI 0.39-0.86), having accumulated savings (AOR 2.98, 95%CI 1.33-6.69), being diagnosed with NCDs (AOR 2.85, 95%CI 1.36-6.69). Current alcohol use correlated with - being currently employed (AOR 7.79, 95%CI 2.72-22.33), being male (AOR 46.49, 95%CI 13.10-164.95), having accumulated savings (AOR 2.75, 95%CI 1.30-5.82), higher education level (AOR 0.38, 95%CI 0.19-0.74). Insufficient fruits and vegetables consumption was associated with; over LKR50,000 household income (AOR 0.24, 95%CI 0.12-0.46), and having accumulated savings (AOR 0.38, 95%CI 0.19-0.74). Physical inactivity was correlated with; being male (AOR 0.23, 95%CI 0.14-0.40), having chronic disease/ disability (AOR 1.91, 95%CI 1.20-3.04). Conclusion: Socio-economic and migration-related characteristics of returnee migrant workers were associated with the BRF for NCDs. Migrant-friendly, tailored interventions addressing these factors are recommended for promoting healthy lifestyles among returnee migrant workers.