Acculturation and Its Effects on Health Risk Behaviors among Myanmar Migrant Workers: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Abstract

Thailand hosts many workers who have migrated from neighboring countries and is facing a large burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health screening for migrant workers routinely emphasizes infectious diseases but overlooks NCDs. We surveyed prevalent health behaviors for NCDs and their influencing factors, particularly cultural adaptation patterns among Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. A total of 414 migrant workers consented to participate in the study. Lack of exercise (75.8%), current alcohol consumption (40.8%), current smoking (26.9%), and central obesity (24.3%) were major lifestyle problems. Being female and uneducated was associated with a lack of exercise. Current alcohol consumption was significantly associated with being male and being of Myanmar ethnicity, with an integrative strategy for acculturation, and with a higher income. Male participants and participants with a lower mean score of marginalization were more likely to smoke. Central obesity was associated with being older than 40 years, being female, engaging in an assimilation strategy, and being uneducated. These findings highlight the need for gender inclusive health promotion, the screening of NCD risk behaviors, and timely health education for migrant workers. It may assist authorities to devise strategies to extend health promotion and universal health coverage to the migrant population.