Perception of Occupational Risks and Practices of Self-protection from Infectious Diseases Among Workers in Contact with International Migrants at Hungary’s Border
10.2185/jrm.2885
- Author:
Istvan Szilard
;
Zoltan Katz
;
Karoly Berenyi
;
Peter Csepregi
;
Andras Huszar
;
Arpad Barath
;
Erika Marek
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
occupational health;
international migration;
health hazards;
questionnaire survey
- From:Journal of Rural Medicine
2014;9(2):59-73
- CountryJapan
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate employees’self-assessments of their occupational risks and health awareness as well as theirperception of preventive methods. We also aimed to collect data on employees’ perceptionof some selected alarming signs and symptoms that may encourage them to take furtheractions (such as separation and calling an ambulance).
Participants and methods: Between April and June 2013, an anonymousquestionnaire survey was conducted with the participation of 70 employees working withmigrants (both health-care and non-health-care staff) in 10 Hungarian settlements: 4border crossing points along the eastern Schengen borderline, 3 asylum detention centersand 3 reception centers.
Results: Our results demonstrated an increased perception of certainbiological and mental health hazards at work among those working with migrants: 63.7% ofthe health-care workers and even 37.3% of the non-health-care staff come into contact withhuman secretions (feces, urine, saliva) “frequently” or “sometimes”. Self-assessedawareness of the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases was poor: only 12.8% ofparticipants evaluated their awareness as “good” or “very good”. Threat of verbal violencemay be considered a common mental risk at work for participants: 35% “sometimes” or“frequently” and 5% “always” face verbal violence during their work. The most commonlyused preventive measures against infectious diseases included the use of gloves, masks anddisinfectants; these were generally available to 70 to 80% of the workers and properlyapplied.
Conclusions: Our results indicate considerable deficiencies in theparticipants’ preparedness in respect to their occupational health-related issues. Sinceit is essential for those having daily physical contact with migrants during their work tobe properly informed about the occupational health hazards and consequences that may beassociated with international migration, their training programs urgently require furtherdevelopment. More comprehensive knowledge may improve the preventive attitudes ofemployees, and conscious application of preventive measures may contribute to betterpublic and occupation health safety.
