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Cardiometabolic Risk Behavior Modification in a Migrant Industrial Workforce

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Migrant industrial workers in Gulf Cooperation Council settings carry a disproportionate burden of modifiable cardiometabolic risk behaviors, yet structured workplace health interventions targeting this population remain scarce. PROJECT RATIONALE: Occupational heat exposure, language diversity, and limited communal living control distinguish this workforce, calling for low-cost interventions adapted to local context and grounded in established behavior change frameworks. PROJECT SUMMARY: A 2-phase quality improvement initiative was conducted from July 2025 to March 2026 at an industrial facility in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Anonymous surveys assessed 9 behavioral risk domains at baseline (n = 78 participants) and follow-up (n = 70 participants). Interventions were delivered July through August 2025. Low water intake decreased from 63% to 26%, a 37 percentage-point reduction. Secondary domains showed minimal change. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Environmental facilitation integrated into existing workplace routines was associated with the largest observed behavioral change; complex behavioral domains require structural supports beyond brief educational programs.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.109397

Authors: Hamza Rahim, Sidh Kale, Devika Devan, Mariam Naz, Fathima Mujeeb

Institution: Tbilisi State Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Health and Well-being

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850