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Differences in physical and mental health outcomes by occupational type among chinese migrant workers in guinea: a cross-sectional survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To compare the physical and mental health outcomes between Chinese non-manual and manual workers employed in Guinea, and to explore their occupational profiles. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey, yielding a total of 800 valid responses. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, self-reported chronic disease status, self-reported infectious diseases history, and mental health status assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Disease burden and mental health outcomes were compared between different occupational groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence of chronic diseases was significantly higher among non-manual workers than among manual workers (40.8% vs. 27.7%, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, and years of overseas work, non-manual workers remained more likely to have at least one chronic condition. Specifically, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gout/hyperuricemia were more prevalent among non-manual workers, whereas no significant difference was observed for diabetes. Manual workers had a significantly higher prevalence of previous malaria infection (60.7% vs. 50.7%, P = 0.023), which remained significant after multivariable adjustment. In contrast, the difference in typhoid fever history was attenuated after adjustment. Regarding mental health, non-manual workers had higher anxiety and depression scores. After adjustment, a higher prevalence of subclinical anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 5) remained significant, whereas the difference in subclinical depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) was no longer statistically significant. No significant differences were observed at higher cutoff levels (≥ 10). Non-manual workers reported a higher burden of chronic diseases and higher prevalence of subclinical anxiety symptoms, whereas manual workers reported a higher prevalence of previous malaria infection. These findings may provide useful information for occupational health planning for overseas workers.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-29913-6

Authors: Li Wenzheng, Zhou Xiaojie, Li Anning, Zhao Yejing, Song Xiantao

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Anding Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Identity, and Health

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290