Employment, working conditions and health of immigrant workers in Spain (ITSAL Project)

Background: Nowadays, immigration is a phenomenon with a high impact in political, social, economic and labour spheres both in the context of host countries and countries of origin. Although the status of this kind of population is relatively good when they arrive, the experience of adverse life conditions may lead to significant health inequalities. We aim to explore the employment and working conditions amongst immigrant workers and their relationship with physical, psychological, and social health  Methods: This study combined quantitative and qualitative techniques of investigation in a multi-methods study design. Primary data were collected as part of the Immigration, work and health Project -ITSAL- (Inmigración, trabajo y salud, acronym in Spanish), an exploratory study in workers from Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Romania and Sub-Saharan Africa in five Spanish cities: Alicante, Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia. In the qualitative phase 84 interviews and 12 focus groups were carried out and in the quantitative phase 2,434 surveys were conducted. In addition Interviews with key informants representing immigrant organizations were included.      

Results: The analysis showed young populations, with a high education level, but with access to a limited job market, high temporality, low salaries and poor physical and mental health. These populations experienced discrimination, related to xenophobia and racism at work and in other social spaces. Such discrimination may constitute a risk factor for health.  Exposure to occupational risks was exacerbated in immigrants because of their greater presence in unqualified jobs and their economic need to prolong working hours. Immigrant workers report more sickness presenteeism than their Spanish-born counterparts. Moreover, a little knowledge of their occupational health and safety related rights were found.   Conclusions: The physical, mental and social health situation of immigrant populations to Spain is significantly and negatively affected by the life and working conditions in the host country.