Do inequalities exist in housing and working conditions among local and migrant industrial workers in Vietnam? Results from a multi-site survey. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Do, Ha Ngoc; Vu, Milkie; Nguyen, Anh Tuan; Nguyen, Hoa Quynh Thi; Bui, Thanh Phuong; Nguyen, Quy Van; Tran, Ngan Thu Thi; La, Ly Bac Thi; Nguyen, Nga Thu Thi; Nguyen, Quang N.; Phan, Hai Thanh; Hoang, Men Thi; Vu, Linh Gia; Vu, Thuc Minh Thi; Tran, Bach Xuan; Latkin, Carl A.; Ho, Cyrus S.H.; Ho, Roger C.M.
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 143(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Internal migration -- Social determinants of health -- Housing conditions -- Working conditions -- Vietnam; Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: We studied housing & working conditions among migrants vs. non-migrants in Vietnam. Migrants reported higher income but also more hazardous working conditions. Stronger social protection policy and information channels for migrants are needed. Abstract: Background: While internal migrants in Vietnam have been a key driving force in the country's rapid economic development, they also face many vulnerabilities. Our study seeks to explore possible inequalities in housing and working conditions between local and internal migrant industrial workers in Vietnam. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted with 1200 industrial workers in four regions of Vietnam. Dependent variables included housing conditions (satisfaction with convenience of accommodation, sanitation and water of accommodation, and accommodation in general) and working conditions (satisfaction with income, monthly income, number of hazardous working conditions, and work-related stress measured through the modified Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire). The primary independent variable is migrant status. Covariates included region, gender, education, marital status, accommodation status, living arrangements, industry, age, monthly income, experience, and working hours. Results: Of the sample, 24.7% (n = 296) were migrants. Overall, no differences were found regarding housing conditions by migrant status. In adjusted regression models, migrants reported higher numbers of hazardous working conditions (β = 0.07, 95 %CI = 0.01–0.13, p = 0.01) and higher monthly income (β = 0.05, 95 %CI = 0.01–0.09, p = 0.02). Discussion: Recent state-level changes in the Vietnamese household registration system may explain the lack of differences in housing conditions by migrant status. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs to examine impacts over time of state policy on migrants' housing conditions as well as well-being. Regarding working conditions, findings highlight the need for stronger social protection policy and better information channels on occupational health and safety for migrants. Further research, including qualitative studies, is needed to explore why migrants face more hazardous working conditions.