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

• Authors: Ngoc Do Ha, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union; Milkie Vu, Emory University; Anh Tuan Nguyen, Youth Research Institute, Vietnam; Quynh Thi Nguyen Hoa, Youth Research Institute, Vietnam; Phuong Bui Thanh, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union; Van Nguyen Quy, Youth Research Institute, Vietnam; Thu Thi Tran Ngan, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union; Bac Thi La Ly, Hanoi National University of Education, Vietnam; Thu Thi Nguyen Nga, Hanoi Metropolitan University; Quang N Nguyen, Hanoi Medical University; Thanh Phan Hai, Duy Tan University; Thi Hoang Men, Duy Tan University; Gia Vu Linh, Duy Tan University; Minh Thi Vu Thuc, Institute of Health Economics and Technology; Xuan Tran Bach, Hanoi Medical University; Carl A Latkin, Johns Hopkins University; Cyrus SH Ho, National University Hospital, Singapore; Roger CM Ho, National University of Singapore
• Journal Title: SAFETY SCIENCE
• Volume: Volume 143
• Publisher: ELSEVIER | 2021-07-17
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105400
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Technology; Engineering, Industrial; Operations Research & Management Science; Engineering; Internal migration; Social determinants of health; Housing conditions; Working conditions; Vietnam; OCCUPATIONAL-HEALTH; INTERNAL MIGRATION; STRESS; SAFETY

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.