BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly prevalent among South Asian migrants, with evidence suggesting that many adopt unhealthy behavioural risk factors (BRFs) in host countries. Despite Sri Lanka's substantial temporary migrant workforce exceeding 1.5 million, data on BRFs of NCDs among returnee migrant workers remains scarce. This study aims to describe the prevalence of BRFs of NCDs and associated factors among Sri Lankan returnee migrant workers from the Middle East.

METHODS

This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 680 returnee Middle East migrant workers in the Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. Study participants were selected using a three-stage cluster sampling method based on probability-proportionate-to-size technique. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Prevalences were presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify correlates for BRFs.

RESULTS

Response rate was 94.4% (N = 642). The prevalence of BRFs was as follows: daily tobacco use 14.2% (95% CI: 11.5-17.1), current alcohol use 20.1% (95% CI: 17.0-23.4), inadequate fruit/vegetable intake 89.3% (95% CI: 86.6-91.6), and physical inactivity 31.4% (95% CI: 27.8-35.2). Daily tobacco use was significantly associated with the 35-42 age group (AOR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.16-3.57), being male (AOR 17.04, 95% CI: 7.19-40.39), and having accumulated savings (AOR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.25-3.72). Current alcohol use was associated with being currently employed (AOR 7.18, 95% CI: 2.61-20.95), being a male (AOR 44.51, 95% CI: 12.30-149.15), lower education level (AOR 2.97, 95% CI:1.67-5.79). Insufficient fruit/vegetable consumption was associated with; lower household income (AOR 4.32, 95% CI: 2.12-8.09), and inadequate savings (AOR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.18-6.25). Physical inactivity was correlated with; being female (AOR 5.26, 95% CI: 1.75-9.09), having accumulated savings (AOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19-2.92).

CONCLUSION

Returnee migrant workers exhibit a high prevalence of BRFs, influenced significantly by demographic, socio-economic, and migration-related factors. Migrant-friendly interventions promoting healthcare access, voluntary NCD screenings, and health-literacy assistance are recommended throughout the migration process, alongside further research.