Migrant Construction Workers Health Seeking Behavior in India- Literature Review

Authors

  • Ajoke Akinola Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria 
  • Anil Kumar Indira Krishna  School of Public Health, SRM University, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i3.1142

Keywords:

Health seeking behavior, Construction migrants, Vulnerability

Abstract

BackgroundMigrant construction workers are contributing economically to the nation’s development but their health seeking behavior has been a public health challenge. In the process are susceptible to different health problems from work fatalities, injuries, environment and higher risk of diseases and sickness.  

Method: Searches were conducted from inception to date, November 2021. Search engines like PMC, and Google scholar was used. Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Study finds that Ignorance, discrimination, self-defeat, work-related health risks, deteriorating working condition and living, to mention few deepens their health seeking behaviour.  

Conclusion: Amelioration of society (social inclusion, networks, educators), Equity on scarce resources, cultural (community participation), environmental (violence) togetherness through government and other nongovernmental organizations should be addressed. Necessary to protect, cure, prevent and promote health seeking behavior of construction migrant population.  

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Published

2025-10-13

Issue

Section

Review Articles

How to Cite

Migrant Construction Workers Health Seeking Behavior in India- Literature Review. (2025). The Nigerian Health Journal, 25(3), 1088 – 1100. https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i3.1142

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