Migração, trabalho e saúde : uma análise comparativa entre haitianos e brasileiros em uma região metropolitana

Abstract

International migratory phenomena are heterogeneous, multifaceted and marked by constantly changing dynamics throughout history. Contextualization and motivation have been of interest to the scientific community. Existing studies indicate that immigrants are exposed to stressful situations, most of them due to the precariousness of living conditions, work, discrimination and social isolation in the host country. The present study aims to analyze, comparatively, the working conditions, experiences of discrimination and manifestations of suffering of Haitian and Brazilian workers in Cuiabá, in the construction and services sectors. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory study, conducted from a convenience sample of Haitians and Brazilians workers of construction and services, over 18 years old. The interviews were conducted in bilingual format (Creole/Portuguese). Instruments were used to assess socio-demographic characteristics and working conditions related to occupational risk exposures of the participants. Discrimination experiences through the Experience of Discrimination (EOD) score and suspicion of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) were evaluated by applying the Self-Reporting Questionnarie - 20 (SRQ-20). The research complied with the legislation regarding research with human beings, having been approved by an Ethics Committee. Ninety-nine Haitians (79.8% male) and 66 Brazilians (77.3% male) were evaluated. Differences were observed in various occupational risk exposures between Brazilians and Haitians, and most differences with statistical significance indicated more frequent exposures among Haitian workers. There was no statistically significant difference regarding discrimination, as assessed by the DOE, between the nationalities. However, when specifically asked about discrimination related to nationality or race at work, Haitians were 9 times higher than Brazilians. The prevalence of suspicion of CMD was higher among Haitians (24%) compared to Brazilians (4.5%). It is concluded that exposure to risks and labor constraints affect workers of both nationalities, but the Haitian migrant seems to be more exposed to situations of discrimination in labor processes. Moreover, the fact that the observed prevalence of CMD among Haitian workers was about 5 times higher than that observed among Brazilian workers, indicates the greater fragility of mental health among immigrant workers and should be considered in actions related to health and well-being of this particular population group.