Socio-demographic and occupational determinants of poor self-perceived health among seasonal migrant farmworkers: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Objectives This study analyzes the self-perceived health of seasonal migrant farmworkers in Spain and identifies its associations with socio-demographic and occupational factors. Study design Cross-sectional multicenter study. Methods A total of 616 seasonal migrant farmworkers of African origin were recruited in 2021–2022 from four Spanish provinces. Self-perceived health was assessed using a validated questionnaire and dichotomized as poor (regular/bad/very bad) vs good (good/very good). Multivariate logistic regression and decision tree analysis were conducted to identify associated factors. The model was evaluated using AUC and Hosmer–Lemeshow tests. Results Poor self-perceived health was reported by 23.1% of participants. Women (OR = 2.10), older adults (OR = 8.36 for ≥45 years), individuals without residence permits (OR = 2.10), alcohol users (OR = 2.02), and residents in southern regions (OR = 2.29) had significantly higher odds of reporting poor health. Specific conditions such as respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and mental health problems were also associated with poor health perception. Gender and geographic origin defined risk patterns. Conclusions Our findings show that seasonal migrant farmworkers in Spain, particularly women and those without legal documentation or living in southern regions, experience worse health outcomes. Addressing and transforming the social and occupational conditions in which these migrant workers live and work requires structural interventions through governmental policies