Abstract
Background Economic contribution by internal migrant workers, in particular the workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Sri Lanka, is well recognized, yet the social and health consequences are unknown. Objective To systematically review the health issues affecting female internal migrant workers in EPZ in Sri Lanka Methods A literature review was conducted through electronic databases and hand searches of grey literature. Studies eligible for inclusion were those reported health or social issues among females employed in an industry within EPZ from 1978 to 2012. Studies were selected using a defined checklist for their methodological quality and in relation to measurement of health status. Results Of the 550 studies identified, eight publications were included for the review. The respondents were relatively young and educated females, and the large majority have migrated predominantly from rural areas to work in garment factories located in urban centers. These studies described health issues related to nutrition, reproductive health, mental health, musculo-skeletal disorders and gender issues. The review identified high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies such as underweight and anaemia; risky sexual behavior; and psychological disorders among female factory workers. Migrant workers had higher prevalence of anaemia and psychological depression than their nonmigrant counterparts. As a positive effect, women experienced empowerment through gaining income and new knowledge. Conclusions Female migrant workers generally tend to exhibit some disadvantage due to health risks, and are more likely to be subject to ill-health than non-migrants. More rigorous research is needed to determine true health impacts within this population.
Highlights
The United Nations defines internal migration as a permanent change in residence from one geographical unit to another within a particular country [1]
According to the Board of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI), there were 128,267 employees in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) by October 2012, and the majority (59%) of them were females [13]. This population makes a major contribution to the economy since it constitutes a substantial fraction of the garment industry workforce in Sri Lanka [10]
One study conducted in Koggala EPZ reported a lower percentage of migrant workers, amounting to 15% [25]
Summary
The United Nations defines internal migration as a permanent change in residence from one geographical unit to another within a particular country [1]. The majority of the enterprises were textile and ready-made garment industries which attracted large number of young rural women from economically marginalized families to work as machine operators These industries were extended to other regions of the country, and there were six EPZ and two industrial parks by year 2000, and as at present there are 12 in total [10]. According to the Board of Investment Sri Lanka (BOI), there were 128,267 employees in the EPZ by October 2012, and the majority (59%) of them were females [13] This population makes a major contribution to the economy since it constitutes a substantial fraction of the garment industry workforce in Sri Lanka [10]. Economic contribution by internal migrant workers, in particular the workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Sri Lanka, is well recognized, yet the social and health consequences are unknown
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