A study by an Indian doctor has found high prevalence of hypertension diabetes overweight and abdominal obesity among migrant Indian workers in the GCC.

Recently published in an indexed journal (Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health) the research was done by Dr. Shamim Begam. N a public health research scholar at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in India.

"I conducted the study from June to December 2013 among 400 adults between 25 to 65 years of age" Dr. Shamim who currently works with Al Zora Medical Centre in Ajman told Khaleej Times.

The study attempted to compare the prevalence of risk factors of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among equal number of migrant and resident Indians in the district of Malappuram. The study used the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s STEPS questionnaire which includes physical and biochemical measurements as well.

"There is a high prevalence of hypertension dyslipidemia diabetes and risk factors among Gulf migrant workers according to observations done by practicing doctors in Malappuram" she said.

Significantly higher risks

The study found that the burden of NCD risk factors that is hypertension diabetes overweight and abdominal obesity are significantly higher among Gulf migrant workers compared to non-migrant workers.

Gulf migrants were found three times at higher risk for hypertension and abdominal obesity compared to resident workers. Among Gulf migrants prevalence of risk factors increased with an increase in the duration of migration.

Occupation related risk factors such as daily working hours increased number of working days per week and lack of adequate sleep were found to be high among migrants compared to non-migrants making them vulnerable to NCDs and risk factors.

"High prevalence of passive smoking and unhealthy diet among Gulf migrant workers have to be considered important. Treatment and control of hypertension is very low among Gulf migrants compared to non-migrants. High cost of medical care in Gulf countries lack of provision for medical care from the employers in many places and inadequate time due to long working hours were the factors understood behind this" said Dr. Shamim.

She said these issues have to be addressed by the authorities with due importance.