• Sungyeon Kim, Dong Jun Lee, Seung Hyeon Kim, Min Su Byun, Young Sun Yun, and Nam Kyu Lim.
• Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea.
• J. Korean Med. Sci. 2023 Nov 27; 38 (46): e398e398.

AbstractMigrant workers face challenging working conditions, resulting in physical and mental vulnerability. The objective is to identify their health vulnerabilities and ensure their right to health. Health records of 163 migrant workers (113 males and 50 females) (Group A) and 163 Korean citizens (Group B) visiting our institution were analyzed from August 2021 to July 2022. Both groups underwent urine analysis, chest radiography, and various blood tests. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests and χ² tests was performed. Group A had a significantly higher rate of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients, lower vaccination rates for hepatitis B, and poorer nutritional status compared to Group B. Group B generally exhibited higher levels of albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. There were significant quantitative differences in multiple blood cell and hemoglobin measurements between the two groups. These findings emphasize the need for policy support and public awareness to protect the health rights of migrant workers.© 2023 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

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