Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Self-Rated Morbidities Among South Asian Migrant Gas Station Workers in Kuwait

Gas station workers (GSWs) are at elevated risk of morbidities associated with exposure to petrochemical substances. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and examined demographics and occupation-related risk factors associated with self-rated ill-health among GSWs in Kuwait. Structured questionnaire was used to record self-rated ill-health from 460 selected GSWs of South-Asian origin. Prevalence of self-rated ill-health conditions was computed. Random-intercept multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the demographics and/or work-place related potential risk factors associated with one or more morbidities. Prevalent morbidities were eye(s) complaint (45.2%), asthma/shortness of breath (7.6%), frequent sneezing and allergic rhinitis (44.3%), recurrent headache (48.3%), dizziness (9.8%), tremors (42%), and eczema/skin complaint (44.1%). Furthermore, GSWs were significantly more likely to report one or more ill-health conditions (vs. none), if they were overweight/obese (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.9), married (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.5) or on current job for more than one year (aOR 6.4; 95% CI 2.9-15.4). In conclusion, GSWs suffer from ailments of multiple organ systems and need education and facilitation for self-protection.