ABSTRACT The Philippines is one of the world's top sources of migrant workers. Japan has become a key destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and the number of OFWs joining various sectors has been growing since the 1970s. Workers, particularly in highly concentrated places, are vulnerable to diseases due to prolonged close contact with co-workers. This high risk of exposure to disease was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the evolving needs of OFWs, particularly bento workers, during the pandemic, it is necessary to examine their health-seeking behaviors (HSBs). Bento workers played a crucial role as they were the frontliners in food distribution across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, face-to-face in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study revealed different common ailments experienced by OFW bento workers in Japan. The study also identified the common health seeking behaviors to resolve these ailments. Although there was a decrease or delay in hospital visits, utilization of telecare and practice of self medication became prominent health-seeking behaviors. Various factors enabled or hindered these health seeking behaviors. The key facilitators were awareness of health insurances, social support, work benefits and compensations, and mandatory health examination. On the other hand, key barriers include conflict in work schedule, language barrier, affordability and limitation of work benefits and religion. The findings of the study not only identified concerns but also offered a basis for concrete implementation on the development of an adequate healthcare system for migrant workers in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reyes et al. (Thu,) studied this question.