435 Self-perceived health of African agricultural workers in Spain: results from the AGROMISALUD project

OP 32: Health Status 1, B210 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 09:00 - 10:00 Aims In Spain, agricultural work is mainly performed by the migrant population. These workers often face challenging conditions, including long working hours, low wages, and limited access to healthcare, which can have significant implications for their health and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the self-perceived health of agricultural workers of African origin in Spain. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study (2022) in four Spanish Regions (Lleida, La Rioja, Almeria and Huelva). A 43-question questionnaire was designed based on the National Health Survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of socio-demographic characteristics with self-perceived health. Results 616 participants were selected for the analysis, including 66.1% of males with a median age of 36 (IQR: 28-44). Among them, 23.1% reported poor self-perceived health. Key risk factors for poor self-perceived health included being female (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.19-3.7, p = 0.01), older age (30-45 years, OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.57-5.6, p = 0.001; 45 years or more, OR = 8.36, 95% CI: 4.2-17.43, p < 0.001), having higher education (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01-2.83, p = 0.047), lacking legal administrative documentation (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.25-3,57, p = 0.005), and alcohol consumption (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.08-3.76, p = 0.03). Furthermore, health conditions such as respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, circulatory, endocrine, and mental health disorders were strongly associated with poor self-perceived health, with notable sex differences in their impact. Conclusions Migrant women declared poorer self-perceived health, suffer more pain and fatigue and nervous system problems. This emphasizes the importance of gender-specific health approaches to address this population’s physical and mental health disparities. On the other hand, the good self-perceived health may correspond to the “healthy immigrant effect” and the conception of health linked to functionality. Health promotion interventions are needed, including preventive workplace practices and facilitating access to healthcare services.