Health-Promoting Behaviours in Myanmar Migrants: Association With Acculturation, Perceived Stress, and Behaviour-Specific Cognitions and Affects

Health-promoting behaviours (HPBs) in migrants are essential to protect their overall well-being. However, empirical evidence is lacking regarding the factors influencing HPBs in registered Myanmar migrants in Thailand. This study aimed to examine direct and indirect paths of relationships among acculturation, perceived stress, behaviour-specific cognitions and affects, and HPBs in registered Myanmar migrants in Bangkok. A cross-sectional study was conducted with multistage random sampling of 400 Myanmar migrants residing in Bangkok. The settings were lodging in factories where the migrants reside and work in Bangkok. Structured questionnaires included the East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Benefit Assessment Scale (BES), Barrier Assessment Scale (BAS), Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale (SRAHP), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Health-Promoting Behaviours Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Perceived stress had significant indirect effects on HPBs through perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and social support. Perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and social support had a significantly strong and positive direct effect on HPBs. Effective nursing intervention should be developed to reduce stress and promote perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and social support, leading to improved HPBs in registered migrants in Myanmar.