Physical examination and basic haematological findings in a selected group of migrant workers in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and extent of diseases present among migrant workers. A total of 809 migrant workers were examined. The mean BMI (Body Mass Index) was 22.3 kg/m². Only 4.9% of the respondents had blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg. Generally the migrant workers examined were healthy, except for subjects with abnormal eosinophilia counts, which may indicate occult parasitic infestation. Non-communicable disease in particular hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not major problems among migrant workers. Perhaps the target to aim at are the illegal migrant workers where more illness could be detected. (JUMMEC 2002; 1:40-43).