Physical and mental health among seasonal migrant farmworkers: Evidence from a survey conducted in northwestern Italy.

Objectives

Farmworkers exhibit a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, levels of anxiety, depression, and work-related stress compared with general population. However, few studies have investigated the main predictors of these outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the key factors associated with musculoskeletal and psychological conditions among farmworkers. STUDY

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The data were collected from June 2025 to August 2025 through a voluntary survey conducted among farmworkers who operated in Saluzzo, Cuneo, Piedmont. Four outcomes were analyzed: musculoskeletal pain, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. Age, length of service, working hours, smoking, physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI), social support, and work-related stress were the predictors investigated. Multinomial logistic regression (through Odds Ratios (ORs)) and Poisson regression models (through Prevalence Ratios (PRs)) were used to analyze musculoskeletal pain and work-related stress, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Moreover, Spearman's correlation was measured among the outcomes.

Results

The population consisted of 155 male farmworkers of foreign origin. Smoking (musculoskeletal pain 2-4: OR:4.52; 95%CI:1.64-12.49) and higher BMI (musculoskeletal pain 2-4: OR:2.59; 95%CI:1.14-5.87) were identified as the main predictors of an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, while physical activity appeared to be protective (musculoskeletal pain 2-4: OR:0.31; 95%CI:0.12-0.84 considering 1-2 h). Moreover, physical activity was associated with higher levels of work-related stress (PR:1.90; 95%CI:1.15-3.14 and PR:2.82; 95%CI:1.62-4.92 considering 1-2 and 3+ hours, respectively). Finally, longer working hours (PR:2.33; 95%CI:1.61-4.66) and work-related stress (PR:16.48; 95%CI:2.12-128.32) were associated with increased anxiety levels, whereas social support had a protective effect (PR: 0.39; 95%CI:0.19-0.81).

Conclusions

Higher BMI and smoking were the main risk factors for musculoskeletal pain; physical activity was associated with higher work-related stress, while longer working hours and work-related stress with increased anxiety. In contrast, physical activity appeared protective against musculoskeletal pain, and social support was associated with lower anxiety levels. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies tailored to this vulnerable population, including interventions aimed at reducing excessive physical workload, regulating working hours, improving psychosocial working conditions, and strengthening social support.