Publications Search
This publications portal is a repository of all IOM migration health publications from 2006 to present where IOM was a primary contributor.
Publications include peer-reviewed scientific papers, technical reports, training guides/manuals, policy briefs/discussion papers, factsheets, newsletters, research reviews, conference and poster presentations. These are categorized by topic, author, country/region covered as well as by year, language, and type of publication. The map reflects the countries covered by the publications.
To browse or search: simply use the filter options on the left-hand side. Alternatively, you can enter keyword/s in the search box. Selecting a specific publication will lead to a ‘download’ link or link to the website where the document is housed. Here is the step-by-step guide for your reference.

When husband migrate: effects of international migration of husbands on fetal outcomes, body mass index and gestational weight of female spouses that stay behind
Author/s: Renuka Jayatissa, Kolitha Wickramage, Buddhini Herath Denuwara, Himali Herath, Ranbanda Jayawardana, Amila Gayan Perera, Nawamali De Alwis
Abstract
Background
International labour migration continues to be an integral component in Sri Lanka’s economic development. Previous research indicates an adverse perinatal outcome in association with low maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (PBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG). However, evidence of this association is limited in migrant families. This study aims to investigate the associations between PBMI, GWG among lactating mothers (LM), and fetal outcomes…

Management of health information of Nepalese labour migrants
Author/s: Rajendra Karkee, Minani Gurung, Lisasha Poudel, Chiranjivi Baral, Pratik Adhikary, Radheshyam Krishan KC, Sundip Gurung, Vasil Gajdadziev, Patrick Duigan, Montira Inkochasan, Kolitha Prabhash Wickramage, Ganesh Gurung
Abstract
Introduction
The monitoring and improvement of the health of labour migrants (LMs) require sufficient health data to be recorded
and managed. In this context, this study was conducted to understand the management of health information of
Nepalese Labour Migrants (NLMs).
Methods
This is an explorative qualitative study. Stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in maintaining the health data of
NLMs were first mapped,…

Risk of kidney health among returnee Nepali migrant workers: A survey of nephrologists
Author/s: Nirmal Aryal, Arun Sedhain, Pramod R Regmi, Radheshyam Krishna KC, Edwin van Teijlingen
Background: Anecdotal reports suggest an increasing prevalence of kidney problems in returnee Nepali migrant workers from the Gulf countries and Malaysia.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to (a) explore the magnitude of the kidney health-related problems in returnee Nepali migrant workers; and, (b) assess the need for further scientific investigations.
Materials and Methods: This was a self-administered survey of…
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Kidney health risk of migrant workers: An issue we can no longer overlook
Author/s: Nirmal Aryal, Pramod R. Regmi, Arun Sedhain, Radheshyam Krishna KC, Erwin Martinez Faller, Aney Rijal, Edwin van Teijlingen
The burden of kidney disease-related morbidity and mortality in the general population is rising. Recent data suggest that 1.2 million people worldwide lost their lives from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2017. The global prevalence of CKD was estimated between 11% to 13%, according to a 2016 review. There exists a specific population group of low-skilled migrant workers in the countries of the Gulf and Malaysia, who could be at a disproportionately higher risk of kidney health problems.…
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Is being a 'left-behind' child associated with an increased risk of self-poisoning in adulthood? Findings from a case–control study in Sri Lanka
Author/s: Duleeka Knipe, Paul Moran, Laura D Howe, Piumee Bandara, Kolitha Wickramage, David Gunnell, Thilini Rajapakse
Abstract
Purpose The long-term consequences of parental emigration on offspring self-harm risk is unknown.
Methods We investigated the association between experiencing parental emigration in childhood with hospital presentations for self-poisoning in adulthood using a hospital case–control study. Cases were adult self-poisoning patients (≥18-year-olds) admitted to the medical toxicology ward Teaching Hospital…
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Reaching out to migrant households during COVID-19 outbreak: the increasing need of social workers in Cambodia
Author/s: Thida Kim, Yao Fu, Sokunnara Thlen, Amaury Peeters, Kolitha Wickramage, Lucy P. Jordan
Cambodia, a lower-middle-income country in Southeast Asia, reported 275 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Despite lower reported cases, COVID-19 impacts Cambodian socio-economic systems in profound ways. With more than 1.1 million Cambodians having migrated abroad and low-income families in rural Cambodia relying heavily on remittances, the sudden loss of jobs caused by the pandemic raised an important question on how migrant households are prioritized among the rising society-wide needs. Given…
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Accessing health services in India: experiences of seasonal migrants returning to Nepal
Author/s: Pratik Adhikary, Nirmal Aryal, Raja Ram Dhungana, Radheyshyam Krishna KC, Pramod Raj Regmi, Kolitha Prabhash Wickramage, Patrick Duigan, Montira Inkochasan, Guna Nidhi Sharma, Bikash Devkota, Edwin van Teijlingen, Padam Simkhada
Background
Migration to India is a common livelihood strategy for poor people in remote Western Nepal. To date, little research has explored the degree and nature of healthcare access among Nepali migrant workers in India. This study explores the experiences of returnee Nepali migrants with regard to accessing healthcare and the perspectives of stakeholders in the government, support organizations, and health providers working with migrant workers in India.
Methods…
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Alcohol use disorders among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand
Author/s: Gaitan D, Daw Tin Shwe V, Bajcevic P, Gagnon A
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) among Myanmar male migrant workers (> 15 years) living in Mae Sot, Thailand, and their patterns of drinking.
Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 512 participants to measure AUDs and drinking patterns. ANOVA and χ2 analyses were performed to assess demographic differences between abstainers, harmful and hazardous drinkers (…
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Psychological morbidity in Nepali cross-border migrants in India: a community based cross-sectional study
Author/s: Dhungana RR, Aryal N, Adhikary P, Kc RK, Regmi PR, Devkota B, Sharma GN, Wickramage K, van Teijlingen E, Simkhada P
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since Nepali cross-border migrants can freely enter, work and stay in India, they are largely undocumented. The majority is involved in semi-skilled or unskilled jobs with limited labour rights and social security, a fact which predisposes them to psychological distress. We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with psychological morbidity among Nepali migrants upon their return from India.
METHODS: A community-based cross-…
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Are left-behind families of migrant workers at increased risk of attempted suicide? – a cohort study of 178,000+ individuals in Sri Lanka
Author/s: Duleeka Knipe, Helen Lambert, Melissa Pearson, Michael Eddleston, Shaluka Jayamanne, Kolitha Wickramage, Keith Hawton, Flemming Konradsen, Chris Metcalfe, David Gunnell
Background: There are an estimated 258 million international migrants worldwide. In Asia low-skilled workers often emigrate on a temporary basis (2–3 years) without their families. There is significant concern over the mental health and wellbeing of left-behind families in this region. No previous study has examined whether the risk of suicidal behaviour is elevated in left-behind family members.
Methods: Cohort study using…