Community Based

Work in heat and health – a toolbox for occupational studies in manual workers in LMIC countries

Duration: October 1, 2023 to October 1, 2026

Funding Organization Name: University of Gothenburg, Institute of Medicine

Summary: Epidemics of Chronic Kidney Disease of non-traditional origin (CKDnT) occur globally in manual workers in hot climates. The causes are multifactorial, but occupational heat stress is an important driver. In addition, the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in countries in transition poses a double burden of risks for CKD. Heat impacts mortality among migrant workers and thousands have been reported dying in Qatar alone while working on the World Cup construction sites. Nepalese clinicians have identified CKDnT as an emerging problem among young men returning from work in the Gulf States, India and Malaysia. Without documentation of the disease and its relation to work abroad, there is no basis with which to address the needs of those affected.

This study aim to:

1. Compare the distribution of eGFR and the prevalence and determinants of CKD and CKDnT among migrants and non-migrants.
2. Estimate the economic and social impact of kidney disease on individuals, families, communities and health systems.
3. Develop and distribute education materials for preventing heat-related ill-health among migrants and their families.

Nepal has an economy dependent on remittances and its health system cannot absorb the burden of dialysis treatment and subsequent lost productivity.

This is both quantitative and qualitative community-based research of the sample size of around 2815 households in our COBIN cohort area.