Changes in health after a work-related intervention among highly educated migrants in Norway: a pilot study

Highly educated individuals migrating to a new host country without work accreditation face various stressors that impact their health. Among them is the long waiting time for their integration as a resourceful workforce. In this study, we piloted a work-related intervention aimed at improving the health of highly educated migrants. We hypothesize that by including migrants in meaningful working-related activities, their self-rated health (SRH) and other health outcomes will improve.

This is a non-randomized intervention pilot study examining the changes in participants' health using an explanatory sequential design for evaluation. Baseline data was collected in Bergen for the intervention group and Kristiansand for the control group in 2023, with follow-up data collected after six months. The intervention consisted of working as assistant teachers at various health education programs at university level in Bergen for six months. Both groups answered a questionnaire that included SRH measured by a single validated item and other health measures. We calculated prevalence proportions and ratios, and differences in means using generalized estimating equations with 95% confidence intervals (CI), to estimate the changes in health outcomes adjusting for baseline confounders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the intervention group (N = 15) to gain deeper understanding of changes in health or other effects of the intervention.

Fifteen participants in the intervention and 62 in the control group completed both questionnaires. We found no changes between the groups in SRH, but significant improvements in general mental health measured with the crude General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) -0.07 (-0.11;-0.03) and improved well-being measured with the adjusted World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) 0.09 (0.01;0.17) in the intervention group. Qualitative data indicated a positive intervention experience, explained by renewed self-confidence, family pride, improved stress management, empowerment and increased physical activity.

Our pilot study suggested positive health changes from a work-related intervention in terms of improved general mental health and well-being. Quantitative and qualitative data were complementary. For confirmation of effects, this pilot study should be upscaled with a randomized trial design.