Psychosocial Determinants and Coping Mechanisms among Migrant Construction Workers: Analysis of Tobacco Use in Relation to Depression, Anxiety, and Resilience

comfort, they can quickly evolve into dependency, contributing not only to a range of physical health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and oral cancers, but also to a deepening cycle of psychological vulnerability. 9Several studies have highlighted that nicotine may initially relieve symptoms of IntroductIonMigrant construction workers represent a vital but vulnerable segment of the labor force in many rapidly urbanizing regions, including India. 1 These individuals often endure strenuous physical labor, irregular income, poor living conditions, and separation from their families, factors that collectively contribute to significant psychosocial stress.The transient nature of their employment and the absence of strong social support systems further exacerbate feelings of instability and isolation. 2,3ental health among this group remains largely underexplored and underaddressed, despite increasing recognition of the psychological toll such occupational and social conditions can impose. 4,5Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are commonly reported, though they often remain undiagnosed due to stigma, low mental health literacy, and inadequate access to care.In response to psychological distress, many workers turn to maladaptive coping strategies, with tobacco use emerging as a prevalent and culturally normalized practice. 6,7obacco, in both smoking and smokeless forms, is widely accessible and often perceived as a means to alleviate fatigue and emotional strain.It is frequently consumed during breaks or in moments of solitude, serving as a perceived form of relief from the physical demands of labor and the mental burden of life uncertainties. 8While such practices may offer temporary