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Bakal M, Ambriz E, Ortiz-Pivaral L, Kogut K, Rood CS, Rauch S, Eskenazi B, Deardorff J. Impacts of COVID-19 shelter in place across key life domains among immigrant farmworker Latina mothers and young adults. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2036. [PMID: 39080610 PMCID: PMC11287914 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals and families from racial and ethnic groups experience social and economic disadvantage making them vulnerable to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to capture the impacts of Shelter in Place (SIP) across key life domains including family life, education, work, mental health, and coping strategies among a sample of Mexican-origin mothers who were currently engaged in agricultural work, or whose spouses were engaged in agricultural work, and young adults who had a parent working in agriculture. METHOD During the summer of 2020, while California was under SIP orders, we conducted three virtual focus groups using Zoom(r). We recruited focus group participants from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS), an ongoing, 20-year, longitudinal cohort study of Mexican-origin families in a predominantly agricultural area of California. Three focus groups were conducted with mothers (n = 9), mean age = 48 years, young adult women (n = 8) and young adult men (n = 5), mean age = 18 years, respectively. RESULTS Mothers reported high levels of stress stemming from fear of Covid-19 infection, work instability and financial concerns, children's schooling, anxiety about an uncertain future, and the demands of caretaking for dependents. Adverse mental health impacts were particularly pronounced among participants experiencing multiple adversities pre-dating the pandemic, including unemployment, single motherhood, and having undocumented family members. For young adults, work instability and varying work hours were also a source of stress because they made it difficult to make decisions about the future, such as whether to attend college or how many classes to take. Families used coping strategies including expressing gratitude, focusing on what's under one's control, familismo, and community engagement to manage mental health challenges during SIP. CONCLUSION In the event of future pandemics or disasters, particular attention is needed to those who experience unemployment, are undocumented and/or have undocumented family members, and/or are single parents facing economic adversity. During public health emergencies, action at the local, state, and national level is needed to support farmworkers and other vulnerable groups' secondary major stressors stemming from inequities in access to affordable housing, childcare, living wages, healthcare, and other benefits.
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Grants
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- R00RG2483) Office of the President, University of California
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- P2CHD07396 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- R24 ES028529, 2U24ES028529-06 NIEHS NIH HHS
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bakal
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Ambriz
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Lizbeth Ortiz-Pivaral
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Kogut
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Claire Snell Rood
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Stephen Rauch
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Julianna Deardorff
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
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Iglesias-Rios L, Kort A, Handal AJ. Precarious Work and Housing for Michigan Farmworkers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:432-450. [PMID: 38651537 PMCID: PMC11197151 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2341803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Farmworkers in Michigan face precarious and exploitative labor conditions that affect their access to affordable, fair, and quality housing, which are key social determinants of health. We sought to assess the health, working conditions, and housing access, affordability, and quality of farmworkers living in and outside of employer-provided housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional study in collaboration with community partners from the Michigan Farmworker Project and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. We assessed housing, labor conditions, and general health through in-depth phone interviews with seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers (n = 63) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) in Michigan. Descriptive analyses of these data included comparisons by type of farmworker and type of housing (employer-provided or other). RESULTS The majority of farmworkers interviewed were women and seasonal farmworkers and spoke primarily Spanish. A significant share of farmworker participants reported living in poverty (38.3%) and had low or very low food security (27.0%). Nearly half of farmworkers (47.6%) rated their health as "fair" or "poor" during the year prior to the interview, and more than a third reported 3 or more chronic conditions (39.6%) and lack of health insurance coverage (38.7%). Among the 43 workers tested, 25.6% reported testing positive for COVID-19. Farmworkers reported experiences of objectification and dehumanization. Three-quarters of workers reported feeling that they were treated as less than human by supervisors and one-third reported verbal abuse. Farmworkers also experienced challenges exacerbated by their social vulnerability that impeded them from finding affordable, quality housing. Regarding housing quality, the majority of workers (80.6%) reported one or more environmental hazards around their residence, and about a third reported not having air conditioning (33.%) and lacking a functioning washing machine (33.9%). Concerns about the quality of drinking water accessible to workers and exposure to chemicals were shared by participants. CONCLUSION This study adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of the systemic barriers to housing and work conditions for female and male seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers in Michigan. Shortcomings in the regulatory and policy environment result in precarious housing and work conditions, including exploitative labor practices. These conditions negate equality, fairness, and health equity, important tenants for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Iglesias-Rios
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexa Kort
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexis J Handal
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rodríguez-Guerrero LA, Pérez-Urdiales I, Escrig-Piñol A, Jiménez-Lasserrotte MDM, Pastor-Bravo MDM, Mateos JT, Briones-Vozmediano E. Water insecurity among seasonal agriculture workers: perspectives from Spanish professionals. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:31. [PMID: 38365766 PMCID: PMC10874045 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant seasonal agricultural workers face conditions of material vulnerability such as inadequate housing difficulties prevent access to running water supplies. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of professionals involved in the care and support of seasonal migrant agricultural workers, as it relates to water access and water consumption and their impact on these workers' health, in a context of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A qualitative exploratory and descriptive study was conducted in 2021 as part of a larger research project, based on 63 personal semi-structured interviews with professionals who provided support to seasonal migrant agricultural workers in three Spanish autonomous regions. COREQ checklist was used for reporting. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported into ATLAS.ti-9 for an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The results have been structured into two main themes: (1) Accessing and obtaining water; and (2) Health problems related to water consumption. Seasonal migrant agricultural workers experience barriers to obtaining safe water for hygiene, cleaning, food preparation and drinking. The implementation of regulations to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in improved hygiene levels in the migrants' quarters, including access to safe drinking water. CONCLUSION This study suggests that water insecurity experienced by migrant seasonal agricultural workers in Spain results from their poor living conditions and causes health problems related to a lack of hygiene and the use of unsafe water. Sustainable solutions are needed beyond the pandemic in order to provide migrant workers with adequate living conditions and ensure their water needs are fulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alejandro Rodríguez-Guerrero
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) of Lleida, Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Iratxe Pérez-Urdiales
- Department of Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Member of the Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Astrid Escrig-Piñol
- ESIMar (Mar Nursing School), Universitat Pompeu Fabra-affiliated, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- SDHEd (Social Determinants and Health Education Research Group), IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María Del Mar Pastor-Bravo
- Department of Nursing, University of Murcia, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
- ENFERAVANZA, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - José Tomás Mateos
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) of Lleida, Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain.
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
- Society, Health, Education and Culture Research Group (GESEC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Erica Briones-Vozmediano
- Health Care Research Group (GRECS), Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) of Lleida, Dr. Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Society, Health, Education and Culture Research Group (GESEC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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Cofie LE, Rivera ND, Santillán-Deras JR, Knox G, Lee JGL. Digital Inclusion for Farmworkers in a Pandemic: The North Carolina Farmworker Health Program Internet Connectivity Project, 2020‒2021. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1551-1555. [PMID: 36223575 PMCID: PMC9558178 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The North Carolina Farmworker Health Program (NCFHP) implemented an emergency program in response to North Carolina migrant and seasonal farmworkers' urgent need for Internet access for health information, family connections, and telehealth services during COVID-19 isolation and quarantine. This article describes the NCFHP Internet Connectivity Project implementation and evaluation from June 2020 to December 2021. The project placed 448 devices across the state and provided Internet access to more than 3184 farmworkers during the 2021 peak farming season. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(11):1551-1555. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E Cofie
- Leslie E. Cofie and Joseph G. L. Lee are with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. At the time of the project, Natalie D. Rivera was with the North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh. At the time of the project, Jocelyn R. Santillán-Deras was with Manos Unidas and North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Whiteville. Glenn Knox is with the Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Raleigh
| | - Natalie D Rivera
- Leslie E. Cofie and Joseph G. L. Lee are with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. At the time of the project, Natalie D. Rivera was with the North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh. At the time of the project, Jocelyn R. Santillán-Deras was with Manos Unidas and North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Whiteville. Glenn Knox is with the Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Raleigh
| | - Jocelyn R Santillán-Deras
- Leslie E. Cofie and Joseph G. L. Lee are with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. At the time of the project, Natalie D. Rivera was with the North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh. At the time of the project, Jocelyn R. Santillán-Deras was with Manos Unidas and North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Whiteville. Glenn Knox is with the Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Raleigh
| | - Glenn Knox
- Leslie E. Cofie and Joseph G. L. Lee are with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. At the time of the project, Natalie D. Rivera was with the North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh. At the time of the project, Jocelyn R. Santillán-Deras was with Manos Unidas and North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Whiteville. Glenn Knox is with the Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Raleigh
| | - Joseph G L Lee
- Leslie E. Cofie and Joseph G. L. Lee are with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. At the time of the project, Natalie D. Rivera was with the North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh. At the time of the project, Jocelyn R. Santillán-Deras was with Manos Unidas and North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Whiteville. Glenn Knox is with the Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Raleigh
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Genetic Knowledge and Communication Among Mexican Farmworkers and Non-farmworkers in North Carolina. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 23:1026-1034. [PMID: 33469784 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01136-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It is important to understand genetics within the context of health. This paper assesses (a) genetic knowledge among Mexican-born farmworker and non-farmworker adults; (b) their interpersonal and device sources of genetic knowledge; and (c) the association between their genetic knowledge and the sources of this genetic knowledge.Interviews were conducted with Mexican-born farmworkers (100) and non-farmworkers (100) in North Carolina. Participants answered 15 questions to assess genetic knowledge, and sources from which they had seen or heard about genes and genetics.Results show limited knowledge of genetics, with farmworkers and non-farmworkers providing a similar level of correct responses (6.6 versus 7.3), but with farmworkers providing more incorrect responses (4.0 versus 2.7). Important sources of genetic information for farmworkers were promotoras (47%), compared to teachers (49%) for non-farmworkers.This study demonstrates a need for increased dissemination of genetic information to Mexican-origin farmworkers and non-farmworkers.
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Sandberg JC, Quandt SA, Talton JW, Mora DC, Kearney GD, Chen H, Wiggins MF, Daniel SS. Heat-Related Illness Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina: A Mixed-Methods Study. New Solut 2020; 30:111-126. [PMID: 32349618 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120920571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Children as young as ten are legally hired for farm work. In North Carolina, many of these hired children are Latinx; they often work long hours during hot and humid summer conditions. Heat-related illness occurs along a continuum of severity ranging from heat cramps and rashes to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. The literature on the negative health effects of occupational heat exposure is growing; however, few studies have examined this exposure and health outcomes among child agricultural workers. To understand Latinx child farmworkers' experiences of working in heat, we conducted in-depth interviews (n = 30). To estimate the prevalence of heat-related illness symptoms and associated factors, we conducted survey interviews (n = 165). Heat-related illness is common among these child farmworkers. While children often understand the dangers of working in heat, work organization often prevents their taking precautions. Formal workplace protections to prevent heat-related illness are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Joanne C Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Dana C Mora
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Gregory D Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | | | - Stephanie S Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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Quandt SA, Groeschel-Johnson A, Kinzer HT, Jensen A, Miles K, O'Hara HM, Chen H, Arcury TA. Migrant Farmworker Nutritional Strategies: Implications for Diabetes Management. J Agromedicine 2019; 23:347-354. [PMID: 30230432 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2018.1501453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diabetes is a chronic disease prevalent in Hispanic/Latino adults, including migrant farmworkers in the US. Its management requires that individuals follow dietary guidelines, which may be difficult for migrant farmworkers due to work and environmental constraints. This analysis is designed to explore potential barriers to and supports for migrant farmworkers' practice of effective dietary self-management. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 200 Latino migrant farmworkers in North Carolina, including workers with and without diabetes, recruited at housing sites throughout the 2017 agricultural season. The survey instrument included questions designed to elucidate how workers obtain food, prepare and consume food, and maintain food security. RESULTS Most purchased food is obtained once per week at large grocery stores, with most farmworkers depending on others for transportation. Less than 1 in 5 supplement with garden produce and food from food pantries, farmers markets, and hunting and fishing. About half of lunches and a quarter of dinners are purchased from vendors or other commercial sources. More than 2 in 5 workers report they have to compromise on or lack control of meal content. About 1 in 5 report issues with food security. CONCLUSIONS The food-related practices of farmworkers would require change to accommodate effective dietary self-management of diabetes. Greater use of sources of fresh produce and other nutrient-dense foods, coupled with greater control over meal content and cooking techniques would be needed. While some accommodations could be encouraged through education, others would require policy change in housing or access to community resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Quandt
- a Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,b Center for Worker Health , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
| | - Augusta Groeschel-Johnson
- a Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,c Anthropology Department , Lawrence University , Appleton , Wisconsin , USA
| | - Hannah T Kinzer
- a Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,c Anthropology Department , Lawrence University , Appleton , Wisconsin , USA
| | - Anna Jensen
- d North Carolina Farmworkers Project , Benson , NC , USA
| | - Kenya Miles
- e Department of Family and Community Medicine , Meharry Medical College , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Heather M O'Hara
- e Department of Family and Community Medicine , Meharry Medical College , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- f Department of Biostatistical Science, Division of Public Health Sciences , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- b Center for Worker Health , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,g Department of Family and Community Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
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