DOI
10.17077/etd.ix4v75zd
Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree
Summer 2016
Access Restrictions
.
Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Degree In
Occupational and Environmental Health
First Advisor
Rohlman, Diane S
Second Advisor
Janssen, Brandi
First Committee Member
Gerr, Fredric E
Abstract
There are three to five million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States that work in one of the most hazardous industries. They are exposed to numerous occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses daily, including but not limited to, pesticide and chemical-related health conditions, heat-related health conditions, muscle and joint pain, eye injuries, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. Furthermore, these farmworkers also experience multiple vulnerabilities including cultural and language barriers and low socioeconomic status. A survey was administered in interview setting to characterize farmworkers’ occupational and non-occupational health conditions, their healthcare-seeking behavior, and their use of preventive measures and health education. Muscle and/or joint pain and eye injuries were the most commonly reported occupational health outcomes, and diabetes and high blood pressure were the most commonly reported non-occupational health outcomes. Farmworker participants requested more information covering prevention, management, and care for these health outcomes. There were low reports of receiving health education regarding common occupational and non-occupational health conditions. Future research efforts and next steps should focus on creating networks between healthcare providers, employers, and other organizations that serve farmworkers as well as continue to host programs that directly involve farmworkers to understand their perceptions of their health and access to healthcare.
Keywords
Access to healthcare, Hispanic, Migrant farmworkers, Occupational health, Prevention, Seasonal farmworkers
Pages
x, 71 pages
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 51-53).
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 Ashlee Johannes
Recommended Citation
Johannes, Ashlee. "Health of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Iowa." MS (Master of Science) thesis, University of Iowa, 2016.
https://doi.org/10.17077/etd.ix4v75zd