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T HE H EALTH OF U.S. H IRED F ARM W ORKERS

T HE H EALTH OF U.S. H IRED F ARM W ORKERS ▪ Abstract Despite a recent surge in knowledge about U.S. hired farm workers, little is known about the health of this population. No national data are available on the size of the population, mortality or morbidity data, or on chronic health indicators. Demographic data show that these workers are mostly Mexican immigrant or migrant males, and nearly two thirds live in poverty. At least half of all current hired farm workers are undocumented. Fewer than one in five have health insurance, either through their employer or through government programs. However, programs targeting women farm workers, such as WIC or, in California, emergency MediCal, are more effective in helping them obtain needed services. The federal Migrant Health Program serves about 13% of the total of workers plus dependent family members. This paper reviews what is known in the following topical areas: ( a ) mortality and morbidity; ( b ) access to health care services; ( c ) control of infectious diseases; ( d ) maternal and child care; ( e ) occupational health; ( f ) violence; and ( g ) chronic health indicators. It is suggested that future research incorporate a minimal physical examination of all patients or subjects in order to establish baseline information for the population. Such information will be helpful in targeting interventions and measuring their effectiveness. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Annual Review of Public Health Annual Reviews

T HE H EALTH OF U.S. H IRED F ARM W ORKERS

Villarejo, Don
Annual Review of Public Health , Volume 24 (1) – May 1, 2003
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Publisher
Annual Reviews
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved
Subject
Review Articles
ISSN
0163-7525
eISSN
1545-2093
DOI
10.1146/annurev.publhealth.24.100901.140901
pmid
12359914
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

▪ Abstract Despite a recent surge in knowledge about U.S. hired farm workers, little is known about the health of this population. No national data are available on the size of the population, mortality or morbidity data, or on chronic health indicators. Demographic data show that these workers are mostly Mexican immigrant or migrant males, and nearly two thirds live in poverty. At least half of all current hired farm workers are undocumented. Fewer than one in five have health insurance, either through their employer or through government programs. However, programs targeting women farm workers, such as WIC or, in California, emergency MediCal, are more effective in helping them obtain needed services. The federal Migrant Health Program serves about 13% of the total of workers plus dependent family members. This paper reviews what is known in the following topical areas: ( a ) mortality and morbidity; ( b ) access to health care services; ( c ) control of infectious diseases; ( d ) maternal and child care; ( e ) occupational health; ( f ) violence; and ( g ) chronic health indicators. It is suggested that future research incorporate a minimal physical examination of all patients or subjects in order to establish baseline information for the population. Such information will be helpful in targeting interventions and measuring their effectiveness.

Journal

Annual Review of Public Health – Annual Reviews

Published: May 1, 2003

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