Farmworkers are among the poorest of US workers, and experience multiple factors that place them at risk for poor health outcomes. Many are married workers who come to the US without their families; increased patrolling of the US-Mexico border has resulted in extended family separations. This study used secondary analysis of 1,864 interviews with Hispanic workers from 1998 national data to explore the relationships between family separation and factors that affect health problems in this population. Findings indicate that farmworkers who are separated from their families experience disadvantages in many areas. These findings highlight some important functions of the family for Hispanic farmworkers. Implications for clinical practice and further research are discussed.
The proposed model is a useful tool for organizing variables and giving direction to farmworker health research. Suggestions for future research are made.
Migrant agricultural workers are a vital and often overlooked population whose health can affect that of U.S. inhabitants in general. The nature of the farm worker population, however, places this group at a disadvantage in formation of policy to promote its interests. Following World War II, government agency “infighting” prevented the emergence of a coherent policy for farm worker health. Improvements were made during the socially active 1960s, but these have been eroded as immigrants are increasingly distrusted in U.S. society. This article briefly traces the history of migrant farm worker health policy in the United States, applies a model for policy analysis, reviews farm worker health policy research, and proposes a plan of action to advance health policy for this population.
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