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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the tuberculin positivity rates and the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among a population of seasonal, nonmigrating farm workers. Participants were tested for tuberculosis (TB) sensitivity, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Patients were afforded follow-up even if they returned home to Mexico during the course of their treatment. We found that the TB rate (15%) and the incidence of STDs to be significantly lower than in other studies of migrant populations. We hypothesize that exposure to urban commercial sex workers who frequent many migrant camps may be involved in the transmission of TB. Further research is needed to determine the incidence of TB among commercial sex workers and the extent to which transmission occurs between these two populations. We also describe our follow-up program and recommend a closer adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines with respect to adequate health education and disease prevention.

A Socio-Ecological Model to Assess Tuberculosis in Migrant Farmworkers in the US-Mexico Border Region

“…A TB study conducted on migrant farm workers in Pennsylvania indicated that out 509 workers from 15 migrant camps who were tested for TB, 14.8% had a positive TB reaction [31]. Most of the subjects in this study were Mexicans (77%), and 13% of this subgroup tested positive for TB.…”

“…The GUAPA project was the first successful, binationally coordinated, epidemiological investigation initiated between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica of Mexico [31]. The project was supported by the CDC and the Health and Human Services of Minority Health, which assured that Mexican patients were afforded follow-up and medical treatment for TB even if they returned home to Mexico during the course of their treatment.…”