Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Hesitancy among Farmworkers from Monterey County, California

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on farmworkers from Monterey County, California.MethodsWe recruited adult farmworkers (n=1115) between July 16, 2020 and November 30, 2020. We collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, economic and social stressors experienced during COVID-19, and willingness to be vaccinated via interviews by phone.ResultsStudy participants, particularly female farmworkers, reported adverse effects of the pandemic on their mental health and home environment (e.g., 24% overall reported depression and/or anxiety symptoms). The pandemic also resulted in greater financial burden for many farmworkers, with 37% food insecure and 51% unable to pay bills. Half of respondents reported that they were extremely likely to be vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy was most common in participants who were women, younger, born in the United States, and living in more rural areas.ConclusionsWe found that the pandemic has substantially impacted the mental and physical health and economic and food security of farmworkers.Public Health ImplicationsThis study highlights the need to provide farmworkers with supplemental income, and increased mental and family health, and food support services.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Underserved Communities of North Carolina

“…One other study in the US (to date) mirrors our methods. 34 Researchers at the University of California Berkeley have collaborated with Latino farmworker communities for decades. They recruited 1115 farmworkers receiving free COVID-19 tests at clinics and other community events during July – November 2020.…”

Prevalence and clinical profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection among farmworkers in Monterey County, California: June-November, 2020

“…Within 48 hours before (for pre-consented participants) or after the enrollment visit, and before SARS-CoV-2 testing results were available, the study team administered a 45-minute computer-guided questionnaire by telephone in Spanish or English. Questionnaire items addressed participant demographics, socio-economic status, symptoms since December 2019 and in the two weeks preceding enrollment, COVID-19 risk factors and exposures, and impacts of the pandemic on daily life and wellbeing ( 11 ). Following completion of all components of the study, the study team loaded a $50 incentive onto VISA gift cards handed out to participants at the enrollment visit.…”

“…We initiated surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection among farmworkers in California’s Salinas Valley to monitor the epidemic. We have previously described impacts of the pandemic on economic well-being, mental health, and food insecurity within this population ( 11 ). Here we report on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals tested in farmworker-serving clinics from June to November, 2020, as well as symptoms and antibody responses within a subset of these farmworkers enrolled in a cross-sectional study.…”

COVID-19 and children's health in the United States: Consideration of physical and social environments during the pandemic

“…Some of the safety net programs meant to help poor families, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, which serves approximately 40 million people each year), have increased the level of benefits the families receive or have allowed online food purchases. Food insecurity also remains high among farmworker families ( Mora et al, 2020 ), many of whom are undocumented immigrants, due to underutilization of safety net programs ( Page et al, 2020 ), and food banks being overwhelmed by high demand ( White 2020 ). Furthermore, states and local communities have been inconsistent in how safety net programs are implemented ( Kinsey et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Notably, single-parent, female-headed households may be particularly affected. Children spending more time at home may also witness more family conflicts ( Mora et al, 2020 ). On the other hand, parents of children with disabilities or developmental disorders already experience higher stress, depression, or somatic symptoms ( Boyd 2002 ; Mailick Seltzer et al, 2001 ), and these are likely to be compounded by limited access to school or healthcare resources.…”