American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Volume 40, Issue 5, 2001, Pages 586-591

Tracing migrant farmworkers in Starr County, Texas (Article)

Cooper S.P.* , Burau K. , Hanis C. , Henry J. , MacNaughton N. , Robison T. , Smith M.A. , Sweeney A. , Vernon S.W. , Zahm S.H.
  • a University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • b University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • c University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • d University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • e National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • f National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • g University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • h University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • i University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
  • j University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States

Abstract

Background: In response to The National Cancer Institute (NCI) concerns about the ability to conduct studies among migrant farmworkers, this study evaluated the feasibility of identifying migrant farmworkers in their home state and tracing them over an extended period of time. Methods: In 1995, a group of 196 persons who had classified themselves as "migrant farmworkers" in two earlier chronic disease studies was identified. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the proportion of these farmworkers who could be located in 1995-1996. Results: Of these farmworkers, 163 were located and were living (83.2%), 15 had died (7.6%), and 18 (9.2%) were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: The excellent follow-up rate was due in part to the high participation rates among persons contacted for information, stability of the farmworkers' permanent homes, predictable timing of migration, and a longstanding health research program with established community contacts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:586-591, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Author Keywords

Hispanic cancer Occupation Farmwork Pesticides migrant Texas

Index Keywords

community care follow up agricultural worker human epidemiology medical research ethnic group Aged United States migrant worker male female prediction Article feasibility study adult human experiment normal human case finding
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035159067&doi=10.1002%2fajim.1124.abs&partnerID=40&md5=f3d3ab1464cb8e47e283a90945e9a930
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.1124.abs
ISSN: 02713586
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English