Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 21, Issue 4, 2010, Pages 1215-1226

Health, occupational and environmental risks of emancipated migrant farmworker youth (Article)

Peoples J.D. , Bishop J. , Barrera B. , Lamas O. , Dunlap J.L. , Gonzalez P.A. , Horwitz S.M. , Chamberlain L.J.
  • a Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, United States
  • b Pediatric Advocacy Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
  • c Gilroy Unified School District, Emancipated Migrant Youth Community, United States
  • d [Affiliation not available]
  • e Stanford University, United States
  • f Office of Community Health, Stanford University, United States
  • g Department of Pediatrics and Stanford Health Policy, Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, United States
  • h Pediatric Advocacy Program, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions of health, health seeking behavior, access to information and resources, work related hazards, substance abuse, and social support of emancipated migrant youth (EMY) who come to the United States without their families to work. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were performed with EMY living without their families in Santa Clara County, California. Interviews were digitally recorded in Spanish, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed by a five-person analysis team. Results. Eleven interviews were conducted with 29 participants. Work was identified as the overarching priority of the EMY. Their greatest concern was becoming sick and unable to work. They described their work environment as demanding and stressful, but felt obliged to work regardless of conditions. Alcohol and drug abuse were reported as prevalent problems. Conclusion. Emancipated migrant youth are a vulnerable population who have significant occupational stress, hazardous environmental exposures, social isolation, and drug/alcohol abuse. © 2010 Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

Emancipated migrant farmworker youth Adolescent health Migrant farmworker Agricultural workers Migrant health

Index Keywords

Vulnerable Populations vulnerable population Alcohol Drinking drinking behavior psychological aspect risk human social isolation statistics Stress, Psychological Agriculture mental stress Substance-Related Disorders health status qualitative research United States Young Adult Humans Adolescent California male female occupational exposure Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Family Relations adult migration family relation addiction Transients and Migrants employment attitude to health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78649598101&partnerID=40&md5=7f5619003fa67ed4980b819cbffa3e89
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English