The number of Mexican and Mexican American women involved in migrant farmwork has increased noticeably over the past decade. In spite of experiencing significant health disparities, there is limited research evidence pointing toward their conceptualizations of health. The purpose of this study was to describe conceptualizations of health for Mexican and Mexican American women involved in migrant farmwork during a migration experience. The data were obtained from audiotaped interviews of 21 Mexican and Mexican American women employed in migrant farmwork in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Semistructured interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. The data were sorted into three broad categories: being at peace, performing role responsibilities, and absence of illness. Gender, migration, social, political, and economic contextual factors were evident within the data. These findings document conceptualizations of health among Mexican and Mexican American women employed as migrant farm workers during migration and provide a foundation for understanding determinants of health for these women. The results have implications for nurses and other health care providers who interact with these women. © 2006 Springer Publishing Company.

Migrant farm worker Women health disparities Health conceptualizations nursing

cultural value immigrant agricultural worker human health belief priority journal health status Aged United States Hispanic semi structured interview female socioeconomics cultural factor women's health Article adult content analysis data analysis attitude to health