Little attention has been given to the vulnerable populations of migrant women agricultural workers. A systemic review in PubMed was carried out (1990-2008) using terms related to migrant agricultural workers, with specific focus on women. Case studies from Lebanon and California are presented to highlight key physical, psychosocial, and cultural risk factors among these working populations. The review revealed a host of potential problems that span from pesticide exposure and musculoskeletal disorders to socio-cultural barriers. Comprehensive exposure-outcome and intervention studies focusing specifically on migrant women in agriculture are lacking. In depth studies focusing on the work environment of migrant women workers in the agricultural sector are needed. Personal and environmental factors that influence health should be considered in any effective intervention aiming to influence policy making and have a positive impact on these vulnerable working populations. © 2012 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Agricultural work Women Migrant workers Health physical and psychosocial factors

psychological aspect occupational disease human Women, Working Agriculture Occupational Diseases housing musculoskeletal disease Musculoskeletal Diseases United States Lebanon Humans California female occupational exposure workload Review pesticide Pesticides body posture Posture migration Transients and Migrants