Purpose: This study explored the relationship between migrant farmworker (MFW) stress and salivary cortisol (sC) in a sample of MFWs prior to migration. Sample: The sample, 40 (N = 14 male, 26 female) adult MFWs residing in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, primarily comprised middle-aged immigrants with a middle-school education. Design: This pilot feasibility study included a self-report farmworker stress inventory and five serial sC specimens in 24 hr. Results: The sC measures reflected an expected diurnal pattern. Lower total cortisol (area under the curve with respect to ground) was significantly associated with greater waist circumference (r = -.63, p ≤.01). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that participants who perceived high levels of farmworker stress exhibited a significant change in sC over time; F(2.14, 72.65) = 43.90, p &.001. High-and low-perceived-stress groups differed significantly in the trajectory of changes in sC over the five time points. Conclusion: MFWs experienced significant levels of stress during premigration. Their sC responses varied significantly by level of perceived farmworker stress. Lower perceived stress may reflect blunting of the sC response pattern. © SAGE Publications 2012.

Stress AUCG salivary cortisol AUCI cortisol awakening response diurnal patterns Migrant farmworkers

laboratory diagnosis chemistry Saliva human middle aged Stress, Psychological Agriculture mental stress Hydrocortisone Aged Feasibility Studies Humans male female pilot study Article feasibility study adult migration Specimen Handling Analysis of Variance Transients and Migrants Pilot Projects