Online Program

288686
Barriers to the prevention and treatment of heat-related illness in adult outdoor crop workers


Sunday, November 3, 2013

June Spector, MD, MPH, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
Jennifer Krenz, MS, MPH, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Michelle Lam, MD, MPH, University of Washington Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Martha Perla, PhD, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
Pablo Palmandez, MS, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Yakima, WA
Maria Negrete, BA, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Yakima, WA
Helen Murphy-Robinson, MHS, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
Background and Objectives: Heat-related illness (HRI) is an important cause of non-fatal illness and death in agricultural workers. We sought to identify beliefs and attitudes that may serve as barriers to HRI prevention and treatment in crop workers, who are largely foreign-born, Spanish-speaking, seasonal workers in the US. Methods: We conducted three semi-structured focus group interviews in a purposive convenience sample of 35 crop workers in Yakima Valley, WA, using participatory rural appraisal techniques. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed in Spanish. Three researchers reviewed and coded transcripts and field notes, and investigator triangulation was used to identify relevant themes and quotes. Results: Four major themes regarding crop workers' HRI-relevant beliefs and attitudes were identified: 1) crop workers subscribe, to varying degrees, to beliefs that cooling treatments should be avoided after heat exposure; 2) the desire to lose weight by increased sweating is reflected in behaviors of wearing multiple layers of clothing and slimming/support braces in hot conditions; 3) highly caffeinated energy drinks are used widely to increase work efficiency and maintain alertness; and 4) the location of water at work (e.g. near restrooms) and whether water is fresh, but not treated, are important considerations in deciding whether to drink water provided at worksites. Conclusions: We identified crop worker beliefs and attitudes about hydration, clothing use, and health that may serve as barriers to HRI prevention and treatment. These results should be incorporated into the development of culturally appropriate interventions aimed at reducing the risk of HRI in agricultural workers.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Occupational health and safety
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the burden of heat-related illness (HRI) in agricultural workers. List four major themes regarding crop workers’ HRI-relevant beliefs and attitudes that may serve as barriers or facilitators to HRI prevention. Discuss how information about crop workers’ beliefs and attitudes could be incorporated into culturally appropriate interventions aimed at reducing the risk of HRI in agricultural workers.

Keyword(s): Climate, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was an important contributing member to the research project, as I helped design, execute, and analyze the focus group data regarding heat-related illness in adult outdoor crop workers. Among my scientific interests has been the development of culturally-tailored education and prevention materials for heat-related illness among crop worker communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.