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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Barbara L. Greenberg, MSc, PhD1, Jon Dodds, PhD1, Chinh Van2, and Carol Clinton, MBA3. (1) Health Professions Division, Master of Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, 954-262-1240, barbarag@nova.edu, (2) Master Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, (3) Migrant Association of South FLorida, 8645 W. Boynton Beach Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Objective: To define medical diagnoses and demographics among migrant workers seeking free medical services in southern Florida. Migrant workers are an important special population group. Methods: Medical charts review using random sampling. Demographic Results: Charts for 59 adults have been reviewed. Of these, 63% (n=37) were females and 37% (n=22) were males; the average age was 43 years. Spanish was the primary language for 77% of them; 47% (n=28) were Central American natives, 31% (n=28) were South American natives (n=18), and 10% (n=6) were Haitian. The most common birthplace was Mexico (24%, n=14) followed by Colombia (20%, n=12). The average annual family income was $11,439; 88% of the patients were employed (n=32) or had an employed family member (n=20), and 67% (34/51) had ³ 3 dependents in the household. Medical conditions: Up to three primary diagnoses were recorded per patient. The most common diagnoses were hypertension with related conditions, including high cholesterol/lipids, chest pain or obesity, followed by diabetes. Among the 59 patients, 49% (n=28) had hypertension or related conditions: hypertension (n=20), high cholesterol/lipid levels (n=7), chest pain (n=7), and obesity (n=7). Seventeen percent (n=10) had diabetes. No difference was found by gender. Conclusion: Rather than acute conditions, the most common diagnoses were hypertension and diabetes, chronic conditions common in adult native-born Americans. These data suggest possible adaptation to life-style and eating habits similar to native-born Americans. Further research is needed to evaluate the importance of life-style and eating habits in order to develop appropriate educational strategies for migrant workers.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.