Coping with arthritis and pain: Latino farm workers vs. other Latinos

Do Latino farm workers treat arthritis and pain differently from other Latinos coping with similar conditions? A clear understanding of potential differences between these groups is essential for developing and delivering effective program interventions in support of the population.

To better understand the coping behaviors of Latinos with reference to arthritis and other chronic diseases, and to assess any differences between farm workers and other Latinos, we conducted a 600-person survey in a four-county region in northwest Oregon, with 30 percent of the sample drawn from the farm worker population. To assure an adequate representation of farm workers, we used a convenience sampling and worked with our Latino community partners in gaining access to work places – vineyards, nurseries and labor camps – and other popular Latino gathering places.

The presentation will share the findings, with important implications for program design and delivery. We found significant differences between the two groups in terms of education, health status, access to health services and health provider-diagnosed arthritis, and use of over-the-counter medications and selected home remedies. The two groups were similar in their overall understanding of the causes of arthritis, in reporting high levels of pain and functional impairment, significant co-morbidities with hypertension, diabetes and obesity, interest in self-management skills and the types of support they sought and activities they undertook to deal with arthritis. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of how this and related information enabled us to customize the interventions targeted at Latinos.