Health Status, Needs, and Access among a Cohort of Hispanic Migrant Workers in South Florida

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the health status of Hispanic subpopulations in the U.S. such as migrant workers is a challenging task. This study adds to the limited body of research regarding health status and access to care among a cohort of Hispanic migrant farm workers in South Florida.

METHODS: A network-based sample of 278 Hispanic migrant workers was recruited from November 2008 to December 2009 from migrant communities in the Homestead/Florida City area in Miami-Dade County, Florida. After screening for eligibility, participants were administered a structured baseline questionnaire using A-CASI that included basic socio-demographic information, alcohol and other drug use history, sexual behaviors, acculturation, and behavioral intentionality. An Oral Health questionnaire was also administered at the 9-month follow-up. This study was approved by the IRB of Florida International University.

RESULTS: Among the 278 study participants enrolled in the study, only a small percentage reported having any type of health (12%) or dental (4%) insurance. They also reported having thought about visiting a health professional (71%) but did not, mostly because of lack of insurance (80%) and high cost of treatment (83%). More than 70% of study participants reported ever being diagnosed with diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis B & C, CVD, cancer, asthma, and bronchitis.

CONCLUSIONS: Survey data indicate that Hispanic migrant farm workers have very limited access to health care services despite reporting significant need for health care, history of disease, and engaging in risk behaviors such as exposure to pesticides, unprotected sex, and alcoholism.