Disaster Preparedness Among Latino Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina

Background: There are an estimated 3-12 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) currently living in the U.S., the majority being Latinos. In North Carolina, a top agriculture state, there are approximately 200,000 migrant workers, an estimate that most likely under represents the size of this often transient, invisible population. Vulnerable populations such as low-income Latino MSFWs are particularly susceptible to the effects of natural disasters. A multidisciplinary community-based participatory research (CBPR) model was used to assess awareness, perceived risk, and practices related to natural disaster preparedness and response among Latino MSFWs and their families in eastern N.C. Using CBPR approach to foster trust among community members and organizations that serve this population, participants were recruited from eastern N.C. County which has some of the highest estimated populations of MSFWs in the state based on agricultural employment.

Methods: Qualitative (N=21) focus group (3) and quantitative (N=60) survey methodology and GIS mapping was implemented to assess perceived and actual risk for natural disasters. In addition, stakeholder meetings were conducted pre and post assessment.

Results / Outcomes: This research project assessed the awareness, perceived risk, and practices regarding disaster preparedness and response resources among Latino MSFWs' and their families, identified barriers to utilization of community and government services during or after a natural disaster among Latino MSFWs' and their families, and provided a community created, culturally appropriate disaster preparedness response plan for this community.

Conclusion: Recommended research methodology for working with this vulnerable population, study findings and an innovative culturally appropriate Spanish-language disaster preparedness education and outreach program model developed by the researchers will be shared.