Developing Health Education for Hispanic Migrant Preschool Youth

Abstract

Abstract The children of Hispanic migrant farm workers are more susceptible to health problems than children in the general U.S. population. Low socioeconomic status and the mobile lifestyle associated with agricultural farm work make it difficult for children and their families to access comprehensive health care. Hispanic preschool farmworker children suffer from common health problems such as respiratory and diarrheal diseases, nutritional deficiencies, dental caries, abuse and neglect, as well as occupational hazards. These health problems can be prevented or reduced through use of intervention strategies such as health education. Hispanic language, folk medical lore, and cultural practices frequently serve as barriers to effective health education. Health educators, as practitioners, must make themselves aware of and understand the special beliefs and needs of Hispanic preschool migrant children and their families. They must utilize existing cultural and social resources to assess needs and plan heal...