Seasonal Farmworker Children Research Articles

The Impact of Head Start Enrollment Duration on Migrant Children’s Health Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to examine whether family characteristics and the length of children’s enrollment in Migrant Head Start affects children’s health treatment. Children in the Michigan Migrant Head Start were classified depending on years of enrollments: One year (n = 638), two years (n = 293), and three or more years (n = 426). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether the probability of children receiving health treatment differed depending on years of enrollment. There is a higher health treatment rate among children who attended Head Start for multiple years than for those who attended for one year. Children’s special needs status, of siblings, ethnicity, parental educational level, and marital status were related to preventative dental and physical health treatment outcomes. Although the primary goal of Head Start is school readiness rather than health improvement, migrant and seasonal farmworker children are likely to receive more health treatment if they attend more years of comprehensive intervention, such as Head Start, for positive physical and dental health.

Characterizing and Promoting “Model” Services for Children of Seasonal Farm Workers

Amy K. Liebman,1 MPA, MA; Barbara Mainster2; Barbara C. Lee,3 PhD1Migrant Clinicians Network, Salisbury, Maryland, USA2Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Immokolee, Florida, USA3National Child...

Health Disparities in Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Children in Michigan

Health Disparities in Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Children in Michigan

Healthy Smiles Healthy Growth 2004 ‐ Basic Screening Survey of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Children in Illinois

To obtain baseline data for caries prevalence, use of dental sealants, and dental treatment needs for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) enrolled in the Illinois Summer Migrant Education Program, 2004. This study adapted the methodology of Healthy Smiles Healthy Growth 2003-2004, by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Oral Health. Oral screenings were conducted for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers at participating schools. Of the 840 eligible children 58% participated in the assessment. Overall caries experience was 64%. Untreated decay was observed in 42%, 8% urgently needed treatment, and sealant prevalence was 51%. Among those 6-9 years old (n = 254), 47% had cavitated lesions, 12% urgently needed treatment, and 45% had dental sealants. For children 10-15 years old (n = 198), 34% had cavitated lesions, 4% urgently needed treatment, and 65% had dental sealants. The population's mobility suggests need for more frequent surveillance for effective programmatic planning.

Potential Pathways of Exposure for DDE and Mirex and Reported Health Problems in Mexican-American Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Children Residing in Texas

A pilot study was conducted to measure past organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure in 36 children/adolescents (14 males, 22 females) of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFs). We administered a questionnaire to the mothers that provided sociodemographic, medical information, and a set of questions regarding possible pathways of exposure (in utero, through breast-feeding, going to the fields with parents, working in the fields). Each participant donated a blood sample. Two OCPs, Mirex [1.7 parts per billion (ppb) and 1,1-dichloro-2, 2-bis(chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) 1.6 ppb] were detected in our study, although these chemicals had been banned in the U.S. since the 1970s (USEPA 1992]. The detected Mirex levels in our study were far higher than the average population standard provided by the referent laboratory [< 0.03 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) or ppb; non-detectable). Age, body mass index, country of origin, breast-feeding, fieldwork, and frequency of illness were associated with OCP exposure. Thes...

Ascertainment of pesticide exposures of migrant and seasonal farmworker children: Findings from focus groups

Ascertainment of pesticide exposures of migrant and seasonal farmworker children: Findings from focus groups

Ascertainment of pesticide exposures of migrant and seasonal farmworker children: findings from focus groups.

To design questionnaires for epidemiologic research among children of migrant farmworkers, researchers need to consider ways to best solicit information about pesticide exposures. Bilingual facilitators conducted five focus groups with either migrant farmworker mothers or their children (age range 8-16 years) in southern Texas and northeastern Colorado. Guided questions were used to assess activities of migrant farmworker children and the ways to best elicit information about exposure to pesticides. Participants reported a large number of activities that may potentially expose children to pesticides through both direct and indirect routes. Prompting, indirect questions about chemical use, and use of local and trusted facilitators increased information elicited from focus group participants. These focus groups helped to provide information for developing questionnaire items related to pesticide exposure among migrant farmworker children, and highlighted the importance of using bilingual community interviewers and including children as respondents.

Department of Community Dentistry, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida.

The oral health status of 454 children and 115 adults from a population of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Florida was assessed. The prevalence of disease among the children was consistent with that reported for other black children of this age. The migrants had received more dental treatment than the children of seasonal farmworkers; however, the level of care for both groups was strikingly low. The results of this neglect were clearly reflected in the mouths of the adults, most of which were found to be in a very deteriorated state of dental health. A program to cope with these long unmet needs is unrealistic. Efforts should be made to eliminate pain and infection until the cycle of poverty can be broken.