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Arnold TJ, Quandt SA, Arcury TA, Talton JW, Sandberg JC, Daniel SS. Salivary Cotinine Levels of Hired Latino Youth Tobacco Workers in North Carolina. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:499-503. [PMID: 38333934 PMCID: PMC11127789 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2315934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research has examined the health implications for youth working in United States tobacco production. Agricultural labor is hazardous, yet youth are legally permitted to be hired as farmworkers. Many youth farmworkers are members of the vulnerable Latino farmworker community. In North Carolina, youth work in many agricultural crops including tobacco. METHODS A sample of 152 Latino youth farmworkers ages 12-20 years (M = 16.7, SD = 2.0) across 19 North Carolina counties completed a cross-sectional survey and provided saliva samples in 2019. Surveys detailed personal and work characteristics. Saliva samples were analyzed for salivary cotinine and reported in geometric means (ng/ml). Bivariate associations were used to delineate the relationship between personal and work characteristics with salivary cotinine levels. RESULTS Cotinine levels ranged from 0.05 to 313.5 ng/ml. Older age and working in tobacco were significantly associated with higher salivary cotinine levels. For every one year increase in age, there was a 31% increase in mean salivary cotinine levels (b = 1.31; 95% CI = [1.15-1.50]; p < .0001). Youth tobacco workers' (n = 15) salivary cotinine levels were 890% higher than those not working in tobacco (n = 137) (13.26, 95% CI = [5.95-29.56] ng/ml compared to 1.34, 95% CI = [1.03-1.75] ng/ml (p < .0001)). CONCLUSIONS Latino youth tobacco workers are exposed to nicotine through their work. This exposure presents serious risk of Green Tobacco Sickness (acute nicotine poisoning) and other health concerns given the growing evidence for risk of epigenetic changes negatively affecting long-term cognitive function. Policy is urgently needed to protect this vulnerable population of adolescent workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Joanne C Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie S Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Sandberg JC, Talton JW, Daniel SS. Understanding Latinx Child Farmworkers' Reasons for Working: A Mixed Methods Approach. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2023; 38:1142-1176. [PMID: 38235371 PMCID: PMC10794015 DOI: 10.1177/07435584221144956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural labor is extremely hazardous, yet young children are legally permitted to work on farms. This paper contextualizes and describes Latinx hired child farmworkers’ stated reasons for working. We conducted a mixed-methods study using in-depth interviews ( n = 30) and survey interviews ( n = 202) with Latinx child farmworkers aged 10 to 17 in North Carolina. Our qualitative thematic analysis identified children’s salient reasons for working, including supporting family, contextual factors that lead to farm work, and occupying summer time. Statistical analysis showed that children’s primary reasons for working included buying clothes (91.1%) and school supplies (64.7%), with few differences by gender, age, or other characteristics. The findings demonstrate that most Latinx children view farm work as a necessary but temporary experience that financially supports their families. We discuss the implications for protecting Latinx child workers by reducing their structural vulnerability in order to facilitate healthy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | - Joanne C. Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer W. Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
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Carlos Chavez FL, Moore BA, Bohanek JG. Latino Migrant Farmworker Youths' Perceptions of Access to Care in the Southeast: A Qualitative Approach. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:821-839. [PMID: 37198942 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2215753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study explored Latino Migrant Farmworker (LMFW) youths' perceptions regarding access to health care in the United States (U.S.). Twenty semi-structured audio-voice recorded interviews were conducted with LMFW youths (aged 15-20 years old) in Georgia and Florida. Thematic analysis was used to explore whether, and how, LMFW youths would seek health care in the U.S. as well as their personal views toward health care. Five distinct perceptions regarding accessing health care were delineated: (1) cultural-related views and attitudes toward health care, (2) transportation dependency, (3) English language as a barrier for communication, (4) lack of knowledge of available resources, and (5) embracing the obligation, and the necessity, of work. Some of LMFW youths' perceptions of seeking access to health care in the U.S. point to barriers related to social determinants of health. These barriers suggest the need for significant reform within the U.S. health care system to include farmworker youths' health needs and to promote cultural responsiveness among clinicians and rural health providers to better serve this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella L Carlos Chavez
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bethany A Moore
- Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer G Bohanek
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Mendoza Galvis DJ, Vega Molina AL. Occupational safety and health in the agricultural sector: a bibliographic review. Rev Bras Med Trab 2023; 21:e20231137. [PMID: 38313777 PMCID: PMC10835407 DOI: 10.47626/1679-4435-2023-1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the labor context the agricultural sector has been a little neglected in terms of the implementation of policies and standards that allow maintaining low accident rates, and in the last year strategies have been established to improve this situation. The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the methodologies used to plan, verify, and maintain occupational safety and health in the agricultural sector. The methodology focused on the search for information in the Scopus and Web of Science databases through a search equation, and then through inclusion and exclusion criteria to evaluate the selected articles. It was found that the country with most studies on occupational safety and health was the United States, and that methodologies such as social participation, videos, and team learning are among the most successful processes. The year of publication with the largest amount of research published was 2021, the survey approach appears in 82% of the articles, the use of technology as a means of dissemination of improvement actions was evidenced, and the most innovative processes included: use of religion, checklists, fear, threats, and work organization processes.
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Iannacci-Manasia L. Unprotected Youth Workers in US Agriculture. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1064143. [PMID: 37325300 PMCID: PMC10268000 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1064143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Iannacci-Manasia
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- School of Nursing, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY, United States
- Department of the Sciences of Public Health, Nursing & Pediatrics, University of Turin, Piedmont, Italy
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Dedieu B, Nettle R, Schiavi SMDA, Sraïri MT, Malanski PD. Which perspectives for work in agriculture? Food for thought for a research agenda. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.857887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2nd International Symposium on Work in Agriculture (March 29–April 1 2021) was a moment for debate on the perspectives of work in agriculture. In this article, we propose to summarize the exchanges that outline the major issues from this event. We made a bibliometric analysis of all the contributions presented and a cross-cutting expert synthesis. Agricultural work and drivers of employment were the main topics of the presentations, with North and Global South countries facing different labor productivity dynamics. Some questions are continent specific: will OECD countries see agriculture without farmers? Will agriculture provide decent work to youth, notably in the Sub-Saharan Africa? With which models of agriculture? Some issues are common globally: the ability of the agroecological transition to improve working conditions and provide new jobs; the recognition of women and ethnic groups' contributions to work and to decisions. The digital revolution and the migration flows to and from rural areas and cities are also changing agricultural work substantially. Cross-cutting perspectives are introduced such as the potential of the decent work concept to foster the attractiveness of the agricultural professions, the effect of value chains and the potential of the territorial approach to work to foster interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary viewpoints in addressing problems in the domain.
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Berberian AG, Gonzalez DJX, Cushing LJ. Racial Disparities in Climate Change-Related Health Effects in the United States. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:451-464. [PMID: 35633370 PMCID: PMC9363288 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Climate change is causing warming over most parts of the USA and more extreme weather events. The health impacts of these changes are not experienced equally. We synthesize the recent evidence that climatic changes linked to global warming are having a disparate impact on the health of people of color, including children. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies of heat, extreme cold, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires find evidence that people of color, including Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Asian communities are at higher risk of climate-related health impacts than Whites, although this is not always the case. Studies of adults have found evidence of racial disparities related to climatic changes with respect to mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, mental health, and heat-related illness. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, and infants and children of color have experienced adverse perinatal outcomes, occupational heat stress, and increases in emergency department visits associated with extreme weather. The evidence strongly suggests climate change is an environmental injustice that is likely to exacerbate existing racial disparities across a broad range of health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alique G Berberian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, 71-259 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - David J X Gonzalez
- School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lara J Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, 71-259 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Talton JW, Daniel SS. Self-Reported Physical Demands Associated With Crops and Job Tasks Among Latinx Hired Child Farmworkers. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e838-e845. [PMID: 34860206 PMCID: PMC8646954 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical demands of work performed by Latinx hired child farmworkers are poorly understood. This paper describes crops, tasks performed, and the most common dimensions of physical demands of work in this population. METHODS Survey interviews were conducted in 2017 with 202 Latinx children aged 10 to 17 years employed on North Carolina farms. Analysis focused on job characteristics for the past week and included factor analysis of an 18-item questionnaire on physical work demands. RESULTS The most common crops and tasks reported were topping/suckering tobacco and picking sweet potatoes or berries. Three factors (awkward postures, repetitive motion, strenuous work) accounted for 53% of the variance in physical demands. CONCLUSIONS Follow-up of hired child farmworkers should be undertaken to understand the long-term effects of physical work demands on their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE This study identifies the menstrual cycle irregularities of Latinx child and adolescent farmworkers. METHODS Child and adolescent farmworkers aged 13 to 20 years completed questionnaires about menstrual cycle patterns in 2019, and wore silicone passive collection wristbands for pesticide detection in 2018. Menstrual cycle irregularities were determined from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists committee opinion. RESULTS Half of participants experienced any menstrual cycle irregularity; the most frequent irregularities were cycle length (38.6%) and having gone 90 days or more without a menstrual period (20.4%). Pesticides were detected in 92.9% of the wristbands; most participants were exposed to an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) pesticide. CONCLUSION Half of Latinx children and adolescents hired farmworkers experience irregular menstrual cycles, and most are exposed to EDCs. Inclusion of occupational and menstrual histories in child and adolescent medical visits is critical.
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Mora DC, Daniel SS. Structural Vulnerability and Occupational Injury Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina. New Solut 2021; 31:125-140. [PMID: 33982609 PMCID: PMC9075681 DOI: 10.1177/10482911211017556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Children as young as ten-years-old can legally work as hired farm labor in the United States. In North Carolina, many hired children are part of the Latinx farmworker community. Agriculture is a hazardous industry, and child workers experience high rates of injury, illness, and mortality. As part of a community-based participatory research study, we draw from thirty in-depth interviews with Latinx child farmworkers aged ten to seventeen to describe their experiences of personal and observed workplace injury and close calls. Nearly all child workers had experienced or observed some form of injury, with several reporting close calls that could have resulted in severe injury or fatality. Overall, children reported a reactive approach to injury prevention and normalized pain as part of the job. Highlighting Latinx child farmworkers' structural "vulnerability, this analysis contextualizes understanding of workplace injury among this largely hidden population. We offer policy recommendations to protect and support these vulnerable workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dana C. Mora
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Arcury TA, Chen H, Arnold TJ, Quandt SA, Anderson KA, Scott RP, Talton JW, Daniel SS. Pesticide exposure among Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:602-619. [PMID: 34036619 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pesticides have adverse effects on child health and development, little research has examined pesticide exposure among child farmworkers. This analysis addresses two specific aims: (1) describes pesticide exposure among Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina, and (2) delineates factors associated with this pesticide exposure. METHODS In 2018 (n = 173) and 2019 (n = 156) Latinx child farmworkers completed interviews and wore silicone wristbands for a single day to measure pesticide exposure. Wristbands were analyzed for 70 pesticides. RESULTS Most Latinx child farmworkers were exposed to multiple pesticides; the most frequent were pyrethroids (69.9% in 2018, 67.9% in 2019), organochlorines (51.4% in 2018, 55.1% in 2019), and organophosphates (51.4% in 2018, 34.0% in 2019). Children were exposed to a mean of 2.15 pesticide classes in 2018 and 1.91 in 2019, and to a mean of 4.06 pesticides in 2018 and 3.34 in 2019. Younger children (≤15 years) had more detections than older children; children not currently engaged in farm work had more detections than children currently engaged in farm work. Migrant child farmworkers had more detections than nonmigrants. For specific pesticides with at least 20 detections, detections and concentrations were generally greater among children not currently engaged in farm work than children currently engaged. CONCLUSIONS Children who live in farmworker communities are exposed to a plethora of pesticides. Although further research is needed to document the extent of pesticide exposure and its health consequences, sufficient information is available to inform the policy needed to eliminate this pesticide exposure in agricultural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
- Center for Worker Health Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Center for Worker Health Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Center for Worker Health Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | - Richard P. Scott
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | - Jennifer W. Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
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Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Talton JW, Miles CM, Mora DC, Arcury TA, Daniel SS. Musculoskeletal injury symptoms among hired Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:620-628. [PMID: 34002867 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although children 10-17 years can be hired to work in agriculture, little research has addressed possible musculoskeletal injuries. Children may be at particular risk for these injuries because of the repetitive and load bearing nature of work tasks. Existing research relies on child workers to self-report musculoskeletal injuries. METHODS In 2017, 202 Latinx child farmworkers ages 10-17 employed across North Carolina completed survey interviews. In 2018, 145 of these children (94 [64.8%] current farmworkers) completed a physical examination and second interview. The examination obtained findings for upper and lower extremity as well as back injuries. RESULTS Positive indicators for musculoskeletal symptoms were few in either current or former child farmworkers. The knee was most common site for positive indicators with 15.4% of children having at least one. Combining all anatomical sites, 29.0% of children had at least one positive indicator, with no significant difference between current and former farmworkers. Overall, boys had significantly more indicators of knee injuries than girls (21.3% vs. 4.1%), indicators of ankle injuries were found only in the youngest workers (9.5% of children 11-13 years), and significantly fewer current farmworkers had indicators of lower back injuries than former farmworkers (6.4% vs. 17.7%). CONCLUSIONS Expectations of injuries come from previous studies using child farmworker self-reports, adult farmworker injury rates, and sports medicine pediatric findings. Hired child farmworkers may not perform activities as repetitious and load-bearing as children in sports training or adult farmworkers. Additional research using physical examination is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Jennifer W. Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Christopher M. Miles
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Dana C. Mora
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
- Department of Community Medicine, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NAFKAM, Faculty of Health Science UiT The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø Norway
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina USA
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Pérez IE, Wu R, Murray CB, Bravo D. An interdisciplinary framework examining culture and adaptation in migrant children and adolescents. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:13-39. [DOI: 10.1002/cad.20405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela E. Pérez
- Department of Psychology University of California Riverside Riverside California USA
| | - Rachel Wu
- Department of Psychology University of California Riverside Riverside California USA
| | - Carolyn B. Murray
- Department of Psychology University of California Riverside Riverside California USA
| | - Diamond Bravo
- Department of Psychology University of California Riverside Riverside California USA
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Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Mora DC, Arcury TA, Talton JW, Daniel SS. Hired Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina: Educational Status and Experience Through a Social Justice Lens. New Solut 2021; 30:282-293. [PMID: 33131378 PMCID: PMC7856296 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120970207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We examine the educational experience of Latinx hired child farmworkers in North Carolina, using a social justice framework. Qualitative (n = 30) and quantitative (n = 202) data collected among children ten to seventeen years of age revealed elevated rates of grade retention and dropout status. Children reported disruption to their schooling caused by international and interstate migration and intrastate movement. Few worked during school time; nevertheless, children reported missed participation in educational enrichment opportunities and little integration into school life. Schools often failed to accommodate language difficulties and problems caused by migration, and an atmosphere of racism prevailed. Educational programs for children in farmworker families were established during the 1960s. However, they do not meet the needs of hired child farmworkers. Policies to reduce child employment in agriculture and to meet their educational needs are necessary to ensure the education needed for future health and well-being. We discuss the applied implications of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Quandt
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Dana C Mora
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Respiratory Health and Suspected Asthma among Hired Latinx Child Farmworkers in Rural North Carolina. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217939. [PMID: 33138070 PMCID: PMC7662586 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate respiratory health problems, including suspected asthma, and healthcare provider utilization among a sample of Latinx hired child farmworkers in rural North Carolina (n = 140). In 2018, a respiratory health questionnaire and breathing tests were collected from Latinx child (11–19 years) farmworkers (35.0% girls and 65.0% boys). Overall, 21.4% of children reported having been told by a medical provider that they had asthma, yet based on a combination of responses to respiratory survey questions, 36.4% or 15% more were identified as having suspected asthma. While 56.4% reported having a regular medical doctor, 38% had not had a medical exam in the past year. Respiratory dysfunction, including suspected, or uncontrolled asthma was prevalent among this group. Latinx children working in agriculture are vulnerable to occupational hazards and exposures and require assurances that they will receive access to high quality healthcare services that include routine respiratory health screenings.
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Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Chen H, Sandberg JC, Kearney GD, Daniel SS. Work Safety Culture of Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:917-927. [PMID: 33311830 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Little research has addressed the safety environment of child farmworkers. This analysis examines the work safety culture experienced by Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. Methods Survey interviews were conducted in 2017 with 202 Latinx children aged 10 to 17 years employed on North Carolina farms. Analysis included measures of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of work safety culture. Results The work culture on North Carolina farms employing Latinx child farmworkers places limited value on safety. Behaviorally, many did not wear appropriate work clothing (e.g., 47.5% wore gloves, 37.1% wore boots). Situationally, few received safety training for tools (40.6%), machinery (24.3%), or pesticides (26.0%); about one-third (33.7%) had worked piece-rate; and many did not have field sanitation services available (e.g., 37.1% had water for washing, 19.8% had soap). Safety attitudes were mixed, and work safety climate was low, with 21.8% stating that their supervisor was only interested in doing the job fast and cheaply. Greater safety training, field sanitation services, and work safety climate were associated with working in western North Carolina, migrant workers, limited English fluency, and working in tomatoes. Wearing appropriate work clothing, not working piece-rate, fewer unsafe work attitudes were associated with working in eastern North Carolina, seasonal worker, speaking English, and working in tobacco. Conclusions This research makes it apparent that efforts are needed to improve safety culture wherever child farmworkers are employed. Current policy is not providing a safe environment for children working on farms in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistical and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Joanne C. Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Gregory D. Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine East Carolina University Greenville North Carolina
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
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Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Chen H, Daniel SS. Occupational Injuries of Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina: Associations With Work Safety Culture. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:853-858. [PMID: 32769794 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper examines the association of occupational injuries with work safety culture among Latinx child farmworkers. METHODS Interviews were conducted in 2017 with 202 Latinx farmworkers aged 10 to 17 years. RESULTS Occupational injuries were common among the child farmworkers: for example, 66.8% reported any work injury and 45.5% reported heat-related illness. Work safety culture was inadequate; for example, most did not receive safety training, one-third reported having worked piece-rate; only a few field sanitation services were available, and perceived work safety climate was low. Work safety culture had a mixed association with occupational injuries, with safety training and a better perceived work safety climate having a direct association with occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS Policy is needed to reduce child farmworker injuries. Strategies to improve the predictive value of the work safety culture model are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (Dr Arcury, Mr Arnold, Dr Daniel); Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (Dr Quandt); Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science (Dr Chen), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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18
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Sandberg JC, Quandt SA, Talton JW, Mora DC, Kearney GD, Chen H, Wiggins MF, Daniel SS. Heat-Related Illness Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina: A Mixed-Methods Study. New Solut 2020; 30:111-126. [PMID: 32349618 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120920571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Children as young as ten are legally hired for farm work. In North Carolina, many of these hired children are Latinx; they often work long hours during hot and humid summer conditions. Heat-related illness occurs along a continuum of severity ranging from heat cramps and rashes to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. The literature on the negative health effects of occupational heat exposure is growing; however, few studies have examined this exposure and health outcomes among child agricultural workers. To understand Latinx child farmworkers' experiences of working in heat, we conducted in-depth interviews (n = 30). To estimate the prevalence of heat-related illness symptoms and associated factors, we conducted survey interviews (n = 165). Heat-related illness is common among these child farmworkers. While children often understand the dangers of working in heat, work organization often prevents their taking precautions. Formal workplace protections to prevent heat-related illness are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Joanne C Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Dana C Mora
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Gregory D Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | | | - Stephanie S Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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19
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Arcury TA, Arnold TJ, Quandt SA, Chen H, Kearney GD, Sandberg JC, Talton JW, Wiggins MF, Daniel SS. Health and Occupational Injury Experienced by Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010248. [PMID: 31905836 PMCID: PMC6981743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Children as young as 10 years old are hired to work on farms in the United States (U.S.). These children are largely Latinx. Using interview data collected from 202 North Carolina Latinx child farmworkers in 2017, this analysis documents the heath characteristics and occupational injuries of Latinx child farmworkers and delineates characteristics associated with their health and occupational injuries. Latinx child farmworkers include girls (37.6%) and boys (62.4%), aged 10 to 17 years, with 17.8% being migrant farmworkers. Three-quarters reported receiving medical and dental care in the past year. Respiratory (15.8%) and vision (20.3%) problems were prevalent. Girls more than boys, and younger more than older children had greater health service utilization. Occupational injuries were common, with 26.2% reporting a traumatic injury, 44.1% a dermatological injury, 42.6% a musculoskeletal injury, and 45.5% heat-related illness in the past year. Age increased the odds of reporting work injuries and heat-related illness, and being a non-migrant reduced the odds of reporting work injuries. These results emphasize the need for greater documentation of child farmworker occupational health and safety. They underscore the need to change occupational safety policy to ensure that children working in agriculture have the same protections as those working in all other U.S. industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (T.J.A.); (J.C.S.); (S.S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-716-9438
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (T.J.A.); (J.C.S.); (S.S.D.)
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (H.C.); (J.W.T.)
| | - Gregory D. Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Joanne C. Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (T.J.A.); (J.C.S.); (S.S.D.)
| | - Jennifer W. Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (H.C.); (J.W.T.)
| | | | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (T.J.A.); (J.C.S.); (S.S.D.)
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Quandt SA, Arnold TJ, Mora DC, Sandberg JC, Daniel SS, Arcury TA. Hired Latinx child farm labor in North Carolina: The demand-support-control model applied to a vulnerable worker population. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:1079-1090. [PMID: 31436849 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US government child labor policies allow children as young as age 10 to be hired as workers on farms not operated by family members. Children may face substantial health risks in an industry known for high worker morbidity and mortality rates, due to high demands for productivity, and low control and little support because of the organization of the workplace. This paper examines how child farmworkers in North Carolina experience their work situation. METHODS In-depth interviews conducted in 2016 with 30 Latinx child farmworkers, ages 10 to 17, were analyzed using concepts from the demand-control-support model. All had worked as either migrant or seasonal hired farmworkers within the past year. RESULTS Children reported planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops including fruits, vegetables, and tobacco. The crew leader supervisory system, piece-rate pay, and coworker pressure produced significant demands to work quickly and take risks including lifting heavy loads, operating mechanical equipment, and working in excessive heat. Children had little control over work to counter demands they experienced; and they labored in a state of fear of firing, wage theft, and other sanctions. Support was variable, with younger children more likely to experience family and coworker support than older children. CONCLUSIONS The high demands with limited control and, for some, little support, that these children experience place them at risk and show the possibility of injury and exploitation. Future research should systematically document the occupational injury and illness of hired child farmworkers, and consider whether changes in labor policy are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Quandt
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and PreventionWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Dana C. Mora
- Department of Family and Community MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Joanne C. Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine Winston‐Salem North Carolina
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