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Khode D, Hepat A, Mudey A, Joshi A. Health-Related Challenges and Programs Among Agriculture Workers: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57222. [PMID: 38686223 PMCID: PMC11056488 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations, with many workers experiencing occupational accidents and ill health. The misuse of toxic substances, often due to inadequate protective measures, raises concerns about both individual and nature safety. However, the strenuous tasks done by the agricultural workers, especially those related to pesticide exposure and some challenges affect the farmer's health and well-being. This review paper used databases like PubMed and Google Scholar to elaborate this. English language studies are included and other languages are excluded. The health system for agricultural labour in India sheds light on the neglected status of agricultural workers and emphasizes the need for health promotion programs. For that, training and interventions are important as crucial elements in reducing pesticide exposure, with a call for the enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Agriculture workers have a proper knowledge and attitude towards the safety and program to overcome the health-related conditions they face. This paper also addresses the practices of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the challenges faced by farmers in adopting adequate safety measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipali Khode
- Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Ankita Hepat
- Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhay Mudey
- Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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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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Hall SM, Tikku V, Heiger-Bernays WJ. Potential Policy and Community Implications of Equitable Organic Waste, Compost, and Urban Agricultural Systems in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:115001. [PMID: 37966215 PMCID: PMC10648754 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban organic waste diverted from landfills for use as compost feedstock may help mitigate and adapt to the effects of our changing climate. Yet, compost produced from urban food and yard waste is often a source of contaminants harmful to human and environmental health. Efforts by multiple municipalities are increasing residential and commercial food and yard waste collection; however, finished, tested compost is typically unavailable to those contributing the waste and whose gardens would benefit. OBJECTIVES This commentary evaluates the relative equity and safety of U.S. organic waste cycles in relation to urban and peri-urban agriculture (UA) and waste stewardship. We a) explore historical structures that have led to siloed food and waste systems and b) provide recommendations to promote safer compost production from urban organic waste inputs. The engagement of intersectional partners in the creation of equitable policies and contracts that integrate food and waste justice is crucial to this work. METHODS A 15-y relationship between community, academic, and government partners in Boston, Massachusetts, has increased access to health-promoting community gardens. Historical concerns raised by gardeners resulted in improvement to the quality of compost sourced from municipal organic waste and motivated a case study of Boston and three other cities (Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; New York, New York). This case study provides the approaches used to source, collect, process, test, and deliver urban organic waste as compost for UA. It informed recommendations to improve the safety and equity of organic waste-to-compost cycles. DISCUSSION Strict feedstock regulation and required compost safety testing are essential to produce safe, city-sourced compost. Balancing the needs of landfill diversion with equitable distribution to all contributors, particularly low-income and food-insecure people, will help concentrate UA benefits within marginalized communities. Adoption of a public health lens may help ensure the safety of nutrient-rich compost available for urban growers through legislation at state and local levels, along with explicit industry contracts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hall
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vidya Tikku
- The Trustees of Reservations, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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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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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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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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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, 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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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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