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Orhan İ, Koçak HS. An Evaluation of Living Conditions and Dietary Habits of Seasonal Migrant Agricultural Workers: The Example of Turkey. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:676-687. [PMID: 39115245 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2388849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The nutritional status of seasonal migrant agricultural workers is negatively affected by problems with working conditions, wages, accommodations, and living conditions. This study aimed to investigate the living conditions, dietary habits, and food consumption frequency of seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Turkey. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in July and August 2022 in the neighborhoods of Akçadağ district in Malatya Province, Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 262 seasonal migrant agricultural workers aged 15 and over who came to the region for the apricot harvest. The data were obtained using the face-to-face interview technique via a two-part questionnaire including questions on socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions, dietary behaviors and food consumption frequency. RESULTS The mean age of the seasonal migrant agricultural workers was 24.16 ± 0.75, and they worked 12.01 ± 0.10 hours per day on average. It was determined 74.8% of the workers had access to clean water, and 50.4% did not think they had an adequate and balanced diet. It was found only 57.3% of the workers had a normal body mass index, 80.2% never ate fish, 53.8% never ate red meat, and 67.2% never drank milk, while only 34.4% were able to eat seasonal vegetables. CONCLUSION The findings of the study show that seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Turkey do not have suitable conditions in terms of food and accommodations, and their working conditions, wages, and health conditions are inadequate. These deficiencies have a negative effect on workers' quality of life and health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlksen Orhan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Munzur University, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Serap Koçak
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Noory B, Habib RR, Nuwayhid I. Exposure of Syrian refugee agricultural workers to pesticides in Lebanon: a socio-economic and political lens. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1402511. [PMID: 38993703 PMCID: PMC11236552 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1402511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This article adopts a socio-economic and political lens to elucidate the interplay of factors that heighten the vulnerability of Syrian refugee agricultural workers and their exposure to pesticides in Lebanon. It provides a comprehensive understanding for the interconnected social, political and economic factors at the global, regional, national and local levels and how they increase the vulnerability of Syrian refugee agricultural workers, particularly their exposure to pesticides. The global factors highlight the shifts from colonialism to state-controlled economies to neoliberal policies. These changes have prioritized the interests of large agricultural schemes and multinationals at the expense of small and medium-sized agriculture. Consequently, there has been a boost in pesticides demand, coupled with weak regulations and less investment in agriculture in the countries of the Global South. The article explains how the dynamic interaction of climate change and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa region has negatively impacted the agriculture sector and food production, which led to an increased potential for pesticide use. At the national and local levels, Lebanon's social, political and economic policies have resulted in the weakening of the agricultural sector, the overuse of pesticides, and the intensification of the Syrian refugee agricultural workers' vulnerability and exposure to pesticides. The article recommends that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners adopt a political-economic-social lens to analyze and address the full dynamic situation facing migrant and refugee workers in Lebanon and other countries and promote equity in the agricultural sector globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Noory
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima R. Habib
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iman Nuwayhid
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Önsüz MF, Demirtas Z, Aygar H, Ozturk Emiral G, Alaiye M, Ocal EE, Metintas S. A Comparison Quality of Life of Children of Seasonal Agricultural Workers and Local Residents in Turkey. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:656-664. [PMID: 37125844 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2208110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children of seasonal agricultural workers (SAW) live in the worst conditions of agricultural labor and, consequently, face many health risks. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of these children. This study aimed to compare the QoL between children of SAW and local residents in semi-rural areas of Eskisehir, Turkey, and determine the factors affecting them. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we included children of SAW living in temporary camp areas and those of local residents visiting the Family Health Center close to the camp areas. Basic sociodemographic data collection forms and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) scale were employed for data collection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine factors that had a significant effect on the QoL. RESULTS We included 324 children of SAW and 256 local children. As per the multivariate analysis, QoL was lower in children aged between 8 and 12 years, with physician-diagnosed chronic diseases, and children of SAW. Also, there was no significant association between gender, parental education levels, family income, number of siblings, school attendance status, and QoL level. CONCLUSION The QoL of children of SAW families was significantly lower than their peer local children. Therefore, the appropriate authorities must prioritize the planning and implementation of health services for SAW families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hatice Aygar
- District Health Directorate of Nevsehir, Nevsehir, Turkey
| | | | - Melike Alaiye
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ece Elif Ocal
- District Health Directorate of Ardahan, Ardahan, Turkey
| | - Selma Metintas
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
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El Khayat M, Halwani DA, Hneiny L, Alameddine I, Haidar MA, Habib RR. Impacts of Climate Change and Heat Stress on Farmworkers' Health: A Scoping Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:782811. [PMID: 35211437 PMCID: PMC8861180 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.782811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the continuous rise of global temperatures and heatwaves worldwide as a result of climate change, concerns for the health and safety of working populations have increased. Workers in the food production chain, particularly farmworkers, are especially vulnerable to heat stress due to the strenuous nature of their work, which is performed primarily outdoors under poor working conditions. At the cross-section of climate change and farmworkers' health, a scoping review was undertaken to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the health impacts associated with climate change and heat stress, guide future research toward better understanding current and future climate change risks, and inform policies to protect the health and safety of agricultural workers. A systematic search of 5 electronic databases and gray literature websites was conducted to identify relevant literature published up until December 2021. A total of 9045 records were retrieved from the searches, of which 92 articles were included in the final review. The majority of the reviewed articles focused on heat-related illnesses (n = 57) and kidney diseases (n = 28). The risk factors identified in the reviewed studies included gender, dehydration, heat strain, wearing inappropriate clothing, workload, piece-rate payment, job decision latitude, and hot environmental conditions. On the other hand, various protective and preventive factors were identified including drinking water, changing work hours and schedule of activities, wearing appropriate clothing, reducing soda consumption, taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and increasing electrolyte consumption in addition to improving access to medical care. This review also identified various factors that are unique to vulnerable agricultural populations, including migrant and child farmworkers. Our findings call for an urgent need to expand future research on vulnerable agricultural communities including migrant workers so as to develop effective policies and interventions that can protect these communities from the effects of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa El Khayat
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dana A. Halwani
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Alameddine
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mustapha A. Haidar
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima R. Habib
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Alemu Gelaye K, Debalke G, Awoke Ayele T, Fekadu Wolde H, Sisay MM, Teshome DF, Akalu TY, Daba Wami S. Occupational Health Problems among Seasonal and Migrant Farmworkers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4447-4456. [PMID: 34744466 PMCID: PMC8566000 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s323503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are at increased risk for occupational fatalities and injuries. Although such employment-related geographical mobility is receiving increasing attention, there is limited evidence about occupational health problems among seasonal farmworkers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate occupational health problems among seasonal and migrant farmworkers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed from October to December 2019 among seasonal and migrant farmworkers. The study was carried out in two sites of Amhara regional state, northwest Ethiopia. A cluster sampling technique was used to recruit 990 study participants. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20 to identify factors associated with injuries. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p-value ≤0.05. Results In this study, the period prevalence of work-related injury among seasonal and migrant farmworkers was 32.5% (95% CI: 29.7, 35.9). Being unemployed before migration (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.91), working for >8 h/day (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.27), stress (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.88) and thermal discomfort (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.98) were the significant risk factors for work-related injury. In addition, nearly two-third (60.9%) of the study participants have shown three or more heat-related illness symptoms. Moreover, the prevalence of work-related stress among seasonal and migrant farmworkers was 67.6% (95% CI: 64.6, 70.7). Conclusion Occupational health problems among seasonal and migrant farmworkers in northwest Ethiopia remain a major public health problem. Hence, implementing tailored preventive measures like training on health and safety, and hazard control measures would be supremely important to minimize the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Debalke
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Science, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Awoke Ayele
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Haileab Fekadu Wolde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Malede Mequanent Sisay
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Destaw Fetene Teshome
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Yihunie Akalu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sintayehu Daba Wami
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Emiral GO, Onsuz MF, Ozay O, Isikli B, Metintas S. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers: Comparison with Local Residents. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 50:747-755. [PMID: 34183924 PMCID: PMC8219628 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i4.5999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Seasonal agricultural workers group is one of the most disadvantageous groups of working life in Turkey same as many other countries. We aimed to determine the status of cardiovascular disease risk factors among migrant seasonal agricultural workers (MSAW) and to compare obtained data with local residents. Methods: This study cross-sectional study was conducted among MSAW in Eskisehir, Turkey and closest town residents in 2015 during agricultural season. These 455 MSAW were living in camps composed of 20 or more tents. Local residents sample composed of 532 local residents were reached at their houses by using random sampling method with data acquired from health organization records. Both groups were subjected to same questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among MSAW women was 40.5%, hypertension 19.9%, diabetes 4.9% and hypercholesterolemia 6.5%. These prevalences were 68.0%, 38.6%, 13.9% and 20.8% respectively among local residents. The prevalence of smoking risk among local residents was 1.5 times more than MSAW. In addition, the prevalence of overweight/obese risk was 4 times more; hypertension risk 1.8 times more, diabetes risk 3.8 times more and hypercholesterolemia risk 2.7 times more among local residents than MSAW (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors of MSAW was lower than local residents in the study groups. Even though health risks that MSAW faced were more linked with environment and life conditions, cardiovascular disease risk factors should not be ignored. Health services should be guided by considering obstacles that MSAW experienced in accessing health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammed Fatih Onsuz
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ozkan Ozay
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Burhanettin Isikli
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Selma Metintas
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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