Mental health problems of children of migrant and seasonal farm workers: a pilot study

The unique and compensatory effects of home and classroom learning activities on Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children's Spanish and English emergent literacy skills

Children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) are among the most underprivileged, underserved groups in the United States. The current study examined how home and classroom language and literacy experiences uniquely and interactively contributed to MSFW children's emergent literacy skills in English and Spanish. Participants were 255 Spanish-English dual language learning children (M _age = 49 mon; 98.3% Latino/Hispanic) and their parents and 47 teachers, drawn from the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) Study. Parents reported how often the target children engaged in language and literacy activities (i.e., teaching letters, words, or numbers, book-reading, singing, and storytelling) with their family members. Teachers reported how often the target children engaged in classroom language and literacy activities (e.g., book-reading, learning letters, retelling stories, etc.). Children's emergent literacy skills in English and Spanish were assessed by standard tests. After controlling for demographic variables, home and classroom language and literacy activities uniquely predicted children's emergent literacy skills in Spanish, but not in English. Additionally, home and classroom activities compensated one another in supporting children's English and Spanish emergent literacy development. That is, language and literacy activities in one context showed a stronger effect for children who experienced less frequent activities in the other context. Together, these findings shed light on ways to support MSFW children's emergent literacy skills and reveal the importance of integrating and connecting home and school learning experiences.

Intergenerational transmission of anxiety in Chinese migrant families: The mediating role of parents' perceptions of coparenting

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that anxiety transmits across generations. However, little is known about the intergenerational transmission of anxiety in Chinese migrant families and the potential mediators of the intergenerational transmission. Therefore, this study investigated the intergenerational transmission of anxiety from both fathers and mothers to children in Chinese migrant families and the mediating role of both mothers' and fathers' perceptions of coparenting.

METHODS

Participants were 477 elementary school-age children and both their parents in Chinese migrant families. Mothers and fathers self-reported their anxiety and perceptions of coparenting. Children's anxiety was measured based on maternal report and paternal report. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the mediating role of both mothers' and fathers' perceptions of coparenting in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety.

RESULTS

Anxiety was transmitted across generations from both fathers and mothers to migrant children, and fathers' (but not mothers') perceptions of coparenting mediated the intergenerational transmission of anxiety from both fathers and mothers to migrant children.

LIMITATIONS

Causal conclusions cannot be drawn based on cross-sectional research design.

CONCLUSIONS

Coparenting seemed to play an important role in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety. Interventions preventing the intergenerational transmission of anxiety should designate relevant effort enhancing fathers' perceptions of coparenting by changing fathers' negative perceptions and evaluations of the coparenting relationship and increasing mothers' high-quality coparenting behavior.

Prevalence of Violence: Male and Female Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Approach to Violence in Turkey

The objective of this study is to determine the male and female seasonal agricultural workers' perception of violence, prevalence of violence, frequency of victimization, and their related factors. Quantitative and qualitative data were used, and 89.5% of women were exposed to violence that included the restriction of their human rights. The sample consisted of 1,211 women and 1,064 men. Their marital status, duration of work, and attention to their health affected the violence exposure. Arabic people who were unmarried, had a poor educational background, and poor health perception approved of the physical violence.

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.

EPA Guidance Mental Health Care of Migrants

Migration is an increasingly commonplace phenomenon for a number of reasons. People migrate from rural to urban areas or across borders for reasons including economic, educational or political. There is increasing recent research evidence from many countries in Europe that indicates that migrants are more prone to certain psychiatric disorders. Because of their experiences of migration and settling down in the new countries, they may also have special needs such as lack of linguistic abilities which must be taken into account using a number of strategies at individual, local and national policy levels. In this guidance document, we briefly present the evidence and propose that specific measures must be taken to improve and manage psychiatric disorders experienced by migrants and their descendants. This improvement requires involvement at the highest level in governments. This is a guidance document and not a systematic review.

Providing care for immigrant, migrant, and border children

This policy statement, which recognizes the large changes in immigrant status since publication of the 2005 statement "Providing Care for Immigrant, Homeless, and Migrant Children," focuses on strategies to support the health of immigrant children, infants, adolescents, and young adults. Homeless children will be addressed in a forthcoming separate statement ("Providing Care for Children and Adolescents Facing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity"). While recognizing the diversity across and within immigrant, migrant, and border populations, this statement provides a basic framework for serving and advocating for all immigrant children, with a particular focus on low-income and vulnerable populations. Recommendations include actions needed within and outside the health care system, including expansion of access to high-quality medical homes with culturally and linguistically effective care as well as education and literacy programs. The statement recognizes the unique and special role that pediatricians can play in the lives of immigrant children and families. Recommendations for policies that support immigrant child health are included.

An operational study on implementation of mobile primary healthcare services for seasonal migratory farmworkers, Turkey

Maternal and child health is affected by exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, by increased exposure to health hazards, and by poor utilization of primary healthcare services. The objective of this operational study was to implement mobile primary healthcare services (MPHS) for migratory seasonal farmworkers. This study, conducted in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, between March 2008 and April 2009, examined multiple stages of MPHS implementation in both a permanent settlement (336 children aged 5 and under; 580 women of reproductive age) and a working settlement (85 living units; 217 children and 257 women). The stages included: (1) identifying the problem, (2) identifying a potential solution and a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effect of intervention, (3) utilizing and disseminating results to stakeholders, and (4) implementing sustainable MPHS county-wide. Rates of selected outcome measures, including full childhood and tetanus vaccination, phenylketonuria screening, and safer usage of pesticides, iodine salt, and sanitary toilet facilities, increased significantly following the intervention in both the permanent and temporary settlements (P < 0.05). The majority of cases of anemia (children: 16.6%, women: 17.8%) and parasitic infections (55.4%) were treated. The study results indicate that MPHS are necessary to ensure healthcare access for migratory farmworkers and to establish a stronger public health infrastructure for this risk group.

Childhood Anxiety in Ethnic Families: Current Status and Future Directions

Australia is a culturally diverse country with many migrant families in need of support and assistance from clinical psychologists. Yet, surveys indicate that migrants do not feel comfortable in accessing community mental health services, due to the lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding of our current practices. Despite this finding, there remains a paucity of research on migrant families, their different values and needs, and how they adjust to the Australian culture. The present article reviews research on migrant children, their characteristics, and the factors that help or hinder healthy adjustment to a new culture. This review focuses particularly on anxiety, which is not only the most common form of childhood psychopathology, but also frequently coincides with stressful life events such as migration. Our review concludes with recommendations for the development of assessment and intervention protocols, and areas of future research.

Crecemos juntos: understanding and alleviating parental stress among lowcountry migrant workers

The focus of this study was to determine challenges and needs faced by families of migrant farm workers served by Rural Mission Migrant Head Start in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Data on common problems was collected via surveys, and results were analyzed. The Crecemos Juntos (We Grow Together) program was developed with the support of a Helping Hands Grant from the American Psychiatric Foundation, which funds service initiatives by medical students. A multimedia library of materials was compiled, addressing frequently encountered issues in mental health and child development. A presentation on effective positive disciplinary techniques was provided to parents.

Associations between poor health and school-related behavior problems at the child and family levels: a cross-sectional study of migrant children and adolescents in southwest urban China

BACKGROUND

Due to urbanization in China, the numbers of migrant children and adolescents in urban environments have increased. Previous studies have indicated that children and adolescents are more likely to suffer from health problems and poor school achievement. The present study identified associations between poor health and school-related behavior problems (ie, learning attitudes and learning disabilities [LL], antisocial behavior and risk behavior [AR], and social adaptation and role function [SR]) at the child and family levels.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used. Seven hundred and eighty-one participants were recruited in inclusive settings. Correlational analysis was conducted to assess the associations between demographic variables and the primary study variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which study factors were the strongest predictors of general health problems.

RESULTS

School-aged migrants who had poorer health tended to be more likely to suffer from school-related behavior problems. Poor health was also found to hinder scholastic achievement in migrant children and adolescents through a higher prevalence of school-related behavior problems, including negative learning attitudes and learning disabilities, antisocial behavior and risk behavior, and social maladjustment. Health risk factors included inappropriate parental education methods, fewer classmates, and less social support.

CONCLUSIONS

Health and individual risk factors should be explored further to determine their causal role in migrant children and adolescents with school-related behavior problems. These results have implications for future school health education for these students.

Correlates of psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that approximately 20 million migrant school-aged children have accompanied their parents in relocating to cities in China. However, little research on the lives of these children has been conducted. The purpose of the present study is to identify the risk factors associated with the psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

A total of 625 children of migrant workers were recruited from ten primary and secondary schools in Shanghai through a survey design using the multistage cluster sampling method. Children of migrant workers were identified as mentally healthy or unhealthy using The revised child anxiety and depression scale. Socio-demographic characteristics, parent-child relationship, peer relationship and relationships in schools were explored as correlates of the psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers.

RESULTS

Compared to overseas studies, children of migrant workers suffered from symptoms of separation anxiety, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. They were male (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 0.99-3.60), older in age (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.40), experiencing parent-child conflicts (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.28-2.89), discipline from teacher (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.26-4.16) and discrimination in school (OR = 4.53, 95% CI 1.11-18.48).

CONCLUSION

The findings provide information for the prevention of mental ill-health among children of migrant workers in China. The implications and limitations are also discussed.

Delivery of health services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers

Farmworkers are low-paid, uninsured employees in an extremely hazardous industry, and they provide an essential service for U.S. society. This review evaluates the delivery of health services to farmworkers. It describes the farmworker population in the United States, noting characteristics (e.g., migratory and immigration status) that limit their access to and utilization of health services. It describes the health services needs of this population, including occupational health, mental health, oral health, and chronic disease treatment. Cultural, structural, legal, financial, and geographic barriers to health services utilization are described. Existing research on health services utilization among farmworkers is discussed. Programs that have been developed to address the barriers to health services utilization among farmworkers are reviewed. Finally, research needed to improve knowledge of farmworker health services utilization is suggested. These research needs include formal evaluations of existing programs and basic research to characterize the health services utilization patterns of farmworkers.

Comparative Description of Migrant Farmworkers versus Other Students Attending Rural South Texas Schools: Substance Use, Work, and Injuries

CONTEXT

Little is known about substance use, work characteristics, and injuries of youth from migrant farmworker families. Some evidence suggests that migrant youth may be at greater risk for substance use and work-related injuries than nonmigrant youth.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare substance use, employment, and injury data from migrant and nonmigrant youth residing in rural South Texas.

METHODS

Anonymous cross-sectional survey data were collected from 7,302 middle and 3,565 high school students during a regular class. Classification as a migrant student occurred if the student responded positively to: "Does your family move around the state or nation to pick fruits or vegetables for work?"

RESULTS

About 5% of South Texas middle and high school students reported belonging to a migrant family. Compared to nonmigrant students, migrant youth were more likely to report frequent substance use. Youth belonging to migrant families were less likely to work for pay on weekends but more likely to work for pay on weekday mornings before school. These youth were also more likely to have ever been injured while working than nonmigrant students.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate a need for additional interventions in this most vulnerable rural population. Specifically, targeted educational programs to enhance the occupational safety and health of migrant youth, further research into effective substance abuse treatment and prevention programs in rural areas, and enhancement of child labor laws are recommended.

Measuring Primary Care for Children of Latino Farmworkers: Reliability and Validity of the Parent?s Perceptions of Primary Care Measure (P3C)

This study evaluates the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Parent's Perceptions of Primary Care measure (P3C) in an underserved population: children of Latino farm workers. Bilingual research assistants verbally administered the P3C, as well as a measure of child health-related quality of life (HRQL: the PedsQL 4.0) and demographic questions to 297 Latino farm worker parents of young children, in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The P3C was found to be feasible, as measured by a very low percent of missing/do not know values. Internal consistency reliability for the Total Scale and most subscales was strong. The P3C's validity was demonstrated through factor analysis of the subscales, by showing that scores were lower for children without a regular physician and for children experiencing foregone health care, and by demonstrating that P3C scores were related to HRQL. The P3C can be useful to various stakeholders in measuring primary care for vulnerable populations.

Children's agricultural health: traumatic injuries and hazardous inorganic exposures

CONTEXT

Farming is one of the most hazardous occupational industries in the USA, and farms pose numerous health risks for youth visiting, living in, or working in the farm environment.

PURPOSE

This review discusses both potential traumatic injuries and hazardous inorganic exposures that are common in agricultural settings.

FINDINGS

An estimated 2 million youth under the age of 20 currently live or work on US farms. Approximately 103 farm fatalities occur in this age group each year; over 32,000 nonfatal youth injuries occurred on farms in 1998. Children working in US agriculture make up only 8% of the population of working minors overall, yet they account for 40% of work-related fatalities among minors. Farm children and youth are also exposed to potentially harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents, and many of these exposures go undetected. The long-term health effects of exposure to pesticides or solvents are not known, but the developmental vulnerabilities of children and youth are of particular concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and epidemiologic research in pediatric populations is needed to expand the empirical data, particularly for inorganic and organic exposures, musculoskeletal trauma, skin disorders, occupation-induced hearing loss, and psychosocial stress. Rural health professionals can work to reduce these risks to farm youth by becoming more aware of the problem, by conducting clinical and epidemiologic research, and by engaging in advocacy at state and local levels.

The health of U.S. hired farm workers

Despite a recent surge in knowledge about U.S. hired farm workers, little is known about the health of this population. No national data are available on the size of the population, mortality or morbidity data, or on chronic health indicators. Demographic data show that these workers are mostly Mexican immigrant or migrant males, and nearly two thirds live in poverty. At least half of all current hired farm workers are undocumented. Fewer than one in five have health insurance, either through their employer or through government programs. However, programs targeting women farm workers, such as WIC or, in California, emergency MediCal, are more effective in helping them obtain needed services. The federal Migrant Health Program serves about 13% of the total of workers plus dependent family members. This paper reviews what is known in the following topical areas: (a) mortality and morbidity; (b) access to health care services; (c) control of infectious diseases; (d) maternal and child care; (e) occupational health; (f) violence; and (g) chronic health indicators. It is suggested that future research incorporate a minimal physical examination of all patients or subjects in order to establish baseline information for the population. Such information will be helpful in targeting interventions and measuring their effectiveness.

Crossing the border for health care: access and primary care characteristics for young children of Latino farm workers along the US-Mexico border

OBJECTIVES

To examine prevalence and correlates of cross-border health care for children of Latino farm workers in counties near the US-Mexico border and to compare access and primary care in the United States and Mexico.

METHODS

Two hundred ninety-seven parents at Head Start centers in San Diego and Imperial counties were surveyed regarding percentage of health care received in Mexico and the United States, access, and primary care characteristics.

RESULTS

More than half of all health care was reported as received in Mexico. Reasons for Mexican use revolved around cost, accessibility, and perceptions of effectiveness. Parents of insured children reported slightly more US care, yet even this group reported approximately half of health care in Mexico. Insurance status was related to having a regular source of care, while uninsured children reporting most care in Mexico were less likely than uninsured children in the United States to have had a routine health care visit. Primary care characteristics were related to insurance status and source of care. Uninsured children reporting most care in Mexico fared better in some aspects of primary care than uninsured children reporting most care in the United States and as well as children with insurance receiving care in the United States or Mexico.

CONCLUSIONS

Children of farm workers living along the US-Mexico border, almost irrespective of insurance status, receive a large proportion of care in Mexico. Especially for uninsured children, parent reports of Mexican care characteristics compare favorably with that received in the United States. Mexican health care might be a buffer against vulnerability to poor health outcomes for these children.

The Health of U.S. Hired Farm Workers

▪ Abstract  Despite a recent surge in knowledge about U.S. hired farm workers, little is known about the health of this population. No national data are available on the size of the population, mortality or morbidity data, or on chronic health indicators. Demographic data show that these workers are mostly Mexican immigrant or migrant males, and nearly two thirds live in poverty. At least half of all current hired farm workers are undocumented. Fewer than one in five have health insurance, either through their employer or through government programs. However, programs targeting women farm workers, such as WIC or, in California, emergency MediCal, are more effective in helping them obtain needed services. The federal Migrant Health Program serves about 13% of the total of workers plus dependent family members. This paper reviews what is known in the following topical areas: (a) mortality and morbidity; (b) access to health care services; (c) control of infectious diseases; (d) maternal and child care; (e) occupational health; (f) violence; and (g) chronic health indicators. It is suggested that future research incorporate a minimal physical examination of all patients or subjects in order to establish baseline information for the population. Such information will be helpful in targeting interventions and measuring their effectiveness.