Intestinal parasites among North Carolina migrant farmworkers.
OBJECTIVE
The public health significance of intestinal parasitism among migrant farmworkers has been poorly defined. We report a three-part study in which we attempted to provide population-based estimates and identify risk factors for infection.


METHODS
Parasite prevalence and incidence were estimated from two cross-sectional studies and a longitudinal study. We used questionnaires and clinical measurements such as hematocrits to examine risk factors and health effects.


RESULTS
In the 1987 convenience sample (n = 265), parasite prevalence ranged from 28% among the US born to 86% among the Central American born, with no significant difference between the prevalence of pathogens among US-born (14%) and Mexican-born (24%) subjects (P = .12, chi 2 test). High prevalences were also found in the 1988 random sample. An annual incidence of 9.5% (n = 74) was demonstrated in 1988. Symptoms such as abdominal pain were associated with infection, and lower hematocrits were associated with hookworm infection (P = .02, t test).


CONCLUSIONS
Infection with intestinal parasites appears to be an occupational hazard of farmwork, necessitating improved working and living conditions and greater clinical awareness.
Ciesielski
S D
SD
Department of Parasitology and Laboratory Practice, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Seed
J R
JR
Ortiz
J C
JC
Metts
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002489:Central America / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006205:Haiti / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*