Hispanic adolescent farmworkers' perceptions associated with pesticide exposure.
The migrant farmworker population in the United States is a vulnerable and understudied population whose characteristics are constantly shifting. The number of youth involved in agriculture work is increasing, and they, in particular, may be at increased risk for occupational hazards, such as pesticide exposure. The present study utilized an ecological framework for focus group discussions with 33 adolescent migrant farmworkers in Oregon. Adolescents' risk perception and health beliefs associated with pesticide exposure are examined on four levels of environmental influence: microenvironment, organizational environment, social/community environment, and macroenvironment. Adolescents provided insight on such topics as perceived vulnerability of illness due to pesticide exposure, attitudes toward farmwork, influence of their boss, knowledge of occupational hazards, safety training, and barriers to occupational choice. Cultural influences on occupational safety and health are discussed and increased attention to safety training is recommended.
Salazar
Mary K
MK
Occupational Health Nursing Program, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Napolitano
Marie
M
Scherer
Jennifer A
JA
McCauley
Linda A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000383:Agriculture; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009922:Oregon; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects
D010575:Pesticides