Self report of skin problems among farmworkers in North Carolina.
BACKGROUND
This study estimates the prevalence of self-reported skin problems among Latino farmworkers and identifies associated risk factors.


METHODS
The study used a longitudinal surveillance design. Participants were interviewed up to five times and reported skin problems and personal, work, and environment characteristics. Frequencies and counts were calculated for 13 skin problems. Adjusted odds ratios were obtained for six skin problems.


RESULTS
More than one-third of participants reported skin problems, including skin and nail fungus; sunburn; bumps, pimples, or acne; calluses; itching; rash; and insect bite. A variety of work and environment factors were associated with higher rates of skin problems. One of the strongest predictors was working in wet clothes or shoes.


CONCLUSIONS
Programs are needed to educate farmworkers about measures they can take to decrease their risk of skin problems. Changes in work practices and personal protective equipment provided could help decrease the prevalence of skin problems.
Vallejos
Quirina M
QM
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, USA. qvallejo@wfubmc.edu
Schulz
Mark R
MR
Quandt
Sara A
SA
Feldman
Steven R
SR
Galvan
Leonardo
L
Verma
Amit
A
Fleischer
Alan B
AB
Rapp
Stephen R
SR
Arcury
Thomas A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014171:Transients and Migrants