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Recruiting a community sample in collaboration with farmworkers.
F Kamel1, T Moreno, A S Rowland
1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. kamel@niehs.nih.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|June 28, 2001
Summary
This study demonstrates that effective health research on pesticide exposure in farmworkers is achievable. Community collaboration with organizations like the Farmworker Association of Florida yielded good participation rates.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Farmworkers face potential health risks from pesticide exposure.
- Research on farmworker health effects is limited due to perceived inaccessibility of this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an epidemiologic study on the health effects of pesticides in farmworkers.
- To assess the feasibility of engaging farmworkers in health research.
Main Methods:
- Collaborated with the Farmworker Association of Florida.
- Utilized community-based recruitment strategies in Apopka and Pierson, Florida.
- Achieved high screening (90-94%) and participation (79-85%) rates.
Main Results:
- Study participants had specific work histories (6-15 years, defined crop types).
- Response rates were good despite a multistage recruitment process.
- Community characteristics influenced participation levels.
Conclusions:
- It is feasible to conduct health outcome studies in defined farmworker populations.
- Community collaboration is crucial for successful farmworker health research.
- Recruitment strategies and community factors impact study response rates.