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Tracing migrant farmworkers in Starr County, Texas
1The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas 77225-0186, USA. scooper@sph.uth.tmc.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|October 25, 2001
Summary
This study successfully traced 83.2% of migrant farmworkers for health research, demonstrating feasibility. High follow-up rates were achieved through community engagement and stable home bases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Addressing National Cancer Institute (NCI) concerns regarding research feasibility in migrant farmworker populations.
- Evaluating the challenges and opportunities in conducting longitudinal health studies with this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of identifying and tracing migrant farmworkers within their home states over an extended period.
- To determine the proportion of previously identified migrant farmworkers locatable in a subsequent study.
Main Methods:
- Identification of 196 individuals self-classified as migrant farmworkers from prior chronic disease studies (1995).
- Objective to ascertain the locatability of this cohort during 1995-1996.
Main Results:
- A high follow-up rate was achieved, with 163 (83.2%) of the migrant farmworkers located.
- Mortality accounted for 7.6% (15 individuals), and 9.2% (18 individuals) were lost to follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the feasibility of conducting health research with migrant farmworkers due to high follow-up rates.
- Factors contributing to success include community engagement, stable home residences, predictable migration patterns, and established research infrastructure.
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