Trauma in Hispanic farm workers in Eastern North Carolina: 10-year experience at a level I trauma center

In spite of the attention directed at the problem of occupational injuries within the farm environment and at the general health status of migrant farm workers in the United States, there have been no studies focusing on the risk for traumatic injury in general for this disadvantaged group.

Trauma affecting Eastern North Carolina Hispanic farm workers was quantified and certain risk factors were found.

Through chart review and retrieval of trauma registry information, patient occupational history, injury patterns, treatment variables as well as outcome and hospital charges were determined and compared with data for Hispanic construction workers and other service area males.

Two hundred fifty-six Hispanic farm workers were admitted to the trauma center from July 1992 to June 2002, which is comparable to the risk (0.1%) of being admitted to the trauma center for an age-matched service area male. Only 5% of injuries occurred during farm work, 21% were penetrating injuries, and in 66% of cases (compared to 51% for other age-matched males) alcohol was involved.

Most trauma affecting Hispanic farm workers in Eastern North Carolina is not directly occupational and happens in conjunction with recreational activity, where alcohol is an important risk factor. The human and financial cost resulting from such injuries is of such magnitude that it deserves consideration by everybody who is involved in shaping policies in agriculture, immigration and rural public health.