Medical utilization patterns of migrant farm workers in Wayne County, New York

A representative sample of 218 migrant farm workers was randomly drawn in Wayne County, NY, during the summer of 1982. Three distinct migrant groups were identified: immigrants, recent migrants, and long-term migrants. Medical utilization patterns, including physician visits and use of medical services in the community health center, were compared among the three migrant groups. The determinants of physician visits were examined in a multiple regression model. The focus was also placed on types of health problems for which medical treatment had been delayed, and the reasons for the delay were clearly identified. Furthermore, this study examined migrants' subjective assessment of quality of health care in the community. The results of this study indicate that the provision of comprehensive health programs, removal of structural barriers in the health delivery system, and a program of migrant health education are the necessary steps to alter the medical utilization behavior of migrant farm workers.