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Chronic exposure to an environmental hazard: risk perceptions and self-protective behavior
1School of Social Ecology, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine 92717.
Summary
Farm workers
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Pesticide exposure poses significant health risks to agricultural workers.
- Immigrant farm workers may face unique challenges in risk perception and protective behaviors due to cultural and socioeconomic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine risk perceptions and self-protective behaviors of Mexican immigrant farm workers regarding pesticide exposure.
- To identify factors influencing these responses, considering potential cultural and socioeconomic modifications.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 282 Mexican immigrant farm workers on pesticide exposure.
- Analysis of variables influencing risk perception and self-protective actions.
Main Results:
- Greater risk perception linked to beliefs of past/future harm, ineffectiveness of precautions, and unavoidability of carcinogens.
- Self-protective behavior associated with receiving risk information, perceived control, and belief in precaution effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Risk perception and protective behaviors are influenced by beliefs about harm, control, and precaution efficacy.
- Cultural and socioeconomic factors can modify responses to chronic environmental risks in vulnerable populations.