No abstract

Background: Agricultural workers are disproportionately at risk for heat-related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore how sociocultural and occupational factors, and environmental heat stress influenced fluid intake and hydration status among Latino farmworkers working in eastern North Carolina. Methods: A community-informed, mixed methods research study was conducted in partnership with staff at a federally qualified health center. In summer 2020, we recruited Latino farmworkers at migrant camps. Twenty-eight male, migrant farmworkers participated in focus group discussions and 30 completed surveys and provided urine specimens. Wet bulb globe temperatures were measured in fields where workers labored. Content analysis and parametric analyses were performed. Data integration was completed using a meta-matrix. Results: Prior to work, 46.7% of farmworkers’ urine specific gravity measurements indicated dehydration, which increased to 100% after work. The farmworkers spent between 2 and 7.5 hours of their day working in conditions above the recommended limits for workplace heat exposure. Farmworkers described exposure to extreme heat and inconsistent occupational policy compliance. Farmworkers expressed the opportunity to drink water but accessibility and poor water quality limited hydration. The integrated data supported congruent findings of extreme heat, few work breaks, and substandard housing. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Farmworkers are dehydrated at work, placing them at higher risk for heat-related illness (HRI). By engaging with agricultural stakeholders, occupational health nurses can combine efforts and advocate for effective health and safety work policies to reduce HRIs and deaths among farmworkers. Legislation stipulating cooling and hydration practices would support safer work environments.

No abstract

In the United States, Latino farmworkers are disproportionately at risk for death from heat-related illnesses. To elicit Latino farmworker perceptions on their fluid intake and heat stress, a qualitative descriptive, community-informed research study was conducted in eastern North Carolina. A total of 28 Mexican farmworkers participated in one of 4 focus groups. Using content analysis and guided by Intersectionality theory, themes and subthemes were identified. The first theme was Absence of Protection, represented by 2 subthemes: (1a) Intense Climate Considerations; and (1b) Workplace Exploitation. The second theme, Freedom to Drink, included 2 subthemes: (2a) Distance and Distaste; and (2b) Culture of Farm Work. Farmworkers perceived extreme outdoor temperatures as the greatest workplace barrier to staying hydrated and reported water accessibility and quality issues. Farmworker fluid intake was influenced by interlocking social categories and power systems. Policy recommendations that prevent farmworker heat-related illness and promote hydration are discussed.

No abstract