Janet Reeves SCREENING TO SAVE LIVES University of Alabama Birmingham

Purpose of the Project To create, implement, and evaluate a standardized screening tool for pesticide exposures among migrant farmworkers.

Migrant Farmworker Statistics Estimated 2.5 – 5 million 80% Foreign born 95% Mexican 80% Male, avg. age 31 years > ½ Undocumented 84% Spanish speaking 12% can speak English Median education : 6 yrs 3/4 earn less than $10,000yr 3/ 5 income below poverty level

Health Disparities Morbidity and mortality statistics are sparse Substandard housing, work environment, and poor access to healthcare contribute to health disparities Higher rates of infectious disease, TB, parasites & diarrhea than general population Diabetes, cancer, TB, HIV and depression are some causes of morbidity in this group

Occupational Health Concerns Respiratory Illnesses Skin disease Dehydration Heat Stroke UTI Pesticide poisoning

Pesticide Exposures in Farm Work EPA estimates between 10,000 and 20,000 identified incidents of pesticide illness/year Lack of national reporting system produces wide variation in the estimated incidents Severe under reporting of pesticide related illnesses due to misdiagnosis or patient not treated.

Review of Literature A need for systematic health monitoring used proven measurement methods Examiners rely heavily on self-reported data Lack of effectively functioning tools Provider and farmworker education needed A uniform exposure assessment will improve patient care and research Exposure screening before disease development.

Project Design Low literacy screening questionnaire NCFH, mentor, migrant health center and IRB approval Staff training on project Form will be a part of the initial visit paperwork Cost will be for printing, incentives, and provider time away from current job

Questionnaire Example What kind of work do you do? Are you currently or in the past been exposed to chemicals, dusts, or fumes? Do you know the names of the chemicals used on the crops that you are working in? Does anyone living with you have contact with to chemicals? y/n, dusts y/n, fumes? y/n; Do you get the material on your skin or clothing? Do you use or wear protective equipment such as dust mask, gloves, goggles (safety glasses). Which ones? If you are concerned about re-entry into a field after chemicals have been recently applied who do you talk to about it?

Project Community Located in SC 2 large tomato/melon farms 2 packing houses 9 camps workers 90% Hispanic, 10% Haitian Paid 75 cents/4 gal. bucket

Participants Every patient Initial paper work Translator assistance with form Incentives

Evaluation Plan Daily chart review – Distribution – Completeness Provider survey – Likert scale – Ease of use – Provider satisfaction – Patient care value

Plan for Dissemination NCFH – Will determine next step in standardization process. UAB BJCH

"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.“ Cesar Chavez