Graduation Date

Summer 8-15-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Programs

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research

First Advisor

Athena K. Ramos, PhD

Second Advisor

Sheri Rowland, PhD

Third Advisor

Arthur Andrews, PhD

Fourth Advisor

Tzeyu Michaud, PhD

Abstract

Latino migrant farmworkers are instrumental in the U.S. agricultural industry. Research on the prevalence of chronic conditions, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and healthcare use among Latino migrant farmworkers is limited in the Midwest, specifically among farmworkers on H-2A temporary agricultural visas. Estimating the prevalence of CVD risk and associated risk factors can contribute to improving Latino migrant farmworkers’ health.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Adams and Platte counties, NE, between June and July 2024, to capture health status, health behaviors, healthcare use, and biometrics (e.g., blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, and point-of-care HbA1c and lipids) at health fairs (n = 4). A total of 126 farmworkers agreed to participate in the study. Most were men, with an average age of 33, from Mexico and Guatemala, and had low formal educational attainment and limited English proficiency. Among those 40 years or older (n=29), 41.4% had an immediate and moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 10-year risk. ASCVD lifetime risk was 46.2% for all participants. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes was high among this sample of young male Latino migrant farmworkers in Nebraska. Smoking prevalence was three times higher than the U.S. prevalence, increasing their overall CVD risk. Age and income, as well as smoking, were associated with elevated HbA1c. Approximately 50% of participants had a routine checkup in the past 2 years. Significant predictors of preventive healthcare use included reporting a prior blood pressure and glucose measurement, as well as engaging in physical activity. Identifying risk factors for CVD and chronic conditions among this population can guide risk reduction interventions for Latino migrant farmworkers, focusing on weight loss or fitness and smoking cessation. Future research should focus on understanding health behaviors and healthcare use patterns transnationally (e.g., in home countries and in the U.S.).

Comments

2025 Copyright, the authors

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