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Stress Factors Contributing to Depression Among Latino Migrant Farmworkers in Nebraska

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Abstract

Migrant farmworkers represent a structurally vulnerable population coming to rural communities to work, but often are economically disadvantaged and socially isolated. Based on survey data from 200 migrant farmworkers in rural Nebraska in 2013, this study seeks to identify and categorize major stressors that have contributed to depression among farmworkers. Over 30 % of respondents were identified to have high stress levels as indicated by the Migrant Farmworker Stress Inventory (MFWSI). The MFWSI was categorized into eight domains: economics and logistics; acculturation and social isolation; relationship with partner; health; entertainment; concerns for children; and substance use by others. Nearly half (45.8 %) of respondents were depressed. Correlations between the principal component scores of the eight stressor domains and the cumulative depression score were significant for the domains: (1) economics and logistics and (2) health (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). Findings highlight the importance of improving economic and living conditions as well as addressing social and cultural needs by creating more welcoming receiving communities.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this research study was provided by a pilot grant from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, NIOSH Contract grant number: U54 OH010162. The authors would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions from the Migrant Health Task Force members including: Antonia Correa and Diana Rogel Mendoza from the UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities; Ricardo Ariza from the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Creighton University; Sue Henry, Aida Burgos, G Brabec, and Isaura Barreto from the Nebraska Migrant Health Education Program; Legal Aid of Nebraska; and Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reducing Health Disparities, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984340 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-4340, USA

    Athena K. Ramos & Dejun Su

  2. Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-4395, USA

    Lina Lander

  3. Lincoln, NE, USA

    Roy Rivera

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  1. Athena K. Ramos
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  2. Dejun Su
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  4. Roy Rivera
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Correspondence to Athena K. Ramos.

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Ramos, A.K., Su, D., Lander, L. et al. Stress Factors Contributing to Depression Among Latino Migrant Farmworkers in Nebraska. J Immigrant Minority Health 17, 1627–1634 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0201-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0201-5

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