Health care characteristics of migrant agricultural workers in three north Florida counties

Abstract

Farm workers, representing 65% of the migrant work force in the St. Johns River basin agricultural area of north Florida, were questioned in 1973–1974 about their own and their families' health status and about their use of professional health care services and facilities. The facilities available for use by this population included 22 physicians in private practice, two hospitals, three public health clinics, and two health clinics operated for migrants. Most contacts made by the migrant farm workers were with the health care professionals in the public facilities, primarily those in the migrant health clinics. The average number of visits made by migrant farm worker heads of households to a physician each year was 3.5 visits. In 1971, the National Health Survey reported an average of 4.9 physician visits for all U.S. citizens. The major factors that affected utilization were the presence of an acute medical condition and the perception of being in poor health. The factors that generally have been thought of as impediments to seeking health care, such as transportation, the presence of children in the household, and a lack of education, were found to be of little import. The acute disease conditions that were most frequently reported by these migrant workers as the reason for their contacts included respiratory illnesses, digestive system problems, injuries, and musculoskeletal problems. The chronic conditions included heart disease and hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, digestive system problems, and genitourinary problems. Little use was made of dental services, except for tooth extractions.