UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Wolcott-MacCausland, Naomi
Dept./Program:
Community Development and Applied Economics
Year:
2014
Degree:
M.S.
Abstract:
Vermont's iconic pastoral landscape is maintained in large part by dairy farms that rely heavily on a Latino/a workforce to milk their cows. There are approximately 1,200 Latinos/as, many assumed to be undocumented, working on the state's geographically isolated farms. There is no visa program for year round agricultural work such as dairy and this international border state is one of the least racially diverse in the nation while, falling, almost entirely under Border Patrol jurisdiction. Previous research has found that Latino/a farmworkers face significant individual and structural health access barriers delaying or forgoing needed medical care. The purpose of this exploratory study was to increase understanding about health access negotiations and decisions among Latino/a dairy workers in this northern border state.
Thirty four farmworkers or spouses of farmworkers participated in the primarily qualitative semi-structured interviews. A quota sample was used to select a representative cross section of the population with respect to state and country of origin, gender, and language spoken in the home. This study utilized a mixed methods analysis that consisted of descriptive, statistical, and inductive thematic analysis. A qualitative data analysis software program was used to create and analyze descriptive, data driven inductive codes placed within overarching themes. Statistical analysis software was used for descriptive statistics and to examine relationships between key quantitative variables generated from the interview transcripts.
Barriers in access to health products for self-care and to health care services were evident among all participants. None of the participants had personal transportation or health insurance. The majority reported no to low English language levels and cited immigration status or fear as well as lack of knowledge among the reasons given for not accessing or delaying care.
The use of over the counter health products (OTC) either obtained in the United States or sent from the participants' country of origin was the main manner of treating reported health issues. Quantitative and qualitative analysis demonstrated unequal opportunities to access self-medication products for those who live closer to the border; a contributing factor in the decision to request health products by mail. Structural and individual barriers have created a context in which there is a high level of dependence on an employer or community member to make decisions about and facilitate access to care. The role of employers and community members as intermediaries mitigates many of the health access barriers while at the same time creates a circumstantial, complex and inconsistent health care access system for the Latino/a dairy worker community.
Thirty four farmworkers or spouses of farmworkers participated in the primarily qualitative semi-structured interviews. A quota sample was used to select a representative cross section of the population with respect to state and country of origin, gender, and language spoken in the home. This study utilized a mixed methods analysis that consisted of descriptive, statistical, and inductive thematic analysis. A qualitative data analysis software program was used to create and analyze descriptive, data driven inductive codes placed within overarching themes. Statistical analysis software was used for descriptive statistics and to examine relationships between key quantitative variables generated from the interview transcripts.
Barriers in access to health products for self-care and to health care services were evident among all participants. None of the participants had personal transportation or health insurance. The majority reported no to low English language levels and cited immigration status or fear as well as lack of knowledge among the reasons given for not accessing or delaying care.
The use of over the counter health products (OTC) either obtained in the United States or sent from the participants' country of origin was the main manner of treating reported health issues. Quantitative and qualitative analysis demonstrated unequal opportunities to access self-medication products for those who live closer to the border; a contributing factor in the decision to request health products by mail. Structural and individual barriers have created a context in which there is a high level of dependence on an employer or community member to make decisions about and facilitate access to care. The role of employers and community members as intermediaries mitigates many of the health access barriers while at the same time creates a circumstantial, complex and inconsistent health care access system for the Latino/a dairy worker community.