UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Adie, Tristin
Dept./Program:
Nursing
Year:
2010
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
More than half the milk produced in Vermont comes from farms that employ undocumented workers from Mexico. Vermont is a rural state with a predominately White population. This situation creates unique challenges for migrant workers throughout the state. Accessing health care can be particularly challenging. The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers Mexican farm workers encounter when they are in need of health care in Vennont. The Thinking Upstream model provides a theoretical framework for this study. This model seeks to identify structural factors that impact health, with the aim of changing laws, policies, and societal mores in order to maximize health.
Several studies have examined barriers to health care for undocumented workers from Latin America; however, very few have examined the experiences of this population in a rural area. This study investigates these barriers from the perspective of health care providers who work with migrant farm workers in Vermont. This is a qualitative study, based on interviews with six providers. The barriers to care identified include: fear of deportation, linguistic and cultural differences, transportation, isolation, work conflicts/clinic accessibility, financial resources, and lack of information about health care services. Participants also identified a number of practice measures they employ to minimize these barriers: ensuring safety/confidentiality, utilizing community resources and advocacy groups, recruiting Spanish-speaking providers, visiting farms to better understand patients' living conditions, collaborating with other health care sites, advertising services in Spanish, and educating staff about their rights and responsibilities in treating migrant patients.
This study concludes with a discussion of policy changes that could minimize barriers to care, and identifies areas for further research.
Several studies have examined barriers to health care for undocumented workers from Latin America; however, very few have examined the experiences of this population in a rural area. This study investigates these barriers from the perspective of health care providers who work with migrant farm workers in Vermont. This is a qualitative study, based on interviews with six providers. The barriers to care identified include: fear of deportation, linguistic and cultural differences, transportation, isolation, work conflicts/clinic accessibility, financial resources, and lack of information about health care services. Participants also identified a number of practice measures they employ to minimize these barriers: ensuring safety/confidentiality, utilizing community resources and advocacy groups, recruiting Spanish-speaking providers, visiting farms to better understand patients' living conditions, collaborating with other health care sites, advertising services in Spanish, and educating staff about their rights and responsibilities in treating migrant patients.
This study concludes with a discussion of policy changes that could minimize barriers to care, and identifies areas for further research.