McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI, USA.
J Immigr Minor Health. 2010 Oct;12(5):634-9. doi: 10.1007/s10903-009-9252-9.
There are an estimated three million migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) in the United States. In addition to the inherent dangers of farm work, numerous factors place MSFW at even greater risk for work-related injuries. Little is known about how MSFW care for work-related injuries, and how the decision to seek professional care is made. A prospective survey using face-to-face structured interviews was used to explore the type and frequency of occupational injuries as well as self-care and health-care seeking practices of MSFW. Musculoskeletal injuries were the most commonly reported injuries, followed by injuries of the skin and chemical exposure. Self care with over-the-counter remedies was the predominant method of dealing with injuries, and, with the exception of chemical exposure, was found to be for the most part, appropriate. The reported use of alternative medicine or herbal remedies was low. Future research efforts should focus on ergonomic modifications and farmworker education to reduce or prevent musculoskeletal injuries. The number of reported chemical exposures and inappropriate treatment draw attention to the need for continued efforts for both primary prevention of exposure and optimal treatment once exposure occurs.
据估计，美国有 300 万移民和季节性农业工人（MSFW）。除了农业工作固有的危险之外，许多因素使 MSFW 面临更大的工作相关伤害风险。对于 MSFW 如何照顾工作相关伤害，以及如何做出寻求专业护理的决定，人们知之甚少。一项使用面对面结构化访谈的前瞻性调查用于探讨 MSFW 的职业伤害类型和频率以及自我护理和寻求医疗保健的做法。肌肉骨骼损伤是最常见的报告损伤，其次是皮肤损伤和化学暴露。使用非处方药物进行自我护理是处理伤害的主要方法，除了化学暴露外，大多数情况下都是合适的。报告的替代药物或草药的使用很低。未来的研究工作应侧重于人体工程学的改进和对农业工人的教育，以减少或预防肌肉骨骼损伤。报告的化学暴露和不当治疗数量引起了人们对持续努力预防接触和一旦接触发生时进行最佳治疗的关注。
