( Hispanic farmworker families in North C...)Poor Housing May lead to Poor Health,Health

Hispanic farmworker families in North Carolina living in inadequate housing are at a higher risk of exposure to toxins, disease and overcrowding// which in turn can affect their psychological well-being.

According to new research by Wake Forest University School of Medicine. the health of farmworker families is at risk due to inadequate housing. Thomas Arcury, Ph.D., lead researcher said "It is important to improve these conditions because of the vital role they play in the state farm economy and therefore, the state economy of North Carolina."

Data for the analysis came from four surveys of North Carolina farmworker communities conducted in 2001 and 2003. The results are reported in the April issue of the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.

"There has been very little research to document the housing in which farmworker families live," said Arcury, professor of family and community medicine. "This study provides the first detailed data and can serve as a starting point in changing policy on migrant worker housing and educating farmworker families how to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor housing quality."

Previous research on housing quality in general has found that it is an important determinant of health. Crowding and inadequate sanitary facilities, for example, can contribute to a higher incidence of infectious diseases. Crowding has also been shown to affect psychological well-being. And structural or electrical problems can result in injuries as well as exposure to toxic substances such as lead and pesticides.

This study focused on describing the specific housing conditions of immigrant farmworker families in North Carolina and identifying housing features that place these families at risk for environmental exposures. It is based on data from 234 households.

The researchers analyzed information from multiple interviews conducted by fluent speakers of Spanish who were special
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Startling Expose – Physicians Often Have No Regular Source Of Health Car
2. Want a Healthy brew? Have some Tea!
3. Healthcare sector is now a multi billion-dollar industry in India
4. Exclusive breast-feeding advised for six months in infants recommends World Health Organization
5. Health at heights
6. Health Officials Recommend Flu Vaccine
7. Slightly High BP Poses Health Risk
8. Unsatisfactory Grade On Womens Health Issues
9. Iodex goes to SmithKline Beecham consumer Healthcare
10. Healthy Medicine Or Harmful Intoxicant?
11. Healthy snacks improve nutrition of kids