S D Ciesielski1, J R Seed, J C Ortiz, J Metts. 1. Department of Parasitology and Laboratory Practice, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The public health significance of intestinal parasitism among migrant farmworkers has been poorly defined. We report a three-part study in which we attempted to provide population-based estimates and identify risk factors for infection. METHODS: Parasite prevalence and incidence were estimated from two cross-sectional studies and a longitudinal study. We used questionnaires and clinical measurements such as hematocrits to examine risk factors and health effects. RESULTS: In the 1987 convenience sample (n = 265), parasite prevalence ranged from 28% among the US born to 86% among the Central American born, with no significant difference between the prevalence of pathogens among US-born (14%) and Mexican-born (24%) subjects (P = .12, chi 2 test). High prevalences were also found in the 1988 random sample. An annual incidence of 9.5% (n = 74) was demonstrated in 1988. Symptoms such as abdominal pain were associated with infection, and lower hematocrits were associated with hookworm infection (P = .02, t test). CONCLUSIONS: Infection with intestinal parasites appears to be an occupational hazard of farmwork, necessitating improved working and living conditions and greater clinical awareness.
OBJECTIVES: The public health significance of intestinal parasitism among migrant farmworkers has been poorly defined. We report a three-part study in which we attempted to provide population-based estimates and identify risk factors for infection. METHODS: Parasite prevalence and incidence were estimated from two cross-sectional studies and a longitudinal study. We used questionnaires and clinical measurements such as hematocrits to examine risk factors and health effects. RESULTS: In the 1987 convenience sample (n = 265), parasite prevalence ranged from 28% among the US born to 86% among the Central American born, with no significant difference between the prevalence of pathogens among US-born (14%) and Mexican-born (24%) subjects (P = .12, chi 2 test). High prevalences were also found in the 1988 random sample. An annual incidence of 9.5% (n = 74) was demonstrated in 1988. Symptoms such as abdominal pain were associated with infection, and lower hematocrits were associated with hookworm infection (P = .02, t test). CONCLUSIONS:Infection with intestinal parasites appears to be an occupational hazard of farmwork, necessitating improved working and living conditions and greater clinical awareness.
Authors: Victor M Cardenas; Kristina D Mena; Melchor Ortiz; Sitrulasi Karri; Easwaran Variyam; Casey Barton Behravesh; Karen F Snowden; Ana Flisser; John R Bristol; Lillian F Mayberry; Ynes R Ortega; Yoshihiro Fukuda; Armando Campos; David Y Graham Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2010 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.792
Authors: Federico Castillo; Ana M Mora; Georgia L Kayser; Jennifer Vanos; Carly Hyland; Audrey R Yang; Brenda Eskenazi Journal: Annu Rev Public Health Date: 2021-01-04 Impact factor: 21.981