Migrant Farm Workers' Health Needs and Access to Services. Final Report

摘要

This research investigates changes in health status and health care utilization among Wisconsin's migrant farmworkers, using cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1978 and 1989. Results indicate very little change over the period in perceived health status, specific health complaints, reports of chronic illness, or barriers to care. Farmworkers with the poorest health and the least use of health services continue to be those with the lowest incomes and the most limited English language ability. Dental and eye care remain out of reach of a large proportion of migrant farmworkers. A supplementary analysis of health vouchers provided by Wisconsin's federally-funded migrant health clinic provides information about one alternative means of providing health care for workers who need specialized services or live beyond the reach of the migrant clinics themselves.