Stress Factors Contributing to Depression Among Latino Migrant Farmworkers in Nebraska

Athena K. Ramos, Dejun Su, Lina Lander, Roy Rivera

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Migrant farmworkers represent a structurally vulnerable population coming to rural communities to work, but often are economically disadvantaged and socially isolated. Based on survey data from 200 migrant farmworkers in rural Nebraska in 2013, this study seeks to identify and categorize major stressors that have contributed to depression among farmworkers. Over 30 % of respondents were identified to have high stress levels as indicated by the Migrant Farmworker Stress Inventory (MFWSI). The MFWSI was categorized into eight domains: economics and logistics; acculturation and social isolation; relationship with partner; health; entertainment; concerns for children; and substance use by others. Nearly half (45.8 %) of respondents were depressed. Correlations between the principal component scores of the eight stressor domains and the cumulative depression score were significant for the domains: (1) economics and logistics and (2) health (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). Findings highlight the importance of improving economic and living conditions as well as addressing social and cultural needs by creating more welcoming receiving communities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1627-1634
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 4 2015

Keywords

  • Agricultural safety and health
  • Depression
  • Latino migrant farmworkers
  • Mental health
  • Stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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