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High temperatures and air pollution exposure are individually known risks to human health, with amplifying adverse health effects during periods of co-exposure. This study compared co-occurring individual-level exposures to particulate matter (PM5, aerodynamic diameter of ≤5 μm) and heat among women in residential and agricultural settings in Guatemala. We measured personal and ambient exposure to PM5, temperature, and humidity among 21 female sugarcane workers in the fields and on their off days. We measured similar exposures among a group of 30 community members not involved in sugarcane work. We collected 171 personal PM5 measurements across 18 sampling days. The median workday personal PM5 concentration was 271 µg/m3, which was 3.6-fold higher than ambient area levels in the fields. The median personal PM5 concentration was 95.8 µg/m3 for off-work days and 83.5 µg/m3 for community days. The average workday individual-level temperature and humidity were 39.4 °C and 82.4%, respectively, with significantly lower temperatures on off-work and community days. The women workers and community members were exposed to high levels of PM5 and heat in both occupational and residential settings. Research needs to consider individual-level exposures at both work and home to help tailor more effective comprehensive prevention efforts to reduce risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This longitudinal study evaluated renal function and acute kidney injury (AKI) over time in US agriculturalworkers. Methods:We followed Florida agricultural workers from January 2020 to August 2022, collecting blood and urine preworkday and postworkday during five visits. Results: Preworkday estimated glomerular filtration rate function in all participants was lower in summers but relatively consistent over time. In participants who worked almost exclusively in fernery operations (piece-rate compensation), we observed a high incidence of postworkday AKI in 2020 (21%) that increased to 43% by the end of the study. In comparison, 11% of nursery workers (hourly compensation) had AKI, and this rate was fairly stable. Conclusion:AKI risk over time differs according to the type of agricultural work. Piece rate workers who are incentivized to forgo rest breaks and hydration to earn higher wages demonstrate steadily increasing rates of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a detailed analysis of a unique item from the author's family archive: the work diary of his grandfather, Mordechai Livnat (Libman). In this diary, Livnat meticulously recorded, between 1928 and 1931, the details of his work as an agricultural laborer in Herzliya—at the time, a small village in the central part of Eretz Israel (aka pre-State Israel)—primarily during the establishment of the new colony's citrus orchards. The diary documents employment details, employer information, working hours, and wages received. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the information contained in the diary paint a comprehensive picture that allows us to learn about the lives of Jewish agricultural laborers in Eretz Israel at that time. In particular, the hardships faced by these workers stand out, primarily job insecurity, which manifested mainly in their dependence on the weather and the need to work for multiple employers. This article also sheds light on aspects related to agricultural work before the introduction of technological advancements to the agricultural sector, which was mainly manual then, and its impact on the daily routine of the agricultural laborer. The diary is analyzed using an inductive approach—from the text outwards—in a way that emphasizes the complexity and importance of the connections between the macro and micro in historical research. This way, it is demonstrated how items collected during genealogy research can shed important light on historical knowledge, and not just the other way around. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to China's rapid urbanization, many farmers have relocated to urban resettlement regions. There is limited research on the glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) farmers in these areas. This study examined their blood glucose control and its determinants. Methods: This study took place from March 2021 to January 2022 in a resettlement community in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China. In the first phase, a quantitative survey of 181 T2DM farmers was conducted using a questionnaire to gather demographic data, blood glucose control status, disease cognition levels, and treatment compliance. Inclusion criteria were migrant workers with ≥ 3 months of residence and local household registration and T2DM patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese guidelines. In the second phase, qualitative research involved face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 15 patients with varying blood glucose control levels to analyze their experiences. Results: The blood glucose control rate in this particular group was 27.62%, and the average disease cognition score was 2.5 ± 0.75. Many patients (67.96%) had inadequate treatment compliance, specifically in monitoring compliance (4.45 ± 1.92) and regular review compliance (3.58 ± 1.74). Conclusion: There is a need for tailored programs to improve glycemic control among resettled farmers. Enhancing disease awareness and treatment compliance through targeted education and support is crucial. Further studies are needed to evaluate different treatment regimens' impact on glycemic control. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve water access while working and contribute to fewer heat-related illnesses (HRI), backpack hydration systems were provided to over 200 farmworkers to use during the 2022 growing season. Acceptability of the water intake intervention was assessed among farmworkers in eastern North Carolina, USA. With a pre-established community–university partnership, the acceptability of the intervention was assessed using a cross-sectional survey. The backpack brand selected included a 3-liter water bladder and attached drinking hose. Data analysis included descriptive and correlation statistics. Among 47 male, migrant farmworkers, most (90%) reported the hydration backpack to be acceptable or completely acceptable to workplace fluid intake. Most (53%) reported using the backpack some of the time, compared to 28% who used it often. The participants reported an average of 4.8 (SD 2.2) liters of water intake from the backpack on a typical workday. Most reported the backpack improved the quantity and frequency of their water consumption. This study was an important first step in implementation of hydration backpack systems as an HRI-preventative intervention among farmworkers. Future interventional studies could assess the efficacy of the backpacks on health outcomes, including incidence of dehydration and symptoms of HRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of agricultural workers during periods of heat and wildfire smoke exposure and to support the development and implementation of protective workplace interventions. Using community-engaged research and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) framework for policy evaluation, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted with current and former agricultural workers in Central Washington (WA). Twelve participants answered semi-structured questions via interviews or by attending a focus group. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in Spanish, recorded, transcribed, and translated into English; one interview was conducted in English. Using Braun and Clarke's Reflexive Thematic Analysis, five themes were identified among workers from various worksites: 1) Extreme weather and working conditions are becoming increasingly hazardous to worker health, 2) Employers and supervisors lack training and education on current labor laws, and health and safety rules, 3) Employers and supervisors use intimidation and retaliation to ensure productivity and to evoke feelings of replaceability among workers, 4) Workers do not trust regulatory agencies to enforce rules or hold employers accountable, 5) Solutions to climate-driven problems in the agricultural industry need to value worker health and safety, not just productivity. Participants reported experiencing adverse health symptoms related to heat and smoke exposure at work. Workers proposed solutions including improving education, training, and communication, and increased enforcement of existing and forthcoming occupational health and safety rules. The agricultural workforce is essential for ensuring a robust food supply and is facing extreme weather events due to climate change. Western states impacted by wildfires and heat are working to develop and implement occupational health and safety rules. Developing effective policies and interventions inclusive of worker perspectives is critical to adapt to a changing climate, retain a stable workforce and promote optimal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical-legal partnerships (MLPs) attempt to integrate the social determinants of health into health care delivery to eliminate health inequities. Yet, MLPs have not fully adapted to identify and address structural racism, one of the root causes of health inequities. This article provides a health justice perspective on the role of MLPs to challenge legal regimes to address structural racism and reimagine systems rooted in joy, safety, and collective liberation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes how agents such as agricultural migrants, agricultural employers and local community representatives apply the dual frame of reference (DFR) to naturalize, rationalize and justify the presence of exploitative labor practices for agricultural migrants. The paper gives a qualitative account of social dynamics in two agricultural-dependent communities located in Northern California and South-Eastern Norway. Qualitative one-on-one interviews with agricultural migrant workers (n = 11), employers (n = 10) and community representatives (n = 12) were conducted in English and Spanish. Our findings demonstrate how DFR is utilized by employers to justify labor strategies that rely on migrant workers, employees to rationalize their participation in exploitive work, and by local community representatives to naturalize the exploitative labor practices of migrant workers in their community. Our research findings further add to the analysis by suggesting that the frames of reference are dynamic based on changes of material conditions in the home country. Lastly, we find a third frame of reference focused on the future of the agricultural worker and the hopes for future generations. Combined, these perspectives add to the understanding of the disempowerment of workers, lack of successful changes and overall, upkeeping of exploitative migrant labor systems in the agricultural industries and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are indispensable tools in modern agriculture for enhancing crop productivity. However, the inherent toxicity of pesticides raises significant concerns regarding human exposure, particularly among agricultural workers. This study investigated the exposure and associated risks of two commonly used pesticides in open-field pepper cultivation, namely, chlorothalonil and flubendiamide, in the Republic of Korea. We used a comprehensive approach, encompassing dermal and inhalation exposure measurements in agricultural workers during two critical scenarios: mixing/loading and application. Results revealed that during mixing/loading, dermal exposure to chlorothalonil was 3.33 mg (0.0002% of the total active ingredient [a.i.]), while flubendiamide exposure amounted to 0.173 mg (0.0001% of the a.i.). Conversely, dermal exposure increased significantly during application to 648 mg (chlorothalonil) and 93.1 mg (flubendiamide), representing 0.037% and 0.065% of the total a.i., respectively. Inhalation exposure was also evident, with chlorothalonil and flubendiamide exposure levels varying across scenarios. Notably, the risk assessment using the Risk Index (RI) indicated acceptable risk of exposure during mixing/loading but raised concerns during application, where all RIs exceeded 1, signifying potential risk. We suggest implementing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application, such as gowns and lower-body PPE, to mitigate these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act advances important protections for pregnant workers, but leaves behind agricultural workers, who are overrepresented in hazardous occupational environments. This article highlights the connection between workplace pregnancy discrimination and health inequities. It concludes with a discussion of immigrant-led advocacy efforts to eliminate health inequities and advance health justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural workers constitute two-thirds of the population of Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) and are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to high-risk activities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesise the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of musculoskeletal pain amongst agricultural workers to identify priority areas for prevention and development of early interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis included Studies published from the inception of global electronic databases until 30 September 2022 were included. Prevalence estimates for MSDs among agricultural workers aged over 18 years in LMIC were extracted. Narrative synthesis summarized study findings and pooled estimates for 12-month pain prevalence were calculated. 7502 potential studies were identified. 64 studies (68,684 participants from 23 countries) were included in the systematic review; 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Low back pain was the most widely investigated symptom. The 12-month pooled prevalence of low back pain was highest in Africa [61.96% (45.69–76.22)] compared to Asia [54.16% (47.76–60.50)] and South/Central America [28.52%(10.91–50.33)]. Narrative synthesis found associations between MSDs, particular activities including heavy lifting and repetitive movements, and outcomes including reduced productivity. MSDs are common in agriculture workers in LMIC. Global prevalence of low back pain in farmers, particularly in Africa, is greater than in previously reported global prevalence in the general population. This may be attributed to environmental factors and high-risk activities which could be targeted for prevention and early intervention strategies to support individuals, prevent disability, and reduce loss of productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether stress, possibly aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic, is a problem that affects the quality of life of the Spanish rural population. It is a subject that has been little dealt with in Spain, where there is a tendency to associate life in rural areas with peace and quiet, as opposed to presumed stressful living in urban areas. The aim is to study the situation in four rural populations of Galicia and Castilla y León, with special attention to owners and workers of livestock farms, using semi-structured interviews conducted between April and July, 2022. The results show the presence of stress among entrepreneurs and farm workers, mainly related to economic difficulties, as well as a deterioration of their relationship with workers in the service sector. This approach to rural stress concludes by identifying different forms of stress that affect the rural population and disturb the idyllic image of these territories, which has traditionally made these territories attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrants who work seasonally in agriculture face living and working conditions that significantly impact their health. Some of these conditions are related to inadequate food access or food preservation and preparation hygiene. This study aimed to explore how migrant and seasonal agricultural farmworkers access food in Spain from the perspective of professionals supporting this population. We conducted a qualitative study in 2021 based on semistructured interviews with 92 social and health service professionals involved in the care of seasonal migrant workers in 4 Spanish provinces. We identified three themes through reflective thematic analysis: (1) Access to food depends on NGOs and institutions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Relevant cultural differences in diet depending on North African or sub-Saharan origin; (3) Seasonal migrant workers frequently suffer from nutritional and other health problems related to food security. The professionals interviewed described the diet of seasonal migrant workers as based on food with little variety, insufficient protein content, and obesogenic products. They also reported a generalized lack of hygiene in food storage and preparation. This study calls for encouraging dietary support strategies to reduce challenges in food accessibility, which would prevent health problems in this population and bring them social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between heat stress, chronic kidney diseases and acute kidney injury has been documented in cross-sectional studies with agricultural workers. However, only a few international studies have assessed renal function in agricultural workers longitudinally. Our research study, Occupational Heat Exposure and Renal Dysfunction (OHEaRD) is the first longitudinal study in the U.S. that monitored renal function in agricultural workers five times over the course of 32-months. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the rate of retention and identify predictors associated with retention in a longitudinal study with agricultural workers. In January 2020, we enrolled 119 Florida agricultural workers to observe on 5 workdays over 32 months. Retention was defined by the number of follow-up visits that a participant attended, the consistency of visit attendance, and attendance at the last visit. Participants were provided hemoglobin A1C, lipid panel, creatinine measurement, glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood pressure, and body mass index results and an incentive gift card were handed out to participants at each visit. Four enrollees did not participate on any workday, thus analysis concentrated on the remaining 115 participants. The majority of participants (64%) completed the 32-month study, 78% completed at least 4 visits, and 55% completed all 5 visits. The statistically significant predictors of higher retention among this study were being older in age (p=0.02), Mexican nationality (p=0.004), working in ferneries (p=0.009), more years working in agriculture (p=0.02), and higher total cholesterol (p=0.02). Appreciation for the health tests was associated with greater participation at the final visit (p=0.01). Retention in longitudinal studies is crucial to better understand kidney disease among agricultural workers, an understudied population. Participants reported valuing the access to health results, indicating that implementing point-of-care health screenings and providing the health results to each participant is a good retention strategy. There was some evidence that a participant living with or being related to a fellow co-participant could impact retention as they either showed up or missed visits together, suggesting recruiting from the same household may reduce retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic presents global health, welfare, and economic concerns. The agricultural workforce has experienced adverse effects, placing the U.S. food supply at risk. Agricultural workers temporarily travel to the United States on H-2A visas to supplement the agricultural workforce. Approximately 300,000 agricultural workers enter the United States with H-2A visas each year; over 90.0% are from Mexico. During February–May 2021, a COVID-19 testing pilot was performed with Clínica Médica Internacional (CMI), a clinic that performs medical examinations for US-bound immigrants, to determine the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of H-2A agricultural workers in Mexico before entry to the US. The CerTest VIASURE Real Time PCR Detection Kit was used. Participants' demographic information, test results, and testing turnaround times were collected. Workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 completed isolation before US entry. During the pilot, 1195 H-2A workers were tested; 15 (1.3%) tested positive. Average reporting time was 31 h after specimen collection. This pilot demonstrated there is interest from H-2A employers and agents in testing the H-2A community before US entry. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 can yield public health benefit, is feasible, and does not delay entry of temporary agricultural workers to the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to explore if internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasound studies on agricultural workers in a field-based research setting could assess volume status during a hydration intervention. Methods: We performed pre- and post-work shift IJV ultrasound images on 30 agricultural workers. The IJV collapsibility index values were <39% (euvolemic) or =39% (hypovolemic). Results: Of the water group, 13% (2/15) had an IJV collapsibility index =39%, and this increased to 19% (3/16) by the end of the work shifts. The electrolyte group did not have any workers start the work shift with an IJV collapsibility index =39%; however, at the postshift assessment, 15% (2/13) were hypovolemic. Conclusion: Internal jugular vein ultrasounds may have the potential to be a useful tool to determine volume status in field-based research settings. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine fetal growth outcomes from agricultural worker households. Methods: Using Arizona 2006 to 2013 birth certificates with parental occupation, we identified N = 623,185 live births by agricultural household status. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for macrosomia (>4000 g), postterm birth (>41 weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 weeks), large for GA, small for GA, and 5-minute APGAR (<7). Results: Newborns of agricultural households (n = 6371) had a higher risk of macrosomia (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.26), large for GA (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22), postterm birth (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.33), and low 5-minute APGAR (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.81), whereas low birth weight (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96) and preterm birth (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92) were inversely related. Conclusions: Having an agriculture working parent increased the likelihood of fetal overgrowth and low APGAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrant farmworkers are a ubiquitous but invisibilised, expropriated and exploited component of the global agricultural economy. Their conditions took centre‐stage during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Fear of production disruption in the migrant labour‐intensive sectors led to foreign workers being deemed 'essential' in many countries, and exceptional procedures and regulations were instituted that further increased their exploitation, illnesses and deaths. However, the pandemic has not merely exposed the long‐established structures of racialised exploitation and expropriation in the domain of farm work. Although it exacerbated the precariousness of the living and working conditions defining the reality of migrant farm workers, there is evidence that the pandemic also strengthened farmworkers' individual and collective consciousness, along with forms of organisation and resistance. The symposium 'Migrant Farmworkers: Resisting and Organizing before, during and after COVID‐19' explores two dimensions reflected in migrant farmworkers' realities during the pandemic. First, the contributions look at the general conditions defining power structures and material outcomes within the political economy of agriculture before and during the pandemic. Second, they explore the conditions under which resistance and solidarity emerged to question established structures of exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, pesticides are used to preserve plants, but they might be dangerous for farmers and the environment. The present study aimed to use the comet assay and the micronucleus (MN) test to assess the genotoxic effects on lymphocytes and buccal exfoliation in pesticide-exposed male agricultural workers. The samples were collected from 102 workers having exposure to pesticides (Roundup SL, Weed waster, and paraquat 20% SL) and 100 control individuals (without pesticide exposure) from different Mosul, Iraq, neighbourhoods. With the help of the comet assay and the MN test, exfoliated buccal cells from the individuals were analyzed for DNA damage. Each individual's lymphocytes and epithelial baseline cells had their comet tail length assessed, along with any other nuclear abnormalities such as nuclear buds, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, and binucleate cells. The results showed that the frequency of MN considerably rose in the exposed group, and that group also revealed nuclear anomalies linked to cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. There were significant disparities in the amount of DNA damage between recently exposed employees and controls and recently exposed and followed-up cases. In comparison to controls, there was a considerable increase in the and frequency of cells that migrated in exposed workers. However, it was shown that confounding factors, such as age and the varying length of pesticide exposure, substantially impacted DNA damage. Educational programs for agricultural workers are critical to limit the use of chemicals in agriculture, given the evidence of a genetic risk associated with exposure brought on by the extensive use of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change crisis, the risk of occupational heat stress for agricultural workers has recently increased. The temporal and spatial biometeorological conditions in different climatic regions of Slovenia during summer were analyzed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), and additionally the water loss index (SW) and the accepted level of physical activity (MHR). Term values of air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed at 10 m and cloud cover at 14:00 CEST were used as input for the BioKlima 2.6 software package and were retrieved from the Slovenian Environment Agency for the summer months in the period 2000–2021. The rise in the average UTCI values was shown to be positive and statistically significant for summer (0.7 °C/decade) as well as for all three months, the highest being for June (0.9 °C/decade). The percentage of summer days during 2000–2021 that were under strong or very strong heat stress varied widely by location, ranging from one-third to more than one-half. Average monthly UTCI values at 14:00 CEST were the highest in July, reaching 30 °C in a submediterranean climate, Črnomelj is the only station with this average higher than 32 °C. Daily highest UTCI value was 47 °C (Črnomelj). It was shown that conditions in the middle of a hot summer day are not suitable for moderate or severe agricultural workloads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seasonal agricultural workers working and living in inappropriate sanitary conditions are at great risk for public health. This study aimed to determine the relationships between the sociodemographic variables and life satisfaction of seasonal agricultural workers, and their knowledge, risk perception, and protective behaviors about the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, that included agricultural workers who are 18 years of age or older and worked seasonally in Yozgat, Turkey, during the period between August 2020 and October 2020. The well-being level was measured using the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult form (PWIA). The data were collected using the face-to-face survey method and with 739 workers who voluntarily participated in the research. Results: All participants disclosed having insufficient information about Covid-19 and indicated their peers and television as their sources of information. The vast majority of the workers stated that they complied with the mask mandates, social distancing, and hand hygiene. No correlations were found between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about Covid-19 and the level of wellbeing. The mean PWIA score of the workers was low (53.7) while they were mostly satisfied with their personal relationships (96.6) and health (76.1). The multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that being male (β = 0.245) and not having an ongoing health issue (β = 0.689) were associated with more PWIA; on the other hand, having more children (β = -0.52) was related to less PWIA. Conclusions: The well-being level of seasonal workers was lower while it was not associated with knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health issue of concern in South Africa. Workers in the agricultural sector are generally at increased risk of TB due to multiple interacting factors such as exposure to silica dust, co-worker infection, and occupations falling within the lower socio-economic sectors. This study investigates factors associated with TB screening uptake for agricultural workers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. This cross-sectional study targeted a study population of 16,787 agricultural workers across 96 agricultural worksites in South Africa. A two-stage cluster random sampling design identified 24 agricultural worksites and a potential 2500 participants. The outcome variable was self-reported TB screening. Descriptive statistics and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with TB screening. A literature review informed the selection of covariates as possible confounders. The final study sample comprised 2144 workers across 24 sites, with 55% being women. TB screening uptake was 1155 (56.3%). Factors such as living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (AOR 3.16, 95% CI: 2.44–4.09), accessing health services in the workplace (AOR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.09–3.46), and having prior TB knowledge (AOR 18.45, 95% CI: 9.8–34.74) were positively associated with TB screening. Participants in the age group 36–49 years had significantly higher odds of self-reporting TB screening, compared with those aged 18–25 years (AOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07–1.77). Migrant workers from Mozambique (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34–0.79) and Zimbabwe (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.89) were significantly less likely to self-report TB screening compared to their South African counterparts. The findings underscore the importance of workplace health services in achieving end-TB targets. We recommend programs and interventions for preventing TB in South Africa that target the agricultural sector in general, and in particular migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a substantial burden of occupational health effects from heat exposure. We sought to assess the accuracy of estimated core body temperature (CBTest) derived from an algorithm that uses sequential heart rate and initializing CBT,1 compared with gastrointestinal temperature measured using more invasive ingestible sensors (CBTgi), among outdoor agricultural workers. We analyzed CBTest and CBTgi data from Washington State, USA, pear and apple harvesters collected across one work shift in 2015 (13,413 observations, 35 participants) using Bland Altman methods. The mean (standard deviation, range) CBTgi was 37.7 (0.4, 36.5–39.4)°C. Overall CBT bias (limits of agreement) was −0.14 (±0.76)°C. Biases ranged from −0.006 to −0.75 °C. The algorithm, which does not require the use of ingestible sensors, may be a practical tool in research among groups of workers for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to prevent adverse occupational heat health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the health status of Hispanic agricultural workers in Florida and Georgia. Health data from agricultural workers in the Farm Worker Family Health Program (June 2019) and research studies in Florida (May 2015 and May 2019) were examined. Data from 728 agricultural workers were collected through sociodemographic questionnaire and clinical data. In the Florida sample, 83% were overweight or obese, 70% elevated blood pressure, 60% met the definition of prediabetes. In Georgia, 64% were overweight or obese and 67% had elevated blood pressure. Weak correlations were observed between BMI and systolic blood pressure (unadjusted r = 0.20), diastolic blood pressure (unadjusted r = 0.19), and glucose (unadjusted r = 0.14). Adjusting for age and gender did not show statistically significant correlation between BMI and systolic and diastolic blood pressure or glucose. While BMI has been shown to be strongly associated with high blood pressure and impaired glucose, we found a weak correlation among agricultural workers. Given the common and high use of pesticides and elevated rates of hypertension, impaired glucose, and adiposity in agricultural workers, the public health impact of this relationship may require and lead to occupational reform that protects the health of agricultural workers. Future studies should assess occupational and environmental factors and lifestyle differences between agricultural workers and the general population to better understand these discrepancies in health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a limited understanding of how toxic exposures to agrichemicals vary relative to international migration over the life course. A life history calendar (LHC) was piloted to explore sequences of agrichemical exposure relative to international migration. LHCs were administered to 41 foreign born individuals from Mexico and Central America who had agricultural work experience during their lifetime and who were living in South Florida. Social sequence analysis was used to explore occupation-by-agrichemical events relative to migration. A three-cluster solution was used to classify low, moderate, and high lifetime exposure sequences. The odds of any perceived effects of agrichemicals on the body increased with time prior to migration in the moderate and high exposure sequence clusters and continued to increase 20% with each year following migration in the moderate exposure cluster. Workers with high lifetime agrichemical exposures prior to migrating internationally showed lower likelihoods of a perceived effect on the body following migration despite continued exposure. Further research on instrument validity is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Farmworkers are at risk of heat-related illness (HRI). We sought to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of farmworker Spanish/English participatory heat education and a supervisor decision-support mobile application (HEAT intervention) on physiological heat strain; and 2) describe factors associated with HRI symptoms reporting.Methods: We conducted a parallel, comparison group intervention study from May-September of 2019 in Central/Eastern Washington State, USA. We used convenience sampling to recruit adult outdoor farmworkers and allocated participating crews to intervention (n = 37 participants) and alternative-training comparison (n = 38 participants) groups. We measured heat strain monthly using heart rate and estimated core body temperature to compute the maximum work-shift physiological strain index (PSImax) and assessed self-reported HRI symptoms using a weekly survey. Multivariable linear mixed effects models were used to assess associations of the HEAT intervention with PSImax, and bivariate mixed models were used to describe factors associated with HRI symptoms reported (0, 1, 2+ symptoms), with random effects for workers.Results: We observed larger decreases in PSImax in the intervention versus comparison group for higher work exertion levels (categorized as low, low/medium-low, and high effort), after adjustment for maximum work-shift ambient Heat Index (HImax), but this was not statistically significant (interaction - 0.91 for high versus low/medium-low effort, t = - 1.60, p = 0.11). We observed a higher PSImax with high versus low/medium-low effort (main effect 1.96, t = 3.81, p < 0.001) and a lower PSImax with older age (- 0.03, t = - 2.95, p = 0.004), after covariate adjustment. There was no clear relationship between PSImax and the number of HRI symptoms reported. Reporting more symptoms was associated with older age, higher HImax, 10+ years agricultural work, not being an H-2A guest worker, and walking > 3 min to get to the toilet at work.Conclusions: Effort level should be addressed in heat management plans, for example through work/rest cycles, rotation, and pacing, in addition to education and other factors that influence heat stress. Both symptoms and indicators of physiological heat strain should be monitored, if possible, during periods of high heat stress to increase the sensitivity of early HRI detection and prevention. Structural barriers to HRI prevention must also be addressed.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT04234802 , date first posted 21/01/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at agricultural workers' knowledge, behaviour, and risk perception for reducing the risk of pesticide exposure. Method: All studies published in the English language between the years 2000 and 2020 were screened on relevant databases. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Randomised controlled studies (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS criteria were included. In line with the PRISMA flow diagram, 38 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. A random-effects model was applied and Hedge's g was used to calculate effect size. Findings: Five of the included studies are RCTs, two are cluster RCTs, 17 are quasi-experimental studies with experimental and control groups, and 14 have single-group pretest–posttest study designs. Educational interventions had a large effect on knowledge level (Hedge's g = 0.890), a medium effect on behaviour level (Hedge's g = 0.707), and a small effect on risk perception (Hedge's g = 0.377). No publication bias was detected. The largest effect of educational interventions on both knowledge and behaviour levels belonged to studies grounded on a theoretical basis and carried out between the years 2011 and 2020. Conclusion: It was determined that educational interventions are an appropriate method for reducing the pesticide exposure risks of agricultural workers. To increase the effectiveness of these interventions, it is recommended that consideration is given to a theoretical basis, the use of multiple education components, and evidence-based practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been well described in farmworkers in Latin America. Agricultural workers in the United States (US) are exposed to similar hot and humid working conditions, but CKDu in the US is under-described. This review aims to better understand the current literature describing the connection between heat stress and kidney function in farmworkers in the United States. Utilizing a scoping review methodology, we searched CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to better understand the current state of the heat stress and kidney function research in farmworkers within the United States. In this review, 229 pieces of literature were screened. Ultimately, 4 articles were chosen to be included in the scoping review. Common themes within the articles were variations in study protocol lengths and type of heat stress measurement. Additionally, the majority of the work completed was quantitative to date, with only one study providing a critical social lens for analysis of CKDu in the United States. We found evidence that more work is needed within the US to understand the relationship between working in the heat and kidney function in agricultural and other workers who experience high heat conditions at work and are susceptible to the deleterious effects of working in said conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to design a model to reduce agricultural work injury among orchardists in Ilam Province, Iran. This was a qualitative research study that used grounded theory to analyze data. The study included 25 specialists, managers, and experts of horticulture in Ilam Province who were selected through purposive sampling. Field observations and interviews in the form of focus groups were used for collecting data. The results were extracted from the research data through the coding process (open, axial, and selective) in the form of concepts, subcategories, and categories using MAXqda12. The paradigm model included causal, contextual and intervening conditions, strategy, and consequences. The results indicated that several causal conditions can affect work injury in agriculture. These were identified as vulnerability level, personal characteristics of orchardists, subsistence level, general health, climatic conditions, and academic qualifications. Contextual conditions also included categories like trends, occupational safety and health principles, infrastructure, government support, and government incentives. Meanwhile, intervening conditions were identified as structural, educational-research factors, economic criteria, regulation and development of marketing horticultural and greenhouse products, type of exploitation system, and orchardists' motivation. Finally, reducing agricultural work injuries among orchardists involved the multi-faceted identification of various aspects of production and education, along with technical, operational, executive, and supervisory management strategies. Reducing the number of agricultural work injuries among orchardists would lead to regional, economic, individual, and social benefits. The results helped researchers to identify what areas to address and mitigate safety issues of horticultural activities in Ilam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural workers, designated as "essential" at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, work in harsh labor conditions, and now have the added challenge of continuing to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess agricultural workers' COVID-19 related history, employer-based safety measures, individual preventive practices, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake. A questionnaire study was conducted among agricultural workers in Central Florida about COVID-19 during the month of June 2020 and again in July 2021. Among 92 agricultural workers in June 2020, 47% were obese; 11% had had a COVID-19 nasal test; 87% were able to social distance at work and 34% reported employer provided face masks; 15% reported not willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine and 25% were unsure. 40% could self-isolate if they contracted COVID-19. In a follow-up visit in July 2021, 53% of participants reported receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to existing health risk factors and lack of essential protective resources. Occupational health protections social safety net programs are urgently needed to prevent infections in vulnerable workers, and reduce community spread, and increase COVID-19 vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Farmworkers are at risk of excess exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during their work activities, especially if they work in geographical areas with high ambient solar UVR levels such as in South Africa. Excess exposure to solar UVR may lead to several negative health effects such as certain cataracts and skin cancer. This study evaluated personal solar UVR exposure of a group of farmworkers to determine if they were at risk of health-related problems due to excess solar UVR exposure. Methods Polysulphone film (PSF) badges were placed on the shoulder, arm, and top of the head of outdoor and indoor farmworkers on a macadamia nut and avocado farm in the Limpopo province for the duration of their daily work shift to evaluate their total daily solar UVR exposure. Sixteen days were assessed for each of the three, high solar UVR seasons, i.e. autumn, spring, and summer. Results During autumn, farmworkers' arms received the highest solar UVR exposures (geometric mean (GM) = 7.8 SED, where 1 standard erythemal dose (SED) = 100 J/m2, 95% CI 6.1–9.8 SED) while the highest exposures were on the top of the head during spring (GM = 11.6 SED, 95% CI 7.3–17.4 SED) and summer (GM = 13.9, 95% CI 10.4–17.9 SED). Statistically significant differences in solar UVR exposure were found between the body sites during spring and summer but not autumn. Conclusions The relatively high daily solar UVR exposure levels of farmworkers suggest this occupational group is at risk of excess solar UVR exposure and preventive measures with awareness information to safeguard health is necessary for employers and employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ireland, farmers have been identified as a high-risk population, with higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality, compared with the general population. Farming has always been considered a physically active lifestyle. However, in recent times, with the increased use of technology and machinery, farmers may not be completing as much physical activity as before. There is a lack of research on physical activity patterns, fitness, and perception about exercise among farmers. Physical activity patterns were assessed using ActivPAL₃ micro monitors for a duration of 7 consecutive days. Aerobic capacity was measured using a validated sub-maximal exercise test to calculate Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) levels. The Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) questionnaire was used to explore perceived benefits and barriers towards exercise. Farmers completed a mean (standard deviation) of 16,452 (5,170) steps and 124 (43) minutes of moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) daily. The volume of weekly MVPA was largely accumulated in bouts lasting <10 minutes, with only 17.89% completing bouts of ≥10 minutes. Daily sitting time was 8.26 hours. Farmers are fit, have positive perceptions about exercise, and complete large quantities of physical activity, but not in a CVD protective pattern. CVD risk can be reduced in this population by encouraging them to sit less and engage in MVPA in bouts of ≥10 minutes, in line with current guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concerns about automation of work raise the question what the demographic components are that promote the spread of technology. What is the relationship between the presence of immigrants and automation? This paper is divided into two parts: an empirical investigation and a historical case study. Empirically, we use data from the International Federation of Robotics and the American Community Survey to show that US counties that have a higher share of foreign-born population, especially from Latin American countries (low-skilled), but also from China and India (high-skilled), exhibit less robot exposure, which confirms the intuition that regions with more low-skilled and high-skilled immigrant workers with low wages and low organizational clout provide employers with alternatives to robots. The case study of the Florida sugarcane producers shows that the availability of low-skilled foreign workers can diminish incentives to mechanize production unless protests/ lawsuits make them more expensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peroneal nerve can be injured due to direct trauma or non-traumatic causes, with the injury mostly occurring between the fibular head and neck and mostly unilateral. This injury mostly results from prolonged squatting, cross-legged sitting or sitting with one foot tucked under the other leg. In this report, we present three agricultural workers with a history of prolonged squatting who developed bilateral foot drop due to bilateral peroneal nerve injury, two of whom recovered almost completely after physical therapy, and one remained disabled. Agricultural workers should be advised to avoid prolonged squatting for more than 2 h, to extend the knee and to strengthen the muscles around the knee in order to prevent neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, there is increasing recognition that agricultural workers are at risk for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKD u). Recurrent heat exposure, physical exertion, dehydration, muscle damage, and inflammation are hypothesized to contribute to the development of CKD u, but the relative importance of these processes and the interactions among them remain unclear. Moreover, there is a need to identify biomarkers that could distinguish individuals who are at greatest risk for kidney damage to target preventative interventions for CKD u. In this study, we evaluated dehydration and markers of inflammation, muscle damage, and renal function in agricultural workers at a non-workday baseline assessment. Urine specific gravity and kidney function were measured before and after work shifts on three subsequent days, and heat index, core body temperature, and heart rate were monitored during the work shifts. A combination of direct comparisons and machine learning algorithms revealed that reduced levels of uromodulin and sodium in urine and increased levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein in serum were indicative of dehydration at baseline, and that dehydration, high body mass index, reduced urine uromodulin, and increased serum interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein at baseline were predictive of acute kidney injury on subsequent workdays. Our findings suggest a method for identifying agricultural workers at greatest risk for kidney injury and reveal potential mechanisms responsible for this process, including pathways overlapping in dehydration and kidney injury. These results will guide future studies confirming these mechanisms and introducing interventions to protect kidney health in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dyslipidemia is an emerging metabolic disorder among pesticide-exposed agricultural workers, and this study was aimed to explore biomarkers of hypertriglyceridaemia susceptibility. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 72 pesticide-exposed subjects and 78 non-exposed controls. Lipid profile, cholinesterase activity, and thyroid hormones were analysed with routine assays. Six loci, including rs11206244 and rs2235544 for deiodinase 1, rs12885300 and rs225014 for deiodinase 2, rs1803274 for butyrylcholinesterase, and rs3757869 for acetylcholinesterase were genotyped using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction technique. Results: Pesticide-exposed subjects showed higher levels of triglyceride than controls (p=0.009), although there were comparable cholinesterase activity and genotype frequencies of all six loci between pesticide-exposed subjects and controls. Pesticide-exposed subjects with homozygous genotype of cholinesterase had increased triglyceride levels than controls (p<0.05). The percentage of hypertriglyceridaemia was 28.6% and 8.8% for pesticide-exposed subjects and controls with homozygous butyrylcholinesterase genotype (p=0.007) and 20.8% and 14.3% with homozygous acetylcholinesterase genotype (p=0.792), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that odds ratio of hypertriglyceridaemia is 21.92 and 4.56 for pesticide-exposed subjects with homozygous genotype of butyrylcholinesterase (p=0.001) and acetylcholinesterase (p=0.036), respectively. Conclusions: Cholinesterase homozygous genotype might be a potential susceptible biomarker in screening pesticide-exposed agricultural workers vulnerable to hypertriglyceridaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the contradictions of the failed masculine stature of South Asian male migrants in Greece. Transnational migration provides low-class rural Indian and Pakistani men an opportunity to socially re-inscribe their adult breadwinner stature. It discusses relational hierarchies of masculinities that shape these men's encounters with Greek employers, compatriots in Greece, and transnationally located families. Discriminatory state migration and labor regimes intersect with discourses of racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia to reinforce these racialized men's sense of failed masculinity. Relative powerlessness to a range of local and co-ethnic men further emasculates them. Consequently, they adopt a series of compensatory strategies that include self-valorizing their masculinity relationally vis-à-vis co-ethnic males and Greek male workers. Strategically repositioning self as indispensable to the Greek nation and accentuating personal sacrifice for families notionally transforms them into mythic heroes. Notwithstanding, precarious migrant status in Greece renders hegemonic masculine stature elusive to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to determine the prevalence of decreased kidney function in a potential chronic kidney disease (KD) of unknown aetiology hotspot in Mexico, assess its distribution across occupations and examine the associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study collected sociodemographic, occupational, medical and biometric data from 616 men and women aged 20–60 years who were residents of three communities within the Tierra Blanca region in Mexico. Kidney function was assessed by standardized serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and semi-quantitative albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). To examine the distribution of decreased kidney function within the population, age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of low eGFR (≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was estimated for all participants and across occupations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of occupation with having low eGFR. Results Of the 579 participants analysed (37 excluded due to missing data), the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of low eGFR was 3.5%. Agriculture was the occupation associated with the highest adjusted prevalence of low eGFR (8.8%), with 1 in every 11 agricultural workers having low eGFR. Working in agriculture was independently associated with more than a 5-fold risk of having low eGFR [odds ratio 5.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1–24.3), P = 0.032], after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, ACR and family history of KD. Additionally, a quarter of the population (25%) had either low eGFR or an ACR >30 mg/g, mostly due to albuminuria. Conclusions Our work suggests that there is a high prevalence of decreased kidney function in Tierra Blanca, particularly amongst agricultural workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This paper examines health profiles and work environments of hired U.S. farmworkers to understand the risk to essential workers and their employers, to the food supply, and to rural health systems such as what is possible with the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Large-sample statistical methods and proprietary data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey from 2000 to 2018 were used to assess factors associated with exposure to COVID-19 and vulnerabilities associated with medical complications. Results An aging workforce and increased access to health care within the crop worker population has been associated with a higher reported incidence of diabetes, asthma, and heart disease among workers over time. These trends confirm a vulnerable, but essential, workforce with higher risks for COVID-19 complications than would have been true of U.S. farmworkers as a group in earlier years. Conclusions Increasing age and disease burden in the U.S. agricultural labor force puts workers at increased risk for developing COVID-19 complications. Limits to field sanitation and housing quality inflate the probability of the development of COVID-19 hotbeds in rural communities that could further compromise the physical health of workers, the economic health of farm establishments, the agricultural supply-chain, and rural health capacities. Additional and more targeted worker protections may minimize public health and economic costs in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational and environmental exposures in the agricultural industry have been associated with several illnesses and poor health outcomes. Information regarding the characteristics and health status of the labor force working in the agricultural sector in Puerto Rico is limited. The overall objective of this study was to increase the available information on agricultural workers health and needs by ascertaining the potential differences in characteristics and health status of farmworkers when compared to the general population in rural Puerto Rico This cross-sectional study used the collection and analysis of medical records of agricultural workers and non-agricultural workers in Hospital General Castañer, located in Lares, Puerto Rico. The research period was five years, from 2012 to 2016. This research described agricultural workers' demographic and socioeconomic profile and evaluated relationships between one or more demographic variables and farmer's health. Agricultural workers presented alower prevalence of hypertensive disease (69.4%) and ahigher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease (3.4%) when compared to non-agricultural workers. In other words, agricultural workers were 21% less likely to have hypertensive disease as compared to non-agricultural workers. Results for agricultural workers showed that 4.0% of the workers were diagnosed with arthritis, and 48.8% had suffered at least one type of dorsopathy. The results from this research provide useful information for developing an appropriate framework to address Puerto Rican agricultural worker's health while promoting the agricultural industry development on the island. Finally, this study provided insight into the prevalence and demographic characteristics of agriculture workers in acentral region of Puerto Rico. Further efforts are needed to better define the agricultural workers and farming communities in Puerto Rico that may be exposed to related hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health crisis has highlighted the struggle of female agricultural workers, who are often invisible and absent from public debate and policies. It is during times of crisis that the role of these forgotten actors becomes visible, but without reconsidering their socio-economic conditions. Farm workers are essential and responsible for our food supply. This paper aims to analyze the impact of COVID 19 on the socio-economic situation of female agricultural workers in the plains of Saiss and Gharb and the adaptation strategies mobilized by them to face the challenges they face in such context. The covid 19 pandemic has many impacts on the daily lives of female agricultural workers and their families. Nevertheless, the vast majority of women continue to work in an environment of risk and uncertainty. The reduction in job opportunities, the constant risk of contamination, the stigmatization, and the difficulties of providing income to the families have generated economic and psychological problems. Agricultural work remains the only source of income in the absence of other alternatives. Despite their precarious situation, female workers mobilize various forms of adaptation to ensure their survival and that of their families. Highlighting these capacities for adaptation and resilience makes it possible to rethink the role, rights and working conditions of this category that has been forgotten by development and public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larger studies are needed to further quantify the beneficial effects of isotonic liquids on preventing AKI. Guidelines are needed for clinicians to provide information to counsel at risk patients on the consumption of electrolyte fluids. Heat protections standards for workers should include guidelines on optimum electrolyte fluid hydration. Objective: To estimate the impact of hydration interventions on postworkday hydration status and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: Thirty agricultural workers were first monitored on a workday without any interventions. On the intervention workday, the same workers were randomized to one of two groups: 169 ounces (oz) (5 L) of plain water (n  = 16) or 169 oz (5L) of water with electrolytes (n  = 14). Results: No participants in the electrolyte group had an estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the end of the workday of less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or met the criteria for AKI in comparison to the water group (eGFR < 90: 15%; AKI: 23%) or the control group (eGFR < 90: 28%; AKI: 18%). Conclusion: The study showed that drinking water with electrolytes may lower the risk for development of AKI among agricultural workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent epidemiological studies on workers describe that exposure to pesticides can induce oxidative stress by increased production of free radicals that can accumulate in the cell and damage biological macromolecules, for example, RNA, DNA, DNA repair proteins and other proteins and/or modify antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as detoxification and scavenger enzymes. This study aimed to assess oxidative stress and DNA damage among workers exposed to pesticides. Methods: For this purpose, 52 pesticide exposed workers and 52 organic farmers were enrolled. They were assessed: the pesticide exposure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (TG), oxidized glutathione levels (GSSG), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), levels. Results: Correlation between pesticide exposure was positively associated with high TBARS and 8-oxodG levels (p < 0.001). A negative association was founded with TG and GSSG and pesticide exposure. Conclusions: The present investigation results seem to indicate a mild augment in oxidative stress associated with pesticide exposure, followed by an adaptive response to increase the antioxidant defenses to prevent sustained oxidative adverse effects stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A characterization is presented for the sugar agroindustrial zones as regions multi-ethnic groups due to the large indigenous component of the sugarcane harvesting groups from the interior of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The study focuses on two transboundary areas: Rio Hondo (Mexico-Belize) and Soconusco (Mexico-Guatemala), within a broad context of labor mobility and cultural diversity. The results are based on systematic field work over several cycles of harvest to the present, and comparative references of the rest of the country collected with qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings highlight the heterogeneous work profile and a great migratory experience of such a population and aim to rethink the logic of the temporary agricultural work in the Mexico-Central Caribbean connections; as well as the potential of the cultural and economic bonus of indigenous labor in the national harvest, between South-South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle feedyards are animal feeding operations where beef cattle are finished to market weight on grain. Cattle feeding can be dirty, demanding, and dangerous work. This study sought to assess the predictors of fatigue and the need for recovery among Latino/a immigrant cattle feedyard workers in the United States. A path model was examined to explore direct and indirect relations among physical fatigue, mental fatigue, need for recovery, job characteristics, and health and sociodemographic covariates. Lower self-reported health, experiencing physical pain, not handling animals, and decreased decision latitude were directly related to increased physical fatigue. Shorter tenure working on cattle feedyards, lower educational level, experiencing physical pain, and increased job demands were directly related to heightened mental fatigue. Being female, experiencing physical pain, an elevated average of hours worked per day, increased job demands, and less decision latitude were directly related to an increased need for recovery and indirectly related to both physical and mental fatigue. Physical and mental fatigue have specific correlates, but job characteristics, including job demands and decision latitude, can directly and indirectly impact workers' levels of physical and mental fatigue and their need for recovery. Both preventive measures and restructuring work operations may reduce the risk for fatigue and the need for recovery. Implications for cattle feedyard workers, supervisors, and employers are discussed. Finding ways to balance productivity and the well-being of workers should be a high priority for cattle feedyards across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pesticide intoxication is a public health problem in many developing countries. Approximately 18.2 per 100 000 agricultural workers worldwide have occupational-related pesticide acute and chronic toxicity symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the toxic symptoms in pesticide-exposed agricultural workers. Patients and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 390 agricultural workers using an interview questionnaire that consists of socio-demographic and exposure data, safety practices and self-reported toxicity symptoms. Physical examination and investigations were done. Results: Among the self-reported toxicity symptoms, cough was the most common acute symptom (59%) while skin problems were the most reported chronic symptoms (11.5%). There was a statistically significant difference regarding age between those with & without blurring of vision [(median, 50 and 39 years respectively) P < .001] muscle spasm [(median, 49 and 40 years respectively) P < .001] and skin problems [(median, 48 & 41 years respectively) P < 0.007]. Regarding duration of exposure, there was a statistical significant difference between those with & without blurring of vision [(median, 10 and 50 years respectively) P < .001], muscle spasm [(median, 10 and 6 years respectively) P < .001] and skin problems [(median, 12 and 6 years respectively) P < .001]. There was statistical significant negative correlation between serum cholinesterase level and age, duration of pesticides exposure and body mass index. Conclusions: The most self-reported pesticides toxicity symptom was cough (59%) while walking problems were the least reported one (5.9%). Age and duration of pesticides exposure are significant risk factors for pesticides toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face-to-face outreach and in-person training have traditionally been key strategies in reaching agricultural producers, workers, and communities with safety and health information, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced outreach educators to be creative and find alternative ways to reach, communicate, and share such information. In this commentary, we describe our use of social media to reach Latino/a cattle feedyard workers with COVID-19 related information. As a result of our effort, we reached over 54,000 people and demonstrated there is an audience for Spanish-language agricultural safety and health information. Social media can be a cost-effective method for virtual outreach in this new normal. We should look at this time as an opportunity to learn more about how our stakeholders obtain information and about how best we can connect with them. Although our outreach methods may be changing, our goal is not – we will continue to work to improve the safety and health of those who work in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Migrant farmworkers face many hardships in both their working and living environments including dangerous and demanding tasks, long hours, and inadequate rest. This study sought to explore gender differences in the reporting of fatigue and pain and to identify predictors of fatigue and pain among migrant farmworkers in Nebraska (n = 241). Methods: Bivariate tests were used to assess associations among study variables. Linear and generalized linear mixed effect models were used to assess gender as a predictor of fatigue and pain respectively while controlling for covariates. Results: Females reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (M score = 15.5, SD = 6.1 compared to M score = 12.8, SD = 4.3) than their male counterparts. Females were also more likely to report pain (56.9% of females compared to 36.3% of males). Being female, pain, hours of sleep, and job demands were significant predictors of fatigue. Fatigue and job-related injury were the only significant predictors of pain. Conclusions: There are gender-related disparities in the reporting of fatigue and pain among Latino/a migrant farmworkers. Extra precautions need to be taken to protect worker health and safety and reduce fatigue, particularly for female workers. Implications for employers, supervisors, and healthcare providers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Agricultural workers working in high ambient temperatures are at risk for acute kidney injury. Despite recommendations to maintain hydration, workers likely do not drink enough to protect their renal function. Additionally, new research suggests that rehydration with sugary beverages adds additional risk to kidneys already stressed by high heat and workload. We assessed hydration choices during a work shift and tested associations of rehydration using sugary beverages with acute kidney injury. Methods: We recruited a convenience sample of workers on farms over two summers. We estimated acute kidney injury via pre‐ and post‐shift serum creatinine readings from capillary blood samples. We used self‐reported measures of the volume and type of fluids workers consumed during their shifts. We also measured changes in core body temperature, ambient temperature, and workload. We used logistic regression to estimate associations of sugary drinks with acute kidney injury, while controlling for physiologic and occupational variables. Findings: In our sample of 445 participants, we found that men drink more than women do overall, including more than a liter of water than women (2.9 L compared to 1.9 L, respectively). The total volume workers drank was associated with increased odds of acute kidney injury (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.99). We found no association of sugary drinks with acute kidney injury. Conclusions: These findings provide important information about what men and women use to hydrate during the work day and suggest that they do not drink enough to maintain adequate hydration. Increased fluid intake during the work day may be a result of vigorous workload, which could explain the increased risk for acute kidney injury. Nurses play an important role in educating agricultural workers about the importance of maintaining hydration at work. Clinical Relevance: This study advances current knowledge of occupational risk factors for acute kidney injury in agricultural workers. Nurses may be the only point of care for this vulnerable population and are therefore in a unique position to educate on the importance of proper hydration during work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are chemicals that are widely used in many areas of life, especially in agriculture. There is always a risk of toxicity if agricultural workers do not have sufficient knowledge and experience about the use of pesticides and preventive measures are inadequate. In the literature, there are references to acute toxic effects of pesticides as well as their chronic effects, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. In addition to these chronic effects, early-onset and rapidly developing chronic kidney disease has been reported in agricultural workers over the past two decades, which progresses to end-stage renal disease. The renal biopsies that have been performed on these patients showed chronic tubulointerstitial changes. This disease, observed in agricultural workers, is either referred to as “Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown cause (CKDu)” or "Mesoamerican nephropathy," in reference to the region where it was first identified. It is argued that heat stress and pesticides play an active role in its etiology. From this point of view, countries with high pesticide use that are affected by climate change are referred to as "countries in the risk group". The use of pesticides is increasing in Turkey, which is also adversely affected by climate change caused by global warming. Greenhouse workers in particular are more exposed to heat stress and pesticides, since they work in a closed environment. Therefore, preventive measures and awareness are particularly important in these regions, as the disease progresses without symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]