Comparability of Data Obtained From Migrant Farmworkers and Their Spouses on Occupational History
Author: Colt, Joanne S., M.P.H.; Engel, Lawrence S., Ph.D.; Keifer, Matthew C., M.D., M.P.H.
Date Published: 2001
Epidemiologic studies, particularly case-control studies, often rely on proxy respondents to provide information about subjects' occupational histories. The quality of proxy-reported information in occupational histories has never been evaluated for migrant farmworkers. This study compared occupational histories self-reported by 31 farmworker with those reported by their wives. The work histories were obtained using an icon/calendar-based questionnaire that was designed to facilitate recall for migrant farmworkers, who typically have complex work histories. In studies involving farmworkers, when study subjects cannot be interviewed, spouses can provide useful information on occupational histories. However, the information should be used only for more generalized exposure assessments; it is most appropriate for estimating cumulative duration of agricultural work, or recent work, by place or for common crops. You can purchase the article here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11675621
Date Published: 2001
Epidemiologic studies, particularly case-control studies, often rely on proxy respondents to provide information about subjects' occupational histories. The quality of proxy-reported information in occupational histories has never been evaluated for migrant farmworkers. This study compared occupational histories self-reported by 31 farmworker with those reported by their wives. The work histories were obtained using an icon/calendar-based questionnaire that was designed to facilitate recall for migrant farmworkers, who typically have complex work histories. In studies involving farmworkers, when study subjects cannot be interviewed, spouses can provide useful information on occupational histories. However, the information should be used only for more generalized exposure assessments; it is most appropriate for estimating cumulative duration of agricultural work, or recent work, by place or for common crops. You can purchase the article here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11675621
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