Health Care Needs of Mexican Migrant Farmworkers in Rural Illinois: An Exploratory Study
Author: Bogue, Hilda Ochoa, R.N., M.S.
Date Published: 1993
Little is known about health care needs of Mexican migrant farmworkers (MMFW). Controversy is found in the literature regarding the extent to which cultural beliefs influence access to scientific health care. A descriptive study of 39 families of MMFW was conducted to determine their health care needs and the extent to which medical services were impeded by their migrant status and cultural beliefs. A Spanish interview schedule was developed and pilot tested. Data regarding health problems, health services, health education, and beliefs in folk medicine were collected. MMFW perceived communication barriers, unfamiliarity with community medical care services, and conflicts with job schedules as obstacles to seeking medical attention. MMFW believed in, and suffered from, such folk diseases as Mal de Ojo, Caida de la Mollera, Susto and Empacho, and were familiar with folk therapy. This study found cultural beliefs and practices of folk medicine had little or no interference with scientific medicine. Both types of health care were used simultaneously. Mobility and inaccessibility to scientific health care influenced MMFW to use self-prescribed, over-the-counter medications--including injectable penicillin.