Estimating the Occupational Morbidity For Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in New York State: A Comparison of Two Methods
Author: Earle-Richardson, Giulia B.
Date Published: 2007
Study that compares occupational morbidity estimates for migrant and seasonal farmworkers obtained from survey methods versus chart review methods and estimated the proportion of morbidity treated at the federally recognized migrant health centers (MHCs) in a highly agricultural region of New York. We simultaneously constructed 1) occupational injury and illness survey among agricultural workers 2) MHC chart reviews, and 3) hospital emergency room (ER) chart reviews. Survey data indicated that 71 percent of agricultural injury and illness can be captured with MHC and ER chart review. MHC and ER incidence density estimates show strong correspondence between the two methods. A chart review based surveillance system, in conjunction with a correction factor based on periodic workers surveys would provide a cost-effective estimate of the occupational illness and injury rate in this population.
Date Published: 2007
Study that compares occupational morbidity estimates for migrant and seasonal farmworkers obtained from survey methods versus chart review methods and estimated the proportion of morbidity treated at the federally recognized migrant health centers (MHCs) in a highly agricultural region of New York. We simultaneously constructed 1) occupational injury and illness survey among agricultural workers 2) MHC chart reviews, and 3) hospital emergency room (ER) chart reviews. Survey data indicated that 71 percent of agricultural injury and illness can be captured with MHC and ER chart review. MHC and ER incidence density estimates show strong correspondence between the two methods. A chart review based surveillance system, in conjunction with a correction factor based on periodic workers surveys would provide a cost-effective estimate of the occupational illness and injury rate in this population.
