Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative critical ethnographic study was to explore health disparities among Latina/o immigrant farmworkers experiencias vividas (lived experiences).
Methodology. This study used a qualitative ethnographic study design. I used a gatekeeper to select and inform the participants in this research study. Data were collected through testimonios (oral testimonies) from structured interviews with eight Latina/o documented/undocumented immigrant farmworkers who worked in agriculture for at least 3 years and were over the age of 18.
Findings. Five major themes and 16 subthemes and findings related to the health disparities experienced by Latina/o immigrant farmworkers were identified: (a) structural barriers, (b) social barriers, (c) socioeconomic barriers, (d) cultural barriers, and (e) fostering social change experiencias vividas. The findings corroborated with the testimonios shared by participants regarding their health disparities experienced on the farms. Although participants experienced inadequate working environments and health disparities on the farms, most explained how social environmental change has been implemented on the farms throughout the years that have improved their well-being. However, there is a need on behalf of advocacy groups to create a safe space through agency for Latina/o immigrant farmworkers.
Conclusions. The study results indicated that fostering social change among Latina/o immigrant farmworkers was needed to prevent health disparities for this group. According to participants’ lived experiences, there has been some improvement in their healthcare and environmental work conditions. This study also found that social advocate groups need to develop methods to create a safe space for Latina/o immigrant farmworkers. Although social advocacy groups reach out to this group via radio, bulletin boards, and newsletters, there needs to be agency on behalf of these groups to create welcoming environments and safer spaces.
Recommendations. The Latina/o immigrant farmworker population will continue to increase in numbers and continue to cultivate agriculture in California in future years. Therefore, public policies affecting this group’s well-being must be addressed in agricultural communities to ensure health disparities are minimized. Researchers must continue to explore and expand on the Latina/o immigrant farmworkers’ health disparities topic to show how improvements and advocacy on behalf of this group can be implemented.