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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers

The Amish Have Decreased Asthma and Allergic Diseases Compared to Old Order Mennonites
Compares allergic disease prevalence among Wisconsin Amish to prevalence among Old Order Mennonites. Discusses the potential role of farm environmental factors in protecting against allergic diseases. Includes statistics and data on self- and doctor-reported prevalence of eczema, asthma, food allergies, or hay fever.
Author(s): Jamee C Tantoco, Jordan Elliott Bontrager, Qianqian Zhao, James DeLine, Christine M Seroogy
Citation: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 121(2), 252–253.e1
Date: 08/2018
Type: Document
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Mold and Asthma: A Look at Co-Occurrence in Two Rural Communities in California
Reports on a study of mold and asthma prevalence in two rural, primarily low-income, migrant farmworker communities. Covers housing type, income, occupation, gender, the percent of children and adults with asthma, and mold types and amounts. Compares results to national averages.
Author(s): Ryan Sinclair, Charity Russell, Genevieve Kray, Stephen Vesper, Gail Wadsworth
Date: 05/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: California Institute for Rural Studies
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Immigrant Health Policy Paper
Policy position brief about new immigrants in rural areas, in terms of health care access, health disparities, economic contributions, health care facilities and Community Health Workers, and service strategies to benefit immigrants. Includes case studies of immigrants in Minnesota and immigrants employed in the meat-processing industry and in rural farming.
Author(s): Susan Kunz, April Fernandez, Matt Gilleskie, et al.
Date: 05/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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A Task-Based Analysis of Black Carbon Exposure in Iowa Farmers During Harvest
Reports on a study that measures black carbon concentrations as an indicator for diesel exhaust exposure in farmers over a 20-day period during the harvest season in southeast Iowa. Identifies the frequency and levels of exposure to black carbon associated with diesel-related activities and determines if these levels are above concentrations found in urban environments.
Author(s): Emma M. Stapleton, Patrick T. O'Shaughnessy, Sarah J. Locke, et al.
Citation: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 15(4), 293–304
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
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Piece Rate Pay and Worker Identity: How Power in the Fields Impacts Worker Health
Reports on a study of heat-related illness among California farmworkers. Identifies barriers to self-care.
Author(s): Gail Wadsworth, Michael Courville, Marc Schenker
Date: 04/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: California Institute for Rural Studies
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Industrial Hog Farming Is Associated with Altered Circulating Immunological Markers
Highlights a study of immunological changes among hog farmers. Draws data from the Agricultural Health Study. Breaks down data by race, education, and body mass index, among other measures.
Author(s): Jonathan N. Hofmann, Meredith S. Shiels, Melissa C. Friesen, et al.
Citation: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 75(3), 212-217
Date: 03/2018
Type: Document
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Migrant Farmworkers' Perceptions of Pesticide Risk Exposure in Adams County, Pennsylvania: A Cultural Risk Assessment
Presents a study on the perceived environmental health risk of migrant farmworkers in rural Pennsylvania. Discusses the ways different cultures perceive risk and the socioeconomic status of the participants as factors in the study's conclusions.
Author(s): Micaela Edelson, Salma Monani, Rutherford V. Platt
Citation: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 8(1), 71-96
Date: 03/2018
Type: Document
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Occupational Pesticide Exposure and Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Male Pesticide Applicators
Details a study on thyroid dysfunction in licensed pesticide applicators. Draws data from the Agricultural Health Study. Looks at other health factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, as well as other demographic factors.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 75(2), 79-89
Date: 02/2018
Type: Document
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California's Housing Future: Challenges and Opportunities, Final Statewide Housing Assessment 2025
Final report on California's housing challenges and opportunities, as mandated by state policymakers. The report incorporates stakeholder feedback and provides recommendations for a state housing action plan. Addresses housing challenges for rural areas, migrant farmworkers, and Native Americans, including a section focused on tribal housing and poverty.
Date: 02/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: California Department of Housing and Community Development
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Evaluating Effective Leadership and Governance in a Midwestern Agricultural Safety and Health Coalition
Features a study on the effectiveness of the leadership of an Agricultural Health and Safety Center (Ag Center) serving 7 midwestern states. Details a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Ag Center's leadership.
Author(s): Mary J. Wendl, Mary E. Cramer
Citation: Workplace Health and Safety, 66(2), 84-94
Date: 02/2018
Type: Document
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