COVID-19 and Agricultural Workers: A Descriptive Study

• Authors: Roxana Chicas, Emory University; Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, Tulane University; Madelyn Houser, Emory University; Sanne Glastra, Emory University; Lisa Elon, Emory University; Jeff Sands, Emory University; Linda McCauley, Emory University; Vicki Hertzberg, Emory University
• Journal Title: JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH
• Volume: Volume 24, Number 1
• Publisher: SPRINGER | 2021-10-12, Pages 58-64
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01290-9
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Agriculture, General; Biology, Virology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; COVID-19; Agricultural workers; Health behavior; Prevention and control

Abstract

Agricultural workers, designated as “essential” at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, work in harsh labor conditions, and now have the added challenge of continuing to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess agricultural workers’ COVID-19 related history, employer-based safety measures, individual preventive practices, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake. A questionnaire study was conducted among agricultural workers in Central Florida about COVID-19 during the month of June 2020 and again in July 2021. Among 92 agricultural workers in June 2020, 47% were obese; 11% had had a COVID-19 nasal test; 87% were able to social distance at work and 34% reported employer provided face masks; 15% reported not willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine and 25% were unsure. 40% could self-isolate if they contracted COVID-19. In a follow-up visit in July 2021, 53% of participants reported receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to existing health risk factors and lack of essential protective resources. Occupational health protections social safety net programs are urgently needed to prevent infections in vulnerable workers, and reduce community spread, and increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.