Influences of immigration stress and occupational exploitation on Latina seasonal workers' substance use networks: a qualitative study

• Authors: Mariano Kanamori, University of Miami; Cho-Hee Shrader, University of Miami; Sara St George, University of Miami; Taylor Adkins, Emory University; Tyler S Bartholomew, University of Miami; Mariana Sanchez, Florida International University; Mario de la Rosa, Florida International University
• Journal Title: JOURNAL OF ETHNICITY IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
• Volume: Volume 21, Number 2
• Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | 2020-06-24, Pages 457-475
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2020.1778591
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Social Work
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Substance Abuse; Latino seasonal workers; qualitative research; substance misuse; social network; immigration stress; MENTAL-HEALTH; MIGRANT FARMWORKERS; OPIOID MISUSE; ALCOHOL-USE; DEPRESSION; ABUSE; RISK; PAIN; PREDICTORS; LIFE

Abstract

US female Latina seasonal farm workers (LSW) are a medically underserved community experiencing severe health disparities. We explored the relationship between alcohol and prescription medication, and LSW social networks using a qualitative approach. In 2015, this study used convenience sampling to recruit 28 LSWs in South Florida for three focus group discussions in Spanish. Focus groups were translated to English for analysis, which employed a general inductive approach. Themes included prescription medication distribution within networks, spirituality/religion practice with friends and family, and alcohol use with friends. Substance abuse prevention and treatment interventions should account for the unique needs of LSW.