Through a coordinated effort, Clemson University nutrition, health science, nursing, and Spanish-language faculty and students developed and provided nutrition counseling and education materials to approximately 150 SC Hispanic Migrant Workers through a series of Mobile health clinics in a rural South Carolina County. Common health problems seen in the 1999 season of migrant workers included diabetes, hypertension, and multiple risk factors for early onset of coronary heart disease. It is well established that the means by which a designated population receives nutrition and food information is closely related to the acceptance of the information presented. Provision of readily understandable, culturally sensitive, accurate, up-to-date nutrition information by qualified personnel is therefore paramount in eliciting modifications in client/patient eating habits. Language barriers as well as cultural barriers must be overcome to elicit dietary modifications. Hence the need to develop nutrition and food information targeted at the at-risk migrant population in SC. Many of these individuals speak little or no English; therefore requiring information translated into Spanish. Also, the literacy rate of this population is low; requiring low-literacy, readily understandable information as well. Basic nutrition information based on scientific information is needed by this population. As diabetes and hypertension are disease risk factors for the migrant workers, nutrition principles specific to these topics are appropriate for development. Studies have shown that the most readily accepted nutrition guidelines are those given within a medical setting. Thus, the migrant worker clinics provide unique opportunity for dissemination of much needed nutrition information.
Keywords: Hispanic, Access to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.