The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42948

Vickie D. Krenz, PhD, MSPH¹, Martha Zarate, BS², Eric W. Krenz, PhD¹, and Susan Pearman, MA². (1) Department of Health Science, California State University, Fresno, 2345 East San Ramon Ave, Fresno, CA 93740, 559-278-4014, vickik@csufresno.edu, (2) Rural Tobacco Education Program, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, 1920 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

Tobacco use continues to be the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and coronary heart disease the leading cause of death for Hispanic Americans. Migrant farmworkers represent a unique subcategory of Hispanics that consists of individuals employed in crop agriculture. There are an estimated 700,000 agricultural workers in California's fields and livestock industry. This population is characterized as young, male, Mexican, uneducated, and totally or functionally illiterate. The goal of this case study was to have a policy implemented for smoke-free housing units with the Migrant Housing Authority. A series of three "Noche de Cines" were conducted in or near 14 migrant housing areas. Each presentation consisted of showing Spanish anti-tobacco commercials ("trailers") prior to a Spanish movie and/or during intermission. Participants were surveyed on tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and support for a smoke-free policy in the housing units. A total of 269 surveys were completed, with only 37 (14%) that indicated someone smoked in their home. Nearly all (95.5%) of the participants indicated that smoking can cuase illnesses and 98.8% thought that smoking around children can make them sick. Overwhelmingly, 97.0% of the participants indicated that they would support a smoke-free policy in common areas, entrances to the housing complexes,and in the housing units. As a result of this intervention, the Fresno County Migrant Housing Authority adopted the policy for smoke-free housing units. Further results from this case study will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will understanding the barriers to prevention education among rural migrant farmworkers.
• The learner will be able to describe an alternative approach to delivering prevention education with rural migrant farmworkers.

Keywords: Migrant Farm Workers, Smoking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This abstract is part of an evaluation project with Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Evaluation Consultant for the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission.