The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64926

H. Virginia McCoy, PhD¹, Christie K. Vila, PhD², and Pie kamoso, PhD¹. (1) Center for Health Research and Policy, Department of Public Health, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St (VH238), Miami, FL 33199, (305) 348-2620, mccoyh@fiu.edu, (2) School of Medicine Comprehensive Drug Research Center, University of Miami, 1801 NW 9th Ave., Ste 300 (D-93), Miami, FL 33149

Objectives: The purpose of the rural migrant health project was to help increase awareness and healthy behaviors while decreasing drug abuse and sexual risk behaviors associated with HIV. The project focused on Latino and other migrant populations in rural South Florida using alternating styles of educational intervention with sessions in English and Spanish. We examine the challenges and rewards of bio-medical intervention research emphasizing environmental health concerns for Latinos and highlighting lifestyle choices.

Methods: The project was a five-year collaborative study with sites in Immokalee, FL, Miami, FL, and Washington DC. The Immokalee site served a high percentage of Latino and other migrant farm workers (N=162). Participants were randomized into two different styles of interventions (didactic and interactive). Subsequently, they were followed-up at four intervals; responding to the same survey to track behavior and lifestyle changes as well as HIV status. Incentives including emergency food and clothing were offered.

Results: Researchers responded to challenges in coordinating and standardizing programming with an environmentally and culturally appropriate orientation to Latino and most specifically Mexican migrants. For the Latino group, there were no significant differences reported between the efficacy of intervention types in altering drug abuse risk behaviors and corresponding determinants of health. For sexual risk behavior, however, significant positive behavior change was observed in participants that took part in the didactic intervention only. Preliminary data analysis also indicates significant positive long-term change for Latinos post-intervention with regard to both drug and sex risk behaviors and in relation to HIV status.

Learning Objectives:

• ·To identify attitudes, lifestyle choices, and sexual risk behaviors and associated correlation to health determinants including HIV in a Latino rural migrant farm worker community
• ·To recognize environmental health concerns for underserved Latino populations
• ·To evaluate culturally appropriate methods for positive change in HIV status emphasizing the importance of informed lifestyle and behavioral choices

Keywords: Latino Health, Migrant Farm Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.