Using Community-based Participatory Research to Assess Health Needs among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

Principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) were applied among migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) in a seven-county region of east Texas. The study purpose was to establish community-based partnerships for CBPR and conduct a preliminary qualitative assessment of perceived health needs and capacities. Key informant interviews and a snowballing technique were used to identify gatekeepers and recruit participants from three stakeholder groups: health care providers, social service providers, and MSFWs. A modified nominal group technique (NGT) was applied in a series of five qualitative group interviews: one group of health care providers (n=9), one group of social service providers (n=11), and three groups of MSFWs (one all male, n=4; one all female, n=8; one gender-balanced, n=8). To enhance response validity, the protocols used in each NGT session were adapted to the communication and problem-solving styles of each stakeholder group. The participants collectively identified behavioral, psychological, environmental, social/economic, and health service access/treatment factors believed to contribute to the health status of the MSFW community. A preliminary comparison of responses across stakeholder groups, known as heterogeneity sampling, revealed differing perspectives related to contributing factors and potential solutions. A discussion of the CBPR process and results, and specific intervention recommendations are provided.