Perspectives on dietary and physical activity behaviors among Latino farmworkers along the US–Mexico border

BackgroundThe Imperial Valley is a rural, agricultural region in California with a large Latino and farmworker population. Historically, this county has demonstrated numerous socioeconomic disparities and a high prevalence of food insecurity and physical inactivity.AimOur study aims to qualitatively assess Latino farmworkers' unique perspectives concerning dietary and physical activity behaviors in Imperial Valley, California.MethodsUsing a community-based research approach, focus group methodology, and photo-elicitation techniques were applied to engage participants in crucial dialogue regarding social determinants of health, food insecurity, access to grocery stores, and recreational spaces in their community. Study activities were conducted in Imperial Valley, California (Brawley, Calexico, and El Centro), from September 2023 to March 2024. Eligible participants were 18 years of age or older, Imperial Valley residents, active farmworkers in the Imperial Valley, and agreed to participate in a 2-h focus group session. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An applied thematic analysis approach was utilized to yield salient themes.SummaryA total of 24 participants were interviewed: 21 female and 3 male. All (100%) identified as Hispanic/Latino. Findings unveil how socioenvironmental barriers and farmworkers' occupational time constraints impede healthy lifestyles. A dire need exists for on-site, culturally tailored educational programs centered on chronic disease prevention and nutrition, as well as community-clinical linkage interventions to dismantle the multi-level barriers contributing to food insecurity among this population.