Child Healthcare in Two Farmworker Populations

Children in farmworker families are medically underserved. Little research has documented the healthcare of these children. This analysis uses data collected from two populations of Latino farmworker families, one located in western North Carolina and western Virginia, and the other located in eastern North Carolina, to describe and compare child healthcare utilization and mothers' satisfaction with their children's healthcare. Child, mother, household and health services characteristics are examined as causes of variation in child healthcare utilization and mothers' satisfaction for each farmworker population. Results highlight strengths in the provision of healthcare to farmworker children, including most receiving care at a consistent healthcare facility, age appropriate time since last visit, and satisfaction with the care received. Shortcomings in farmworker child healthcare include few having a consistent healthcare provider, and many not receiving visits with recommended frequency. Differences observed in child health services between the two populations include dissatisfaction with care received, perceptions that healthcare staff members are disrespectful, and difficulties with transportation. Further research is needed to determine the best means of providing care to this underserved population.