2023 Migrant Workers The health issues that face migrant and other mobile underserved populations are similar to those faced

 Migrant Workers

The health issues that face migrant and other mobile underserved populations are similar to those faced by the general population but are often magnified or compounded by their migratory lifestyle. Mobility results in poor continuity of care and simultaneously increases the need for care (Migrant Health Network, 2015).  Health care access is a struggle as barriers of mobility, language, cultural differences and lack of familiarity with local health care services.  Work hazards for immigrant and migrant populations include some of the riskiest industries such as agriculture, forestry and construction.  There is a higher rate of injury and fatality compared to workers in other sectors.  Farm workers and their families are exposed to pesticides.  Other hazards include housing and sanitation, food insecurity and climate changes.

 Some recommendations for the migrant population would include ways to ensure their safety while at work whether construction or on the farm.  Pesticides exposure is a significant risk when working on the farm. It is important for them to recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure so they can have early medical treatment.  Exposure can happen by inhalation, touch or swallowing.  Signs can be very subtle like tiredness, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.  Protection from exposure includes wearing proper clothing (long sleeve shirts and pants), washing hands prior to eating and before drinking or going to the bathroom.

 When discussing the types of contraceptive methods available to young adults, it is important to provide all pertinent information for each.  Options range from daily pills, monthly injections or intrauterine devices.  If the patient is not complaint on a daily medication regime is would be best to suggest another option so that it is most effective.  In my short five years as a nurse, I have quickly learned to keep my personal feelings and/or beliefs aside.  Working with women that have difficulty conceiving naturally, I have been in situations that are uncomfortable for me but I must keep an empathetic face and mind to be the best for my patient.  It is important to be able to provide all information but as well to be able to have a comfortable conversation with your patient.

 Smoking cessation is different for every individual but overall some of the same important steps apply.  It is essential to mark your calendar and give yourself a realistic goal to achieve.  Triggers must be identified to know how to approach them in a productive manner.  You want to tell someone or multiple people your plans, this way you can be held accountable by them and they can help give you positive reinforcement.  There is pharmacological methods that can help curve the nicotine cravings.  It is I important to take these steps once they are committed one hundred percent to quitting. 

 Poverty has a negative impact on older adult’s health.  Poverty can significantly affect their access to food.  While they may have access to food some of the time, they often don’t know where, when, or how they will get their next meal.  Health care access can be affected as healthcare cost is continuously rising.

References

Migrant Health Network. (2015, September 15). Migrant Health Issues. Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.migrantclinician.org/issues/migrant-info/health-problems.html