Ohio Farmworkers and Heat-Related Illness Prevention: A Focused Ethnography.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to understand farmworkers' knowledge of heat-related illness prevention and behavioral and cultural factors related to heat-related illness (HRI) prevention.

Methods: The theory of planned behavior and an ethnographic study design were used. Data collection consisted of observations and interviews. Recorded interviews were conducted with participants and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Overall, 14 interviews were conducted, and four themes emerged: acquisition and interpretation, perception, interoception, and action. Other findings included an insufficiency of formal training and the absence of knowledge of a protocol for acclimatization.

Conclusions: Better education and training are needed in this occupation, especially regarding acclimatization. Occupational health professionals must lead efforts to develop HRI plans and measures to ensure acclimatization protocols are adopted in the workforce.