Self-Reported Physical Demands Associated With Crops and Job Tasks Among Latinx Hired Child Farmworkers

Abstract

Objective: Physical demands of work performed by Latinx hired child farmworkers are poorly understood. This paper describes crops, tasks performed, and the most common dimensions of physical demands of work in this population.

Methods: Survey interviews were conducted in 2017 with 202 Latinx children aged 10 to 17 years employed on North Carolina farms. Analysis focused on job characteristics for the past week and included factor analysis of an 18-item questionnaire on physical work demands.

Results: The most common crops and tasks reported were topping/suckering tobacco and picking sweet potatoes or berries. Three factors (awkward postures, repetitive motion, strenuous work) accounted for 53% of the variance in physical demands.

Conclusions: Follow-up of hired child farmworkers should be undertaken to understand the long-term effects of physical work demands on their health.