Stress, Place, and Allostatic Load Among Mexican Immigrant Farmworkers in Oregon

J Immigr Minor Health. 2015 Oct;17(5):1518-25. doi: 10.1007/s10903-014-0066-z.

Abstract

Cumulative exposure to chronic stressors has been shown to contribute to immigrants' deteriorating health with more time in US residence. Few studies, however, have examined links among common psychosocial stressors for immigrants (e.g., acculturation-related) and contexts of immigrant settlement for physical health. The study investigated relationships among social stressors, stress buffers (e.g., family support), and allostatic load (AL)--a summary measure of physiological "wear and tear"--among 126 adult Mexican immigrant farm workers. Analyses examined social contributors to AL in two locales: (1) White, English-speaking majority sites, and (2) a Mexican immigrant enclave. Our six-point AL scale incorporated immune, cardiovascular, and metabolic measures. Among men and women, older age predicted higher AL. Among women, lower family support related to higher AL in White majority communities only. Findings suggest that Latino immigrants' cumulative experiences in the US significantly compromise their health, with important differences by community context.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Allostasis*
  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Pressure
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Farmers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Oregon / epidemiology
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / ethnology*
  • Waist Circumference
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Cholesterol