The relationship between health and housing and its impact on the farmworkers of California's Coachella Valley

Previous research suggests that many factors including low wages, inadequate healthcare, legal status, exploitation and inadequate job safety training impact the health and housing of migrant and resident farmworkers. Sub-standard living conditions, which have been found by researchers to be among the worst in the country, language barriers, and economic and social pressures, also contribute to the depression caused by poverty in this population. This study utilizes a survey to research the relationship of health and housing among the farmworkers of the Coachella Valley. It concludes that farmworkers earn below the poverty guidelines of the federal government, resulting in the inability of the majority of this population to afford decent housing. Unique to this study is the finding that females currently comprise half of the farmworker labor force. Prior research studies have concluded that males have traditionally been the predominant worker in the fields. In addition, farmworkers who are citizens or green card holders with higher income and the ability to purchase adequate housing were found to have high levels of satisfaction with their housing. Also, undocumented workers and those with a low degree of satisfaction on housing are found to have more health-related problems. Language also appears to be a major barrier to medical service. Recommendations include a new systematic survey on farmworkers economic and financial status and management. For policy recommendations, this study sees a need for the establishment of a new comprehensive case management delivery system that would allow for an integration of services for the farmworkers. In addition, the development of readily accessible medical clinics and the increased availability of decent and affordable housing for migrant and resident farmworkers is recommended to reduce the incidence and spread of disease, increase self-esteem, and improve household stability, especially for children.