Original Research

Precarious patients: health professionals’ perspectives on providing care to Mexican and Jamaican migrants in Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

AUTHORS

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Donald C Cole
1 MD, MSc, FRCP(C), Emeritus Professor *

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Janet E McLaughlin
2 PhD, Associate Professor

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Jenna L Hennebry
3 PhD, Associate Professor

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Michelle A Tew
4 RN, BScN, Occupational Health Nurse

AFFILIATIONS

1 Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, 848 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1L9, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T3M7, Canada; and Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada

2 Health Studies, RCE 242, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2Y3, Canada; and International Migration Research Centre, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University, 67 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON, Canada

3 International Migration Research Centre, Balsillie School of International Affairs - BSIA 243, Wilfrid Laurier University, 67 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON, Canada; and Communications Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada

4 Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, 848 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1L9, Canada

ACCEPTED: 5 September 2019


early abstract:

Context: Migrant agricultural workers’ (MAWs) intersecting vulnerabilities impact both their health and their access to health care in rural areas yet rural clinicians’ voices are rarely documented.  

Purpose: To explore health professionals’ perspectives on health care for MAWs in sending countries and rural Ontario.

Methods: Qualitative research design over three distinct projects, using a multi-methodological approach including semi-structured interviews in Mexico, Jamaica and rural Ontario (n=43), and session field notes and questionnaires administered to health care providers (n=65) during knowledge exchange sessions in rural Ontario.  A systematic analysis of these data to identify common themes used Nvivo initially and then MSExcel for application of a framework approach.

Results: Structural challenges posed by migrant workers’ context included: difficulties preventing and managing work-related conditions, employers or supervisors compromising confidentiality, and MAWs’ fears of loss of employment and return to countries of origin prior to complementing treatments.  Structural challenges related to health services included: lack of adequate translation /interpretation services and information about insurance coverage and MAWs’ work and living situations; scheduling conflicts between clinic hours and MAWs’ availability; and difficulties in arranging follow-up tests, treatments, and examinations. Intercultural challenges include: language/ communication barriers; cultural barriers /perceptions; and limited professional knowledge of MAWs’ migration and work contexts and MAWs’ knowledge of the health care system. Transnational challenges arose around continuity of care, MAWs leaving Canada during/prior to receiving care, and dealing with health problems acquired in Canada. A range of responses were suggested, some in place and others requiring additional organization, testing and funding.

Conclusions: Funding to strengthen responses to structural and intercultural challenges, including research assessing improved supports to rural health professionals serving MAWs, are needed in rural Canada and rural Mexico and Jamaica, in order to better address the structural and intersecting vulnerabilities and the care needs of this specific population.