Citation

Martínez AD, Piedramartel A, Agnew J. Front. Public Health 2015; 3: e240.

Affiliation

Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Frontiers Editorial Office)

DOI

10.3389/fpubh.2015.00240

PMID

26539426

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Utilizing a psychosocial stress approach, we report psychosocial stressors that Latina/o immigrant day laborers in Baltimore report as workplace hazards and the contextual factors that shape these stressors.

METHODS: Through a community-academic partnership, we conducted focus groups (n = 18) and key informant interviews (n = 9) using instruments developed between academics and the community partner to inquire Latina/o immigrants' jobs, hazard awareness, occupational illnesses and injuries, and reporting behaviors. We conducted a transcript-based thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The psychosocial stressors that Latina/o day laborers report as dangers at work are anxiety beating the deadline and fear from wage theft, sudden termination and immigration enforcement.

DISCUSSION: More attention needs to be given to Latina/o immigrant day laborers' occupational psychosocial risks. Policies should be made to lower barriers for Latina/o immigrants to report grievances to state agencies.

Language: en