Immigration Policy Vulnerability Linked to Adverse Mental Health Among Latino Day Laborers

Latino day laborers in the United States are socially and economically vulnerable due to exclusionary immigration policies. Using data from a multi-mode survey, we examine the relationship between immigration policy legal vulnerability and mental health outcomes among 138 Latino, male day laborers (mean age = 45.65, SD = 12.05). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models separately estimated the effect of legal vulnerability, as measured by the Perceived Immigration Policy Effects Scale, on anxiety and depression symptoms and a positive depression and anxiety screening, respectively. Approximately 26.1% and 27.9% of day laborers reported depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. In each adjusted model, we find a positive relationship between legal vulnerability and adverse mental health. Immigration policy legal vulnerability is associated with more depression and anxiety symptoms among Latino day laborers. Policies to reduce legal vulnerability, such as pathways to citizenship and employment authorization, may support Latino day laborers' mental health outcomes.

Examining intentions to engage in sun protective behaviors among Latino day laborers: An application of the theory of planned behavior

Background: The past two decades has revealed an unprecedented increasing incidence of skin cancer within the Latinx population. Although Latino day laborers (LDLs) are at heightened risk for developing skin cancer because of the outdoor work in which they engage, there is limited research examining their intentions to engage in sun protective behaviors (SPBs). Therefore, this study sought to assess the explanatory power of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to identify attitudinal, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control factors associated with intentions to engage in SPB among LDLs. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study consists of a non-random convenience,community-based, sample of 137 LDLs residing in Mississippi and Illinois. Data were collected using a self-report survey centered on health practices and sun-protective behaviors. Results: Findings revealed that five significant factors shaped intentions to engage in SPBs, including barriers to engaging in SPBs (β =.30, P<0.001), benefits of engaging in SPBs (β =.27,P<0.001), education (β=0.20, P<0.01), and acculturation (β=0.18, P≤0.05). The independent variables tested in the model accounted for 42% of the change in intentions to engage in SPBs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates TPB’s usefulness for predicting future intentions to engage in SPBs among LDLs. Moreover, the strongest factor associated with predicting intentions to engage in SPBs among LDLs was perceived behavioral control. Thus, since SPBs are malleable, emphasis is placed on implementing interventions for this population that promote intentions and address perceived behavioral control.

Vida PURA: results from a pilot randomized trial of a culturally adapted screening and brief intervention to reduce unhealthy alcohol use among Latino day laborers

Among Latino day laborers at risk for unhealthy alcohol use, those who received a culturally adapted brief intervention did not reduce their alcohol use more than those not receiving the brief intervention.

Help Wanted: Mental Health and Social Stressors Among Latino Day Laborers

Latino day laborers may be especially vulnerable to poor mental health due to stressful life experiences, yet few studies have described patterns of mental health outcomes and their correlates in this population. Patterns of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), and associations with demographic characteristics, social stressors, and substance use in a recruited sample of male Latino day laborers ( n = 101) are described. High rates of depression and anxiety were identified. Specifically, 39% screened positive for moderate or severe depression and 25% for moderate or severe anxiety. Higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with being single, being homeless or in temporary housing, experiencing discrimination, acculturation stress, and marijuana use. While tobacco and unhealthy alcohol use were common in this sample (39% and 66%, respectively), they were not associated with depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that depression and anxiety are common among Latino day laborers and associated with stressful life experiences. Future research should further assess ways to ameliorate social stressors and reduce risk for poor mental health.

Predictors of Sun Protective Behaviors among Latino Day Laborers

Objectives. Despite the substantial solar ultraviolet radiation experienced by Latino day laborers, little attention has been given to factors that are associated with sun protective behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine psychological and nonpsychological predictors of sun protective behaviors among Latino day laborers. Methods. This cross-sectional study included a nonrandom sample of 137 Latino day laborers recruited from Mississippi and Illinois. Participants completed a self-report survey instrument, available in English and Spanish, on sun protective behaviors. Results. Multivariate regression results showed that sun protective behaviors were significantly greater among Latino day laborers: (a) who had greater perceptions that their supervisor also engaged in sun protective behaviors (β=0.25, p≤0.01); (b) who reported higher levels of health literacy (β=0.23, p≤0.001); (c) who have greater knowledge of skin cancer risk factors (β=0.21, p≤0.01); and (d) who have skin tone that was self-perceived to be more prone to sunburns (β=0.19, p≤0.01). Conclusions. Latino day laborers possess marginal levels of skin cancer knowledge and engage minimally in sun protective behaviors. Skin cancer prevention interventions are warranted for this high-risk group, particularly in the locations in which Latino day laborers work.