Tracing migrant farmworkers in Starr County, Texas

Background In response to The National Cancer Institute (NCI) concerns abou t the ability to conduct studies among migrant farmworkers, this study eval uated the feasibility of identifying migrant farmworkers in their home stat e and tracing them over an extended period of time. Methods In 1995, a group of 196 persons who had classified themselves as "m igrant farmworkers" in two earlier chronic disease studies was identified. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the proportion of these farmworkers who could be located in 1995-1996. Results Of these farmworkers, 163 were located and were living (83.2%), 15 had died (7.6%), and 18 (9.2%) were lost to follow-up. Conclusions The excellent follow-up rate was due in part to the high partic ipation rates among persons contacted for information, stability of the far mworker's permanent homes predictable timing of migration, and a longstandi ng health research program with established community contacts. (C) 2001 Wi ley-Liss, Inc.