Research Areas
- Digital health literacy
- Technology use and attitudes
- Health prevention behaviors
- Mixed-methods research
- Agricultural producers
Scientific Achievements
- Data collection is currently underway with participants from the Rio Grande Valley community
- Study findings are expected to advance knowledge in public health, social work, and community health research
- Results will help inform healthcare provider education on patient-centered approaches to supporting Latino families affected by cancer
Funding
RCMI Funding
- U54MD019970, NIH/NIMHD: Pilot Project Principal Investigator, “A Mixed-Methods Approach to Health Literacy Among Texas Agricultural Producers”
Scientific Advance
A Mixed-Methods Approach to Health Literacy Among Texas Agricultural Producers
Agricultural producers in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas (Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy Counties) are essential to our food supply but often face increased health risks due to exposure to pesticides, extreme sun, and barriers to accessing healthcare and health information. This study examines how these workers use technology to find, understand, and apply health information, and how that may influence cancer prevention and overall well-being. Through surveys and interviews, researchers will explore the connections between technology use, health knowledge, and cancer prevention practices among agricultural producers. Findings will help develop more effective education, outreach, and prevention programs tailored to the needs of agricultural workers and their families, with the potential to improve health outcomes in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
NIH/NIMHD #U54MD019970
