Immigration-Related Trauma Associated With Metabolic Risk and Cognition in Hispanic and Latino Immigrant Populations

Recent immigrant and undocumented Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States (U.S.) are an underserved segment of the aging population. In this cross-sectional pilot study, we examined associations between self-reported stressors metabolic syndrome, emotional reactivity, and cognitive functioning in a heterogenous sample (N=80) of Hispanic/Latino adults (43.8% Central America; 43.8% South America; 7.5% Caribbean; mean years in the U.S.=18.1, SD=12.8). Participants (Meducation=10.2 years, SD=5.34; Mage=48.6 years, SD=12.3) underwent blood draw, anthropometrics and NIH-toolbox cognitive and behavioral measures. Linear regressions indicated that, elevated glucose was inversely associated with working memory (r=-.30), whereas higher HDL and controlled glucose were associated with better episodic memory (r=.27) and executive functioning (r=.32). Results further revealed associations between immigration-related trauma and elevated posttraumatic stress symptomatology. Implications for mental health and early detection of modifiable risk factors to promote healthy aging in vulnerable Hispanic/Latino immigrant populations are discussed.

Occupational Injuries among Latino/a Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Workers in the Central States Region of the United States

Agriculture is a dangerous industry with high rates of occupational injuries. Immigrants comprise the majority of the hired agricultural workforce in the United States, and these workers may be at a higher risk for job-related injuries. This study addressed the frequency, characteristics, and risk factors of occupational injuries among Latino immigrant cattle feedyard workers. Data were collected through structured interviews with Latino immigrant cattle feedyard workers in Kansas and Nebraska (n = 243; 90.9% male). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for injury. Nearly three-fourths of participants (71.2%) reported having experienced one or more injuries in the past while working on a cattle feedyard. The most frequent types of reported injuries, including those not requiring medical care, were bruises/contusions (40%), cuts/lacerations (21%), and sprains/strains (12%). These injuries were mainly caused by animals/livestock (33%), chemicals (23%), falls (12%), and tools (9%). Significant risk factors for injury included male gender (OR 5.9), being over age 35 (OR 2.6), working on a large or an extra-large feedyard (OR 5.4), having 11 or more employees on the feedyard (OR 3.6), and working more than eight hours a day (OR 4.7). Having received safety training was also associated with greater risk of injury in a univariable model (OR 2.6). Cattle feedyard workers are at high risk for injury and require more effective preventive measures.