LAUSR

Anemia affects physical work capacity and may therefore have health and economic impacts for farmworkers, possibly exacerbating the effects of other occupational hazards such as risk of injury. This study contributes new information on the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in this population. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and overweight/obesity and assess the relationships between hematocrit (Hct) and body mass index (BMI), and between fatigue and Hct, among a sample of farmworkers in California. Methods We estimated the prevalence of anemia (using Hct), overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), and self-reported fatigue in 587 farmworkers. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between Hct and BMI, and between fatigue and Hct. Results Anemia prevalence was 3.1%, overweight/obesity prevalence was 80.7%, and 78% of workers reported fatigue at work. There was no association between Hct and BMI or between Hct and reported fatigue. Women were more likely than men to have lower Hct and higher BMI. Conclusions A majority of farmworkers in this sample were overweight/obese, but anemia was uncommon. Anemia among more vulnerable subgroups of farmworkers should be explored.