RCHC Community Project Abstracts

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A Glimpse into Curanderismo in Nyssa, Oregon
Date of project: 3/25/2002

Few studies have been done to explore the extent to which these factors actually play in determining the trends of Hispanic patients toward utilizing health care. This project attempts to obtain a glimpse of what role folk medicine plays in the health access of the Hispanic population in Nyssa, Oregon. Specifically, the project attempts to determine the services provided by the town curandera, obtain a sense of utilization and perception within the community, and initiate a bridging of the gap between allopathic providers and traditional Mexican healers. In light of the above mentioned statistics regarding Hispanics in the United States and the increased Hispanic population in Nyssa, knowledge of the community's cultural beliefs and traditions can serve to improve patient care by attempting to understand the community members' perceptions of illness and health care.

Occupational Medicine In Malheur County.
Date of project: 1/2/2002

The purpose of this project was to study how occupational medicine is being implemented in the community, and what strategies could be employed to improve communication between physicians and employers. Interviews were conducted of both physicians, physician assistants and various major employers in Malheur county. Outcome measures include identification of reportable and non-reportable OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) injuries, and determination of health care involvement in prevention and treatment of such injuries. Results revealed that in 2001 Oregon Trail Mushrooms had 66 accidents/injuries of which 13 were reportable to OSHA. Most injuries involved strains and sprains while only one injury involved the lungs. With respect to physician-employer relations significant improvement can be made to increase respect, confidence and coopertion. The report also includes information about taking an effective occupational history and some specific discussion about what physicians can expect when they tour a work-site.

Chronic Sequelae Of Pesticide Exposure
Date of project: 9/24/2001

Over the past few decades, the use of pesticides for agricultural and domestic use has increased tremendously. As this has allowed for increased availability and decreased prices of various crops, it is also accompanied by serious environmental and public health expenses. While the availability of the chemicals has increased, specific toxicological data has not; currently, less than half of the 600+ active pesticide ingredients on the market have adequate toxicology reports. Animal studies and accidental human over-exposures have revealed much information about the nature of acute toxicities, but less is known about the long term effects of exposure to these various chemicals. Few studies have been performed that assess the chronic sequelae of frequent, low-level exposure to pesticides. This paper is an attempt to compile the known effects of exposure to various pesticides. To elucidate which pesticide causes specific sequelae is a difficult task. The majority of workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals; often times the exact compounds are unknown to the workers. Therefore, most effects mentioned reflect the use of a general class of pesticide.

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