A Multilevel Intervention to Prevent Noise Exposure in Farmworkers
San Diego State University
Summary
This study will test a program to reduce noise exposure and prevent hearing loss among farmworkers. Farmworkers are often exposed to high levels of noise from machinery, which can lead to hearing loss over time. Farms will be randomly assigned to either receive the program or serve as a comparison group. The program includes a short educational video, group discussion, and hands-on training on how to use hearing protection (such as earplugs). Supervisors will also receive brief training on how to support hearing protection use in the workplace. Participants will wear a small device (dosimeter) during a work shift to measure noise exposure before the program and again about one month later. Participants will also complete surveys about their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hearing protection. A subset of participants will be invited to take part in interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to using hearing protection and implementing the program. The results of this study will help inform future efforts to improve hearing health and reduce noise exposure in agricultural settings.
Description
This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate a multilevel intervention to reduce occupational noise exposure among farmworkers. Farms will be recruited through community and industry partnerships and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control condition. Randomization will occur at the farm level to minimize contamination. The intervention includes both worker- and supervisor-level components. Farmworkers will participate in a training session consisting of a brief educational video on noise exposure and hearing loss, followed by group discussio…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Currently employed as a farmworker or supervisor at a participating farm * Able to provide informed consent * Able to understand and communicate in Spanish or English Exclusion Criteria: * Not currently working at a participating farm at the time of recruitment * Unable or unwilling to wear a personal noise dosimeter during a work shift * Unable to complete study procedures (e.g., surveys or training)
Interventions
- BehavioralMultilevel Hearing Protection Training
The intervention is a multilevel behavioral training program designed to reduce occupational noise exposure and promote hearing protection use. Farmworkers participate in a session that includes a brief educational video on noise exposure and hearing loss, group discussion, and hands-on instruction on proper use of hearing protection (e.g., earplugs). Supervisors receive a brief training on identifying noise hazards and supporting hearing protection use among workers. The intervention is intended to be delivered in a group or 1:1 setting by trained research staff or community health workers.
Location
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, California