This guide furnishes health care providers serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers with information to cope with the complexities of health care delivery in a multiethnic, multicultural environment. Section I provides an introduction to basic cultural concepts that influence the outcome of interactions between providers and their migrant patients. Topics include: (1) the concept of culture and how it affects behavior and views of reality; (2) how culture, shared reality, and ethnocentrism affect the delivery of health care services; (3) the importance of language and communication in forming the basis for effective health care; (4) demonstrating respect for cultures and individuals through our behaviors; and (5) the responsibilities of health care providers to involve the family, utilize the whole migrant health care team, and avoid stereotyping. Section II describes the three major migrant streams (East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast), each having a unique character that affects health conditions and the delivery of health care. This section also provides background information on the migration cycle and the migrant lifestyle, including poor living and working conditions, effects of pesticides exposure, lack of field sanitation, lack of labor benefits, and home health care and folk medicines. Section III details the health characteristics of the migrant population including common and uncommon health problems, barriers to treatment, health education needs, continuity of care, and quality of care. A list of 19 recommended readings is included. (LP)